FOCUS

New Chapter! Back Mount can be considered the ultimate position in Gracie Jiu Jitsu (although highly debatable). We begin with basic controls that add to Gracie Combatives.

CORE MATERIAL 🔹 (BBS1 and 2)

• Try to keep Back Mount. Do not focus on the re-mount yet.

• Timing and advanced positioning.

• Deeper understanding of the: Seatbelt position, Leg Hooks, double under-hooks (good for control, not good for attacking).

• Day 1 of this chapter was a lot of info. Think of it like looking at a map. We are just zooming in on a position you know well. You will recognize there are more “streets” other than the main road when zooming in.

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• One alternate entry or variation. Nothing too fancy, but another option that could be considered a BBS1 or 2 move.

• Common mistake corrections. Like all techniques, timing can be everything.. Students can often rush this position or transition, because they know where they want to go and they go too quickly. Take every opportunity to deplete your opponent.

GOALS and UPDATES FOR THE WEEK

Develop one reliable solution you can perform under light resistance. Re-mount technique is an example.

Do not be discouraged in these early weeks. You will feel like you can’t hold back mount on anyone. Allow yourself to fail often and recognize the “holes in the boat”.

Continue to play with the different arm configurations. Seat Belt is best, but play with others to get a true sense of the Connection Principle. Triple Threat will be explored much more in the chapter, so understand what weak side is, and what Triple Threat position is.

VIDEOS TO WATCH

🔹 Lesson 36 - Cross Over stripe 1

Lesson 37 - Double Threat stripe 1

It would be good to watch Lesson 37 Stripe 2 so you have a glimpse of the whole picture. We do not refer to Double Threat besides Stripe 1 lesson… we only call this position Triple Threat from here on out.

Lesson 37: Reverse Triangle (Ch5.2: Back Mount Submissions) Stripe 2

CORE MATERIAL 🔹 (BBS2/3)

• How to Turtle Properly

• How to control when someone turtles.

• What are my options: Pull them down, seat belt, hooks, pressure, strike, submit, leave?

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• Sprawl Basics. Single Leg, Double Leg.

• Buoyancy Principle - Don’t be in a hurry to take the back or transition to the back. Control after the sprawl, then decide your options. Preventing the takedown is #1.

• Standing like a wrestler. It’s ok to play with fire if you understand how it works. But, turning your back should never be primary option.. a BG will turn their back in many wild ways. We want to be ready for it all.

There is absolutely a time that you must turn your back if your goal is to escape NOW.

GOAL FOR THE WEEK

Recognize when someone is going to Turtle and stop them, if you can’t, use your techniques and flow.

• Check yourself - are you constantly trying to do something? It’s OK to chill and be totally fine where you are.

• Are you trying to win rounds? Play your game and practice your new techniques under stress, but it’s ok to be swept or submitted.

VIDEOS TO WATCH- Stripe 2

🔹 Lesson 35 - Turtle Controls

Lesson 36 - Modified Back Mount

Lesson 33: Double Weak Side (Ch5.1: Back Mount Controls) Stripe 3 Watch this video just so you can see what this is. We will break it down more as the weeks go on.

CORE MATERIAL 🔹 (BBS3)

• Mastering keeping the weak side.

• Using Double under hooks more you than think.

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• No-Gi Turtle Chokes intro

• Other methods to get back mount from the Turtled opponent

GOAL FOR THE WEEK

• Here's a solid fact: from the strong side, you've got chokes, and only chokes (RNC, bow-and-arrow, etc.). From weak side, you have chokes, armlocks, triangles, and arm isolations. Where would you prefer to invest your time?

• Reconnoissance- When to control and when to attack.

• Modified Back Mount CAN be used on the weak side. It’s just not as strong and typically used for a moment of control. Just be ready for the BG to go to their belly.

VIDEOS TO WATCH- Stripe 3

🔹 Lesson 33: Double Weak Side (Ch5.1: Back Mount Controls)

Lesson 34: Belly Down Back Mount (Ch5.1: Back Mount Controls)

CORE MATERIAL 🔹 (BBS4)

• Understanding the primary head and arm chokes from turtle.

• Focus on how GC fits into your new knowledge.

** Mount Control will be discussed during this chapter. If you do remount, look for opportunities to truly dominate the position. You can do TAC and stay mounted with hooks in.

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• Concept of staying on top.

• Back Mount for Control is NOT the same as Belly Down Back Mount. Rickson preferred Belly Down!!!

GOAL FOR THE WEEK

Higher Belts: Play with your food this week - catch and release with no care in the world.

Lower Belts - Survive!!!

