This meme popped up on social media. Generally speaking it has some good ideas. However, the mindset represented doesn't fall in line 100% with what is now being proven to be effective. Let's dig into this.
1. Fight for top
(Judo / Wrestling)
This is a pretty good rule of thumb. The vast majority of takedowns executed in modern MMA are wrestling takedowns. The Pareto Principle applies here. 80% of all takedowns or more are double legs, single legs, or body lock takedowns. Leg sweeps and rear takedowns comprise 80% of the remaining 20%.
Be familiar with Judo grips and throws so you know how to counter, but otherwise you can skip it. It's just simply not common enough.
2. Stay on top.
(Maintain a strong base / protect your limbs and neck)
Perfect advice here. Mat returns, ground 'n' pound, and guard passing are all frequently used with much success. Being able to stabilize top positions is absolutely critical. Not falling victim to a "gotcha" guard submission is also important.
3. If you end up on bottom, have a dangerous guard.
Not bad advice, but it does not reflect the majority of situations. Further, it takes a long time to develop a dangerous guard. Standing back up is much "easier" and way more common. Focus on that.
Thoughts?
I once saw a video of a marine who was going to fight some special forces guy from either Puerto Rico or the Philippines. The special forces guy was acting all tough, doing back flips and such, and getting the crowd on his side,while the Marine just sort of walked around. This was a bare knuckle, no equipment of any kind type of thing. I don't know where it was at, but it appeared to be outside of the states.
ReplyDeleteThe fight was signaled to start, and the special forces guy from where ever he was from was still doing his show off moves, flipping over with round house kick moves and stuff. The Marine waited a second, and then with a stiff hand, with one finger sticking out, moved at a fast walk, and jabbed the special forces guy in the eye, and put the guy out of the fight without doing another thing.
I have to say, it was almost poetry, the way the Marine just waited and when he saw the opening, walked up and tried to poke the guy's eye out. After the one good poke, our Marine just turned his back and walked away, while the crowd cheered him on.
I never had any martial arts training but I did wrestle in high school, and what you say here seems like good advice, even in just a high school wrestling match.
Always stay on top, and fight to retake it if you lose it. I learned how to do it as the manager when I was in junior high, and the high school wrestlers would beat the crap out of me. When I started to wrestle in high school, I already knew how to use my weight and strength to my advantage, and to avoid allowing the other guy to get me into a position where the could beat the crap out of me.