TFS#104: X Guard Attacks, Shoulder Stability, & Purpose

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Now on to today’s topic…

TECHNIQUE OF THE WEEK

X Guard from Closed Guard

Two weeks ago, I shared a chain of attacks in Closed Guard.

Last week, I shared a sweeping option and guard option when our opponent stands up in our closed guard.

See the progression?

So let’s look at the X Guard entry and various attacks.

If you’re not progressing in your setup, you need to keep your opponent searching for their balance, don’t just sit in guard.

(That was a fancy way of saying: keep your opponent off balanced.)

If you’d like more detail on any of the techniques from the above list, just write in and let me know.

Of course, there are other options instead of the X Guard.

Two options I like include rolling over the near leg for a knee bar and a shoulder roll for a sweep. But we’ll save that stuff for another day.

JIU-JITSU LONGEVITY

6 exercises for shoulder stability

Shoulder pain is very common in Jiu-Jitsu and it’s important to keep it strong for day-to-day function.

Whether you’re working a white or blue collar job, training Jiu-Jitsu, or playing with your children, you need your shoulders to be useful.

Even if you don’t have any issues with your shoulders, you should be doing these exercises to strengthen them.

MORE RESOURCES

Resources you’ll love

🥋 A fun sweep your opponent will not expect when you’ve got the X Guard. (link)

👉 Get access to all instructionals on the platform and since you’re a reader of TFS, use code TFS34 to get 34% off. (link)

👉 If you’re not recording yourself, you’re leaving valuable data on the table. Make it practical for studying. (link)

🥋 If you refer subscribers, I’ll feature you in this section! (link)

👉 Add this one to your workout and see the difference in your game. (link)

Links with an 👉 emoji is an ad or affiliate link.

CLOSING THOUGHT

It has to be fun

As Americans, we pride ourselves to be dedicated, hard workers.

Some times it’s over glorified.

But the effort that gets put into the work is undeniable.

I learned this at a very young age.

Training Jiu-Jitsu should be enjoyable, no matter what you have going on in your life.

Despite a busy schedule, or your training approach, it should be fun.

However “good” your Jiu-Jitsu is, whether you compete regularly or train casually, you should be having fun.

Once you start to stress about it, you need to figure out why it’s bothering you.

What you learn in training should translate over to your life off the mats.

That’s the purpose of martial arts.

Until next time,

Wayne

P.S. What I tell myself when I started writing.