Transitions

Transitions in the martial arts are important. So much of training is done from fairly static positions or postures, and then live sparring incorporates these wonderful things called transitions.

Transitions have several types of categories. Broadly speaking, there are transitions between positions, transitions from one attack to another, transitions from one defense to another, and transitions from position to attacks/defenses.


Transitions between positions:
In Jiu-Jitsu, it is common to go from side to mount, or from inside the opponent's guard to the side. There are many other variables as well. Most of these transitions are studied in detail.

Transitions between attacks:
Often referred to as combinations, or attack chains, these transitions allow the practitioner to set up an opponent for a submission. Because it is far more difficult to defend multiple attacks, these transitions allow a higher percentage of success than single attacks.

Transitions between defenses:
Arts that teach transitions between defenses understand that just like when attacking, defending with multiple escape options allows a higher percentage of success.

Transitions between positions and attack:
Not commonly taught in Jiu-Jitsu, but trademark of the old style of Judo, a person attempting escape is vulnerable to being caught in a submission. In fact, the vulnerability is greater in a transitional position than in a classic "hold-down" type position.

In Judo, there are five broad hold downs:
- Tate shiho gatame (mount) and variations on same.
- Yoko shiho gatame (side) and variations on same.
- Kami shiho gatame (north/south) and variations on same.
- Kata gatame (shoulder hold / arm triangle)
- Kesa gatame (headlock / scarf hold) and variations on same.

Of those hold downs, Kata gatame has no major variations. However, it can be used as an actual submission - that being a choke.

Submission from Pins
Of the four hold downs with multiple variations, the ability to strike an opponent is relatively easy and effective from mount, side and scarf holds. And though prohibited in Judo or Jiu-Jitsu competition, it was seen in judo as a dominant position because of the practicality in actual combat.  I personally add back control with the opponent face down and flat into this category.

When speaking of the major hold downs, the only real submissions that can be effected against an opponent with decent defense from any of them would include ude garami (arm lock) and juji jime (cross choke) and variations on same. Some might point to juji-gatame (arm bar), but there is a difference with juji gatame. 

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, they say that you give up position to gain the arm bar. This is truth, the position changes for the practitioner to be able to move to the arm bar, because the whole body is moved in position around the opponent's arm. In a self-defense situation or MMA, depending on circumstance, it may not be advantageous to risk a juji gatame attempt and potentially lose position.

Submissions from Holds
Kamishiho gatame - "north/south" (my dojo calls it the Wedge position) is a unique pin. In Judo, one can win with this pin if applied for 25 seconds. However, striking from this pin is more limited than striking from Mount, Side, or Scarf holds.  Because of these facts, I put it in a category with other holding positions like Guard, Back control, and Modified Mount (mounted, but opponent is on his side). These positions offer excellent opportunities for juji gatame and other attacks.

Wedge, back, guard, and modified mount offer numerous opportunities for juji gatame as a primary attack, and various chokes or arm locks as backup attacks.

Submissions from Fully Transitional Positions
Fully transitional positions - Turtle, Sprawl, and Half Guard offer limited opportunities for submissions. Turtle is the best of them from which to submit the opponent, and half guard is worst. 


Train hard friends!

.