Position, position, position....

**GoldenJonas** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 2:21pm

Joined MMAlibrary a while back and check in every now and then (only after my "search function n00b fu" fails here) for new techniques, training tips, etc...an found this vid of Christian Graugart (BJJ Blue), the site Admin.

We often talk about or referrence the BJJ/Gracie mantra of position then submission, position then submission...the following vid is a very good example, IMHO, of that mantra being followed to the tee (and its not a vid of some BJJ superhero like Jacarre). Graugart pulls guard and immediatlety establishes positional dominance which he maintains right until the white belt puts a bow on his arm for him.

http://www.openmat.dk/video/csa/BOC3.wmv

**Ryno** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 4:27pm

Excellent positional work. I was actually surprised at how patient he was. He had a few opportunities for submission, but just maintained position until he was sure he could snatch one without missing.

**PoleFighter** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 6:46pm

Eh. I should learn to be so patient.

**Ryno** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 7:50pm

I've got the same problem. "Oh, there's an arm! I can arm bar him!" whiff "Damn."

So impatient... But learning.

**RedGonzo** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 8:39pm

I love this game.

**RoninPimp** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 8:50pm

textbook...

**Red Elvis** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 9:00pm

I look at that slightly different. Looks to me like point hunting.
Pass guard - 2 points
Side Control
Mount - 4 points.
Back to side control.
Knee on belly - 2 points.
Back to side control then to north/south
etc. etc.

Don't think he was looking for a sub until he took it to be honest. He could have had him from the guard early on as he was clearly better than the other guy. Good stratagy though if that's your gig. Build a good point base that way if you miss a sub and end up in a bad spot you are still ahead.

Not diggen' the pull to guard either but that's just me. Point hunting is the reason I got tired of most bjj places.

**Yrkoon9** · Posted On: 8/21/2006 10:08pm

Solid positional basics will usually trump submission freaks when strikes are added.

In this case the skill disparity was so high that the blue belt could have done anything at any time. That does not mean his strategy was bad. Leave no holes. Make no mistakes. Because if you do it is possible that your opponent, even if he is inferior, might catch you with a gimmicky submission.

**RoninPimp** · Posted On: 8/22/2006 12:54am

Originally Posted by Yrkoon9

Solid positional basics will usually trump submission freaks when strikes are added.

In this case the skill disparity was so high that the blue belt could have done anything at any time. That does not mean his strategy was bad. Leave no holes. Make no mistakes. Because if you do it is possible that your opponent, even if he is inferior, might catch you with a gimmicky submission.

-I agree 100%. That's good solid BJJ 101 imo.