Bingo usually runs the Wednesday classes and this one was no exception. We did armbars from guard, triangles and omoplatas to warm up and get the blood flowing, taking each just to the fit. Then for technique, we worked some details on the omoplata and finished with sparring.
I picked up a few details on the omoplata that I’d like to remember. I’ve heard them all before, but of course, that doesn’t mean I remember them whenever I attempt the submission. First, I’m going to have a lot of trouble securing the omoplata if I don’t flatten my opponent out. Second, don’t stick my arm in between my opponent’s legs. Lock his hips down by reaching across or using his belt, if he has one.
The reason for that last is, if I make the mistake of reaching through my opponent’s legs, he can get a good grip, roll and I might find myself defending an omoplata.
We also worked a little on rolling out of the omoplata, as well as pursuing someone who rolls out by rolling right along with them.
Sparring was pretty good. I took a middle spot for about the first 15 minutes and tried to work from half guard. I think it’s been pretty good for me. While I still have a tendency to move back to guard, forcing myself to go to half guard has led to my spending a lot of time defending from bad positions. I’m also rolling with Bing every chance I get. He’s very technical. If I’m being honest, it irritates me how easily he controls me. Ultimately, though, I know that I can’t really improve unless I’m pushing myself. So, as much as I can, I’m volunteering to get out in the middle, get as much sparring in as I can, and rolling with guys who can (and do) completely kick my ass.
In other news, my gray gi was great; however, much to my chagrin, did not improve my jits in any way. I was at least hoping that it would dazzle my sparring partners into submission. It did not.
Looking forward to class tonight.
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Oh man just read your latest, I hope the back thing is temporary. Rest up bro, hope to read more of your adventures soon.
We often have more people than space to spar, so coach will often ask for volunteers for a middle spot. These guys will take a "ring" and then everyone else cycles through. The middle guys stay out. It basically works out that if you don't take a middle spot, you end up resting between rounds.
While the middle spots are usually taken by blue belts and up, coach will sometimes only put white belts out there. It gets mixed up.
I like this way of sparring because on days where I want to get a lot of mat time, I can volunteer for the middle. Other days, when my back is tight or I'm just tired, I can rest between matches.
I'm on some pain meds right now, so I hope that this makes sense. If not, let me know.
I'd like to know more about how the sparring section of you classes work? I mean when you say get int he middle – do you mean you have to volunteer to get on the mat, or does your instructor parnter you up, or is it easy come easy go?