Jiu Jitsu As Chess And An Ouchie

Yesterday night I went to Jitsu.

We worked on the Foot Lock and then progressed to the Toe Hold Lock, which is what you do in response to the person trying to roll out of the Foot Lock, as by rolling out they give you a nice transition to a Toe Hold Lock.

Both the Foot Lock and Toe Hold locks can both be rather nasty, so tap early and often. 

Even more fun, If you try the escape from the Toe Hold Lock, and the escape is basically a spiral roll  to "unwrap" the lock, and you do the roll in the wrong direction, you will break your own foot.  This will likely occur before your partner can react in time to release it. As such, paying attention to what you're doing is kinda important.

Much fun was had and I'm getting the hang of it which is nice.  Much easier to learn with a partner than via Zoom.

Then on to rolling.  My current assignment as first stripe blue belt is to try and plan at least one move ahead in every roll.  In other words, not just survive and react, but actually plan and series of at least two moves based on waht might happen. 

At this point, Jitsu transforms from simple murder yoga to become chess with fold-able pieces.

So I was teamed up with Will for the first time in a while.  He's rather on the big side at 280+ pounds so it's only technique and not strength that will work when you're rolling with him.  

I was able to do some planning ahead which was great.  I was able to respond to his positions and plan out not just how to respond but then think a move ahead and get him where I wanted him.  Did a nice takedown of him when he was in turtle, by feinting going for a choke, and then getitng him off balance to roll him on his back, and then got him into sidemount and then baited him into giving me his arm for an Americana armlock. Progress!

Then on to a roll with Nick who's a two-stripe blue belt, and I could stalemate him but not do much more than that.  Still it was a good roll as he's rather good indeed.

Then on to a roll with Heath where I again was able to try some plans out which was nice.  Unfortunately, my lip decided to attack his knee while passing his guard. Ouch.  Bit of a bleeding lip there as a result and since you can't bandage a lip, that was rolling for the night for me. Ah well, minor bumps happen sometimes.

Still, it was a very good class and learned a lot, and the lip isn't too swollen today.