Groundfighting Straddled, with Wrists Pinned (Slide Hands on Ground)

Starting Position: On your back, with the attacker straddling you and pinning your wrists to the floor with his weight.

Buck your hips up toward your head and over to one side. At the same time, slide your hands down in an arc toward your own hips, similar to the way a child makes “snow angels.” Be sure your hands slide on the ground. They should not lift up.

As the attacker topples off, roll over and counterattack.

Variation: Before you buck, for added leverage, you can trap one of the defender’s legs with your leg.

Straddled, with Wrists Pinned (Wrist Lock)

With your wrists pinned close together or crossed over your head, the “snow angel” technique does not work because you have no leverage to move your arms.

Starting Position: On your back, with the attacker straddling you and pinning your wrists together to the floor, above your head, with his weight.

Move one hand so that you can trap the attacker’s wrist; it does not matter which of his hands you trap. If the attacker is so strong that you cannot move one hand, you can “fake” with that hand—when he pushes down on that side, move your other hand.

Once you trap his hand, buck your hips and execute a trap-and-roll movement to that side.

You can sometimes use your forearm/ elbow against his arm for additional leverage as you buck your hips.

Tips: Even if you cannot move your hands, you can still execute the trap and roll. Remember, by pinning your hands close over your head, he has also trapped his own hand in a position that makes it difficult for him to base out. The trap and roll will work!

However, he may release his grip and base out, which means your wrists are free and you can work on a standard trap-and-roll.

Choke while Attacker Is in Guard

Some attackers, when punching from the guard, will overcommit their weight to the punch. While this is an effective technique, it encourages the defender to grapple rather than get up.

Starting Position: On your back, the attacker in your guard.

As the attacker makes a right punch, redirect it so that it passes by your head to your opposite (right) shoulder. Use his momentum, plus the strength of your legs pulling in, to bring him in close.

Wrap your outside hand around his neck and grab the biceps of your redirecting arm. Bend the redirecting arm back and grab your own head.

Squeeze.

Variation: You can also use your head for additional pressure by pushing in.

Triangle Choke

This movement is a variation of the Arm Bar (page 202) discussed in Green Belt. It is made when you have the opponent in your guard. It is especially effective if the attacker tries to escape the guard by sliding one arm between his body and your leg.

Starting Position: On your back, the attacker in your guard.

When the opponent tries to escape the guard by slipping his left arm under your right leg, grab hold of his other arm above the elbow. At the same time, shift your hips so your body pivots toward your right. Your goal is to be perpendicular to your opponent. Bring your right leg across the back of his neck. Keep a tight hold on the left arm.

Bring the left leg up and cross it over the top of the right foot. The right foot must reach the crook of the top leg. Squeeze.

If the attacker resists, or your hold isn’t strong enough, reach up with a free hand and grab the back of his head, bending it inward.

Variation: If the hold does not seem to be working, you can always punch to his face.