It’s been 7 months since I’ve started BJJ, and there is a common feeling when rolling with upper belts. Feeling trapped. Being unable to free an arm or get out from under someone. Also, my mindset continually shifts thinking I understand how to become more effective…in actuality, I know shit! At first, I thought, “Oh, I lack technique. I need to build an arsenal of moves and counters to be effective.” Next was, “It not enough to know the technique, I need to condition myself so I have the strength to enforce this technique.” Then came, “Technique isn’t enough. I can’t force it, but only react with it. Exploiting what is available. Drill these techniques so I can apply it efficiently.” Now, I have a primitive thought. Technique is part of it, but it’s more about the positioning in order to make the technique work. It’s about being “tight”.

I don’t mean gripping someone for dear life. I mean manipulating my opponent. Essentially, trapping them so their movement is hindered. Allowing them to move into the setup for my technique. This also applies defensively. When I roll with my professor, he’s tight. Attempts to flatten him out is like trying to flatten out a stability ball. He frames himself tightly and makes it difficult keeping balanced. This is what I strive to do. Make it difficult for my opponent to feel balanced or take away their ability to create these frames.

So my strategy shifts again. Find ways to break down their structures, and hinder their balance whenever possible. This is what I’ve learned from yesterday’s lunch class. This is my latest lesson learned from rolling. I look forward to tonight’s class to test this theory.