Inside the University 452 - A Preview of More to Come

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Wrapping up his class on deep half guard, Leonel Marra stresses the importance of practicing and repeating the positions in order to learn them. He also gives a nice preview of many more deep half guard techniques in his game that we can look forward to seeing from him in the future.

Inside the University 451 - Deep Half Guard Sweep to Foot Lock

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Leonel hits his deep half guard sweep after his opponent cross faces him, as shown in the previous technique, and has established top position. He steps his knee up so that both of his opponent's legs are on top of his thigh. While still controlling the sleeve grip, his other arm wraps around the ankle to begin his foot lock attack, and he pulls the top leg across the bottom leg, and tucks his elbow in between. Now he steps his other leg so his knee is on the belly, and he sits back perpendicular, making sure to squeeze his knees the whole time as he finishes the foot lock.

Inside the University 450 - Deep Half Guard Sweep when Cross Faced

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Again Leonel sets up his deep half guard with the sleeve grip fed behind his opponent's leg, escapes his shoulder and turn into his opponent to reach over the back and grab the belt. However, this time his opponent gets a strong cross face and puts heavy pressure on Leonel head. Now he turns back so his hips are facing up, and his hand that was grabbing the belt now grips the pants at the knee. To sweep, he bridges his hips, pushes the knee and rolls to come to the top. It is important to note that all these sweeping actions are done fast and simultaneously.

Inside the University 449 - Deep Half Guard Sweep to Saulo Choke

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Using the same set ups previously shown, Lionel sets up the deep half guard on his opponent, sits up to reach over the back grabbing the belt, and sweeps his opponent the same as before. Now when he lands on top, he keeps control of the leg and settles in a leg drag position. His top hand reaches to grab the cross collar with his thumb in, and he crawls to the side dropping his elbow to the mat to finish the Saulo choke.

Inside the University 448 - Deep Half Guard Sweep to Kneebar

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Having set up the deep half guard, Lionel is ready to hunt for sweeps. His opponent is posting his arm on the mat, so Lionel reaches to block the arm and at the same time kicks his legs and spins his hips to the outside, and grabs his opponent’s sleeve with his arm that’s hugging the leg. Now he uses a big spin back to the inside, posts his elbow on the floor, and reaches over the back to grab the belt. From here, he can easily drop down to his shoulder and roll back the other way to sweep his opponent and get on top in half guard. An option to submit is by pinching the leg with his legs, and flexing his hips to finish the kneebar.

Inside the University 447 - Setting Up Deep Half Guard

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Special Guest Instructor Lionel Marra teaches this weeks class and shows some of his favorite deep half guard techniques. Starting in half guard, Lionel's opponent gets the cross face and puts heavy pressure on him. With both knees pinching his opponent's leg, he turns his hips a little to raise his opponent's hip off the mat, giving him room to slide his arm underneath and frame on the belly. Next he brings his other hand up to frame on the shoulder. Now he lowers his legs so he is pinching his opponent's leg below the knee, and he swims his arm underneath the leg to cup the thigh. It is important that while he moves his legs, he does not uncross them and allow his opponent to pass.

Inside the University 446 - Staying on Your Side

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A common error people will make while playing the classic collar and sleeve guard is to get caught laying flat on their back. This is when your opponent has the best chance of passing your guard. It is very important to stay on your side and not let your opponent flatten you out.

Inside the University 445 - Communication is Key

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While watching some young students perform the previous technique, a nice lesson is learned by the young men. Same as in life, communication is key in the pursuit of learning Jiu-Jitsu. Training partners must communicate ideas and correct each other whenever possible to develop the most efficiently. Also, one must never be afraid to make mistakes, but rather be encouraged to learn from his mistakes. Too often the mental aspect of learning Jiu-Jitsu is put to the side in order to focus on the physical. However, a practitioner must always remember to use both.

Inside the University 444 - Collar Drag Set Up from Closed Guard

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From the closed guard, Saulo first makes a deep cross collar grip, and his other hand grips the same side sleeve. He plants his feet on the mat and turns to his side, just with his knee shield across the belly, same as before. From here, he can place his feet on the hips and scoot his way to classic collar and sleeve guard. Now he has the option of pushing off the hips to raise his own hips, and drag the collar to the side as he escapes to the opposite side, putting himself in position to attack his opponent's back.

Inside the University 443 - Maximizing Results During Practice

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Having his white belt students demonstrate the position, Saulo corrects some mistakes, and also stresses the importance of communicating with your training partners to maximize your practice. Again covering the key points of the movements, Saulo stresses to drill using proper technique rather than strength and speed. Students must work together to learn more efficiently.

Inside the University 442 - Defending Punches from the Closed Guard

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In this scenario, an attacker has gotten you to the ground and is inside your guard throwing punches. The first step is to plant both feet on the ground and turn to your side, using your knees as a shield to keep the distance between your attacker. Next plant your hand on the ground and grab the back of his head with your other hand, pulling it down as you raise your hips off the ground. Now using momentum, you can push off your opponent and stand up into base, but stay low and keep heavy pressure on him with your shoulder to limit his mobility.

Inside the University 441 - Words of Inspiration from Saulo

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Saulo begins class with a motivating speech focusing on ways to learn, progress, achieve and be happy both on and off the mats.