VIDEOS TO WATCH- Stripe 4

🔹Lesson 34: Sneaky Back Takes (5.1 Back Mount Controls)

Lesson 35: The Crucifix (5.1 Back Mount Controls)

** watch a UFC fight (live event or YouTube) observe how these fighters hold back mount and really observer how they defend back mount. It will be eye opening on how much strength and athleticism is used in the modern game. Technicians stand out but because they are few are far between.

CORE MATERIAL 🔹 (BBS/PBS)

• Submission series

• Review control and look for ways to submit.

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• Sneaky Backtakes

• More time with Crucifix position.

GOAL FOR THE WEEKs

Week 6:

• Mobility Principle, When you can’t move them move you. Mobility Principle also leads to Depletion Principle, and the more depleted they are the more chance for an easy submission opportunity.

• Be ready for long rounds on Thursday. Long rounds allow great discussion with your partner and the group after each round. They are great benefits to short rounds and switching partners often, but the long game is the perfect “research your own experience” opportunities.

VIDEOS TO WATCH-

🔹Lesson 38: Choke Sequence (Ch5.2: Back Mount Submissions) BBS1

Lesson 37: Reverse Triangle (Ch5.2: Back Mount Submissions) BBS2

Lesson 38: Clock Choke (Ch5.2: Back Mount Submissions). BBS2

Lesson 36: Exit Chokes (5.2 Back Mount Submissions) BBS4

Lesson 36: The Twister (Ch5.2: Back Mount Submissions) BBS3

CORE MATERIAL 🔹 (BBS 1 and 3)

• Escapes

• Being Comfortable. Before you escape, think of your opponents options.

• Escaping Back Mount and being re-mounted is still a victory for the person who escaped.

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• Beyond the curriculum

• Adding to our back takes and controls from outside GU.

GOAL FOR THE WEEK

Week 7

• As much as we will be discussing escapes, still focus on being comfortable while in a bad position. Escape when it feels right, don’t force it.

• Try to focus on Prevention Principle. What does my opponent want, what are they trying to do.

VIDEOS TO WATCH- Stripe 3

🔹Lesson 38: Belly Down Escape (Ch5.3: Back Mount Submission Counters) Stripe 3

Lesson 37: Triple Threat Counters (Ch5.3: Back Mount Submission Counters)

Lesson 40 Stripe 1 - Early Escape

Lesson 41 Stripe 1 - Frame Escape

FOCUS- Stripe 4 Escapes

Review Weeks Begin now!!!

• Be prepared to ask questions.

• Review all videos from this chapter

• if there is something you did not see, speak up.

CORE MATERIAL 🔹

• Back Mount Strategies

• More focus on defense.

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• Moves from outside of GU will also be added during these weeks.

• PBS Stripes - focus

VIDEOS TO WATCH

🔹Philosophy videos from GU archives. There are some very long videos that have been produced over the last 15 years.

• Find a podcast that Rener or Ryron were the guest.

• Lesson 38: Emergency Escapes (5.3 Back Mount Submission Counters) Stripe 4

• Lesson 37: Turtle Choke Counters (5.3 Back Mount Submission Counters) Stripe 4

FOCUS

Two weeks of sparring focus. We play games, we keep it playful, we keep it real. Short rounds, long rounds. Tap early and tap often.

CORE MATERIAL 🔹

• Sparring with a focus on Back Mount.

•Don’t be afraid to turtle during this chapter. You partner needs to know how to deal with this behavior. Just don’t fall in love with turtle.

BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

• Shark Tank Rounds Variations

• Big Boxing Gloves, sparring.

GOAL FOR THE WEEK

Focus on moves you do and your opponent does. Don’t try to win.

VIDEOS TO WATCH

🔹Find videos of Rener sparring Ryron.

FOCUS

• Final Week. You should fee like you have a deeper understanding of Back Mount. Be sure to go back and review all the videos suggested over the past 11 weeks.

  CORE MATERIAL 🔹

  Focus on 32 Principles this week:

• Connection

• Anchor

• Momentum

• Acceptance

• Reconnaissance

  BONUS MATERIAL 🔸

  • How have the greats of jiu jitsu viewed Back Mount and how do they hold Back Mount.

• How to choke someone like a black belt.

• How to choke/submit someone like a catch wrestler from the Inosanto tribe :)

  GOAL FOR THE WEEK

  What aspect of your Back Mount knowledge grew the most this chapter?

• How is your re-mount technique? This is a simple move that you will perfect over a lifetime.

• Some students look at basic stripe 1 or Gracie Combatives as too easy or basic. The coaches can tell which students understand Ryron Gracie mindset and which ones do not :) Find beauty in the simplest things done to perfection.

  VIDEOS TO WATCH

  🔹Find videos of Rener sparring Ryron.