It seems like I’ve had a lot going on lately. And apparently I’m not the only one. We only had 8 last night for class.

We talked a bit first about how many of us are good while we have closed guard, and are good while we have an open guard established. The problems we’re having are in the transitions between the two. The lesson of the night was a few techniques from the typical transition of closed to open guard. Most importantly, WE want to be the one that determines when that happens. Our opponents may be trying to open our guards, but we are the ones that do it. This way we control the timing, and they’re reacting to us.

We first reviewed a good way to establish our open guards. Ideally, we’d like to get to the lasso position, but last night we assumed that they would block that. So we end up in a spider guard like position. One foot on the hip, one on the bicep. We next did a sweep from here, just reaping one leg. Then we did an armlock from the same position if the sweep doesn’t work and they drop their center of gravity. And we did a second armlock, by triangling their arm if they posture up. This is the same armlock Damian showed me a couple of weeks ago when I failed with Shane.

We then rounded out class with some rolling. 14 minute rounds. Woo baby, that’s a long round. Our countdown clock only goes to 9! I started with Seth. I spent a good chunk of the round in half guard getting my face smashed. I was working a couple of sweeps, but never got any of them off. I eventually escaped to turtle and rolled into his half guard. I passed and mounted, but he upa and rolled me. He did americana me near the end of the round. I felt like I was just completely gassed out. And I had another round to go.

Round 2 was with Jen. I really concentrated on trying to control the pace, tie her up and slow things down. And most of all, keeping her from controlling my head. I was semi-successful. She did choke me at least once, but I did also take her back from half guard as well.

Round 3. Wonderful. I’m doing my best at this point just to keep moving and keep my dinner in my stomach. Mongoose is last. Wonderful again, he and his speed are exactly what I don’t need. Thankfully, he’s tired too. Most of this round is a blur, but we made it through!