The Groundwork Kuzushi Drills

Principles of of disrupting balance and maintaining positional advantage in groundwork, applying Judo's throwing concepts to ground fighting

Flow outline

  1. Guard Retention

    • Usually foundation of groundwork defense, focusing on maintaining your guard position by disrupting opponent's balance and preventing them from establishing dominant grips or passing your legs. Switch if it stalls

  2. Starting Position

    • Once set, from here, initial seated position where you establish your base and prepare for engagement, similar to starting stance before executing a throw

  3. Opponent Passing Initiative

    • Most of the time moment when opponent attempts to clear your legs and pass your guard, requiring immediate defensive reactions to maintain positional integrity

  4. Guard Recovery

    • Often Successfully returning to a secure guard position after defending against a passing attempt, re-establishing control and balance

  5. Side Control Defense

    • Key detail: quick note: defending against opponent's attempt to secure side control by creating frames and space, preventing them from establishing a dominant position

  6. Half Guard

    • Once set, a transitional position where you control one of opponent's legs while they attempt to pass, offering opportunities for sweeps and reversals through proper underhook control

  7. Back Control

    • Achieving dominant back control position, similar to securing back in standing Judo, allowing for submissions and positional dominance

  8. Sweep Completion

    • From here, Successfully executing a sweep to reverse positions, applying principles of kuzushi to off-balance opponent and gain top position

  9. Turtle Position

    • From here, a defensive position on hands and knees, similar to turtle position in judo, offering opportunities for reversals and guard recovery through proper hip movement

  10. Arm Lock

    • Securing a submission through joint control, applying principles of kuzushi to isolate and attack opponent's arm

  11. Side Control

    • Achieving dominant side control position, applying pressure and control similar to pinning techniques in Judo groundwork

  12. Guard Recovery From Granby

    • If it shows up, Returning to guard position after executing a Granby roll, using rotational momentum to regain defensive positioning

  13. Guard Recovery From Heisman

    • Most of the time Successfully recovering guard after using Heisman defense, re-establishing leg control and balance

Branch conditions