One of the writers at BJJ.org talked about putting together a basic jiu jitsu game by knowing at least three different attacks and three different escapes from the following positions.
Mount
Rear Mount
Side Mount
North-South
Head Lock
Closed Guard
Open Guard
Turtle Position
Knee Mount
I've actually got moves from more of these positions than I might think. Part of the reason for this blog is to help keep me aware of what I've learned.
But one thing I like about this list is that it categorizes the nine different positions you'll find yourself in during jiu jitsu. Everything you do should be transitioning into one of these nine positions. Why? They are the known knowns. You've got attacks from those positions. So get there. And launch an attack.
I'm watching UFC Unleashed on Spike TV right now. It is amazing how much the commentators emphasize the possibility of a knockout as opposed to a submission victory. You never hear that kind of thing with Pride Fighting Championships. Ultimate Fighter light heavyweight finalist Forrest Griffin even approvingly referenced the fact that Andrei Arlovski, then heavyweight contender, decided against a submission "because he just wanted to knock the guy out instead." Ironically, Arlovski went on to win the heavyweight championship with a leg lock on Tim Sylvia.
I can't help but remember that great line by Eddie Bravo: "MMA without jiu jitsu is just bad kickboxing."
