TFS#91: Avoid Side Control, Strong Shoulders, & Quitting

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Now onto today’s topic…

Technique Of The Week: Octopus Guard Sweeps

We all learn the hip bump sweep from close guard as white belts.

If you hip bump, they’ll post the arm—no sweep.

But if you hip bump and trap the arm—sweep.

The same concept applies for the Octopus Guard.

The cross face will come and you’ll swim underneath and come up on your elbow.

Trap the ankle and bump sweep. (Image below)

Most people will try to drop their hip after you beat their cross face.

Be quick to cup their ankle and sweep.

And that’s just one option from the Octopus Guard.

If want to learn some key details and other sweeps, you can read them here.

Jiu-Jitsu Longevity: Painless Shoulders

To avoid shoulder pain, you need know these 3 tips:

1. Improve shoulder range of motion.

2. Strengthen stabilizing muscles around shoulders.

3. Tap early, tap often.

Believe me, your shoulder is worth more than your ego.

If your ego is strong, at the very least, please work on your shoulders.

Here’s a great shoulder workout.

More Resources

🥋 Use the Octopus Guard even from this position. (link)

🥋 When you shouldn’t optimize your game. (link)

🥋 This clip may help your understanding of sweeps and off-balancing. (link)

🥋 This one movement can change the course of your durability. (link)*

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Reading Isn’t Dead

The act of reading activates multiple areas of your brain and improves your overall ability to comprehend new ideas.

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Closing Thought: Keep going

If you’ve set a goal and have fallen short, don’t count yourself out.

You have 11 more months to tweak and tinker.

Keep an open mind in the event you need to adjust your expectations.

But if you’re reading this, it probably isn’t because of a lack of effort.

Surround yourself with the people that believe in you and spend more time in places that will elevate your work.

Whether it’s shedding distractions, learning a new technique, or getting your diet right—your environment affects how you make decisions.

I’ll see you on the mats,

Wayne

P.S. Don’t fake it until you make it...

P.S.S. If you signed up for the Deep Dive Shoulder Lift course, it’s coming!