From the Workbench of Kali

Taking a break from 3d Print Posting to talk about something combatives related.

This scene from FLCL perfectly describes what I am working on in Jiu jitsu, and really my biggest barrier right now. “Nothing can happen until you swing the bat.” Or in my case: Nothing can happen until you make a move. Decisive action, good or bad, will make or break a fight. Hesitation, reluctance to make a move will beat you more often than attacking recklessly even against a skilled adversary.

Right now, I am focusing heavily on takedown, and more importantly, follow up attacks to failed takedown attempts. So I’m starting with Suma Gaeshi or Corner Reversal, and Ude Gaeshi or Tornado throw as a secondary option. With these throws (and really any takedown for that matter), you have to just send it because a moments hesitation will result in a major loss of position.

The primary reason why hesitation occurs is also why many people just pull guard: Takedown Scary. But while the standup portion of the grappling match is scary, the best way to make it less scary is through exposure. The more you do it, the more predictable the results of your takedown system will become: Success AND failure.

So swing the bat. Pull the trigger. Shoot your shot. Whatever phrase sends home this message for you. Nothing will happen until you take decisive action.