Back to Basics

In martial arts - like so many other things in life - the basics are the key to victory (or defeat, depending on your point of view).

Recently, several major Mixed Martial Arts stars have lost quite unexpectedly to very fundamental techniques.

Last night, Chael Sonnen dominated his opponent, Anderson Silva, for 4 and one-half rounds. Then he made a fundamental mistake and got caught in a triangle choke.

Several weeks ago, Fedor Emelianenko suffered a similar fate. Fedor had not lost a match in 10 years.
TEN YEARS.
And even the last loss was controversial at best.
Fedor had knocked his opponent , Fabricio Werdum, down with powerful punches, and was trying to end the fight with more brutal right hands when he forgot about his left hand. Werdum didn't forget about it, and secured it for a textbook triangle choke.

To put it in perspective, I teach all white belts in jiu jitsu how to do a triangle choke. And how to defend one, as well. Any student of mine has heard the phrase "two in or two out - but never one and one." This is a basic reminder to never leave one arm inside an opponent's guard - because that's the best way to experience a triangle.