The Game Plan Q2 2006 was mostly an exercise in creating a gameplan. That, plus injuries (groin, lower lat) made it pretty much academic: worthwhile, but ultimately impractical.
The Q3 (July, August, September) version will be shorter and more concise. I'll have one major attack from the bottom (the omoplata) with everything else being either a sweep or a set-up for the omoplata (or both).
From the top, to quote Saulo Ribeiro, "I always go for the choke." Collar chokes, winding chokes from the back, brabo chokes from the side ... My signature choke will be the Mamazinho north-south forearm choke.
By "major attack" and "signature choke", I am saying that in EVERY SINGLE SPARRING SESSION these are the ways I will try to get the submission. For example, if I were on bottom for five minutes, then I should try for at least ten full-fledged omoplata attempts. I should be going for that submission every chance I get.
One thing that I've noticed is that the best jiu jitsu fighters (or any fighter for that matter) has a few techniques that nobody does better. Marcelo's arm drag to RNC ... Jacare's takedown and far side kimura ... Viera's arm/shoulder choke ...
I think this is how Lloyd Irvin's top students (i.e., guys like Mike Fowler and Ryan Hall) have become so good so quickly. Mastering a certain technique allows you to dominate at your level, while always being at least competitive with those who are above your level. It's a great situation to be in because you can always roll with those who are better. That will enable you to both constantly refine and improve your signature attacks, while at the same time improving other areas of your game that your superior opponent is less worried about.
In other words, if you are a blue belt with a reputation for a killer omoplata, it will be either to catch those purple and brown belts with your (still improving) crossover sweep.
It also makes it easier to improve faster because you can focus on a single technique. There is a ridiculous amount to learn when studying jiu jitsu. I was at Barnes and Noble this afternoon and stumbled across a copy of of "Judo" Gene LeBell's Encyclopedia of Finishing Holds. Sure, some of those holds aren't competition legal (many are "catch wrestling" moves from the 19th century). But the book is still 576 pages long. Now imagine if that book included all the sweeps, guardwork, takedowns, escapes, that are a part of jiu jitsu and judo.
So overload is often what happens when you're starting out (i.e., white belt) in jiu jitsu. A lot of times, I feel as if I'm starting all over again when I'm training. Finding a specific technique, honing it until you know it inside and out--until you become the academy expert and others are asking you how they can improve their version of the same technique is a better way to go.
This doesn't mean forsaking the basics or learning other techniques. Instead it is a realization of one's limitations to learn so much at a time. Drill and practice as many things as you want. But when you get the chance to spar--especially in the four weeks leading up to a tournament--you should relentlessly hone your best stuff until it is gold.
