Inside the University 551 - Helio Gracie Choke Exercise

Inside the University 551 - Helio Gracie Choke Exercise

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To set himself in position for the Helio Gracie choke exercise, Saulo first falls backward, extending his legs when he hits the mat in order to stop himself from rolling backward. Now with his knees bent and his legs in front, he reaches up with his arms for the imaginary cross collars, and simultaneously uses his hips to bring his legs to his core.

Inside the University 550 - Hindu Squats for Jiu Jitsu

Inside the University 550 - Hindu Squats for Jiu Jitsu

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Now Saulo breaks down the importance of squatting for Jiu Jitsu. Of course it will strengthen your legs and build toughness, but his focus on the squat is because of it's practical use in Jiu Jitsu. A fundamental position in Ribeiro Jiu Jitsu is headquarters, which is maintaining a squat while fighting your opponent from his open guard. Also, it is key to practice good form in order to keep your strong position when you tire in the fight.

Inside the University 549 - Hold Your Ground

Inside the University 549 - Hold Your Ground

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In a quick lesson on mental toughness, Saulo talks about how to handle situations when they get difficult and you have keep yourself from giving up. His advice is to breathe, hold your ground and believe. Whether it's in training, competition or life, stay mentally strong and find a way.

Inside the University 548 - Hindu Push-Ups for Jiu Jitsu

Inside the University 548 - Hindu Push-Ups for Jiu Jitsu

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Before having his students do Hindu push-ups for one minute, Saulo explains his theory behind not only the exercise, but the mental strength to keep going when you want to quit. The first thing on form he teaches is to keep your elbows in, just as you would in training. Also, he stresses the importance of setting a good rhythm, always paying attention to your breath, and to stay mentally tough.

Inside the University 547 - Creating Opportunites

Inside the University 547 - Creating Opportunites

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Saulo explains that the cross collar choke is not easy to finish on an opponent equal to your level, but it is very effective to set up many other positions and create opportunities. When you go for the choke, your opponent must react, and depending on how he reacts, many possibilities will open up for you. The key is to keep attacking.

Inside the University 546 - Timing Your Grips

Inside the University 546 - Timing Your Grips

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Saulo points out the importance of properly timing when you make your second grip, and taking it with speed and force. As his opponent comes back the other way, Saulo turns, throwing his shoulder off the mat like a punch to grab the collar. If he goes without speed or force, it will easily be defended.

Inside the University 545 - Creating the Reaction to Set Up the Cross Collar Choke

Inside the University 545 - Creating the Reaction to Set Up the Cross Collar Choke

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Saulo's typical setup for the cross collar choke begins with his cross collar grip, followed by a 45 degree hip escape as he pushes the collar away. Now his opponent reacts by coming back to him, just as Saulo wanted, so he immediately sets his second grip underneath his first. From here he pulls his opponent in, switches his hips to face the other side and flexes his wrists to finish the choke.

Inside the University 544 - Staying on Your Side

Inside the University 544 - Staying on Your Side

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One of the main points of focus while in the closed guard is to not be flattened out. This is why Saulo is always looking to get on his side and stay there. His collar grip arm will help him by keeping his opponent at a distance, but it's his shoulder that is doing the work. Also, it's important that his top leg is pinching down and keeping pressure on his opponent.

Inside the University 543 - Getting to Side Closed Guard

Inside the University 543 - Getting to Side Closed Guard

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After watching students practice, Saulo points out the difference between escaping your hips and moving to the side. When punching the collar grip, he swivels his hips so he gets to his opponent's side, staying connected. He is not escaping his hips and creating space.

Inside the University 542 - Collar Choke from Closed Guard

Inside the University 542 - Collar Choke from Closed Guard

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From the closed guard, Saulo makes a cross collar grip and stretches his arm as he turns to the side on his hips. From here he grabs the gi on the cross shoulder and escapes his hips a little more to create his angle. Now he pulls his grips in with his elbows to his body to finish the choke.

Inside the University 541 - Backward Break Falling

Inside the University 541 - Backward Break Falling

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Showing some finer points of a backward break fall, Saulo emphasizes not to let your momentum keep you rolling back so your hips raise off the mat. Instead stop with your hips down and your legs in front to protect you. Also, keep your feet pointed out rather than up.

Inside the University 540 - Self Protection and Breakdown of Recovering Guard

Inside the University 540 - Self Protection and Breakdown of Recovering Guard

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Breaking down the steps of recovering guard, Saulo shows the necessary movements to first protect yourself, and then look to recover guard. His main concern is always to protect himself, which is why he keeps his hands close, and doesn't overextend to reach for his opponent.