In this article I will examine our basic 4 position groundwork flow drill. This drill is designed to teach & develop three key areas in basic ground grappling...
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Correct top position structure in the basic 4 pins
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Correct bottom position structure in the basic 4 pins
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Good transition skills from position to position.
We use this drill at an early stage in our student's development as a starting point for learning to fight on the ground. Strikes, locks & strangles are of no use if you lack the positional control and mobility required to apply them without becoming vulnerable to an escape or counter.
Reasons to change position...
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He is about to escape. It is often possible to use a transition of position to counter an almost successful reversal attempt.
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A limb that is not controlled in the position you are in becomes a key threat - either in a grappling mode or maybe he has drawn or otherwise acquired a weapon. A good example would be holding him in side-top position at his right side and he acquires a weapon in his free left hand. You move to X-Body position where the focus is on that limb.
The drill provides a foundation that is later built upon to include other positions (Another ten or so) and basic striking, reversal and submission skills. So - on to the drill…
I will list each position in turn - starting from the side-top position. Be aware that this is a circular "round robin" type drill that may start at any position. I will also list key points on both the offensive & defensive structure (How to hold and how to be held) as well as the method of moving from one position to the next.
Position1 : The Side-Top Hold (also known as "Scarf Hold")
Offensive Structure
NB: Described when sitting at your opponents right side as in the accompanying photo. The photos where taken to illustrate the offensive positions only.
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Your right leg is pointing as near forward as your flexibility will allow. This "post" prevents your opponent from bridging you in that direction.
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Your left leg is bent at the knee with the knee on the floor (If your "rules" do not permit leg locks then the knee may be up). This post prevents your opponent from simply sitting up & driving you to your back.
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Your upper bodyweight is pinning the opponent's chest to the floor.
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Your head is down towards your right knee.
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Your right arm is around his head. Without this your opponent will simply climb on your back - not good! You should keep the back of his head raised off the floor to minimise his bridging strength.
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You are holding your opponent's arm at or above the elbow, preferably under his elbow so that his arm circles your chest rather than your waist. This will make it much harder for him to lift you onto his upper chest as he attempts to bridge & roll you over.
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Your right hand is either holding his triceps, hooked into your inner thigh, or (if he has a suitable jacket on) gripping his upper sleeve.
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It is vital that you keep his upper arm on top of your right thigh. If he gets his right elbow to the ground he has several very efficient escape options.
Defensive Structure
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You should be lying on your right side and maintaining constant pressure into his back. This will nullify him trying to pin your back to the floor and will mean that he must maintain constant counter pressure towards you rather than downwards - very useful in escaping this position.
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You should have your left leg bent and your foot close to your butt. This is the post that you will start your bridge or shrimp enabling you to move his body or your hips.
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You should have your hands joined together to prevent him from applying one of many locks on your right arm.
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You should tuck your chin into your chest & look directly at him. Turning your head to either side will expose you to a variety of chokes & strangles.
Transition to Cross Body Position
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Move your weight slightly towards his hips and wipe your right hand and arm in an arc to pin his free left arm against his left side.
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Switch your feet so that your left foot comes up in line with his shoulders and your leg is bent with the knee raised.
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Rock your weight onto his right triceps as you plant your left knee at the side of his head. This will facilitate tight control of that arm by pinning it between his ear & your knee. Many of his escape options involve making space using this arm & elbow.
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Bring your right knee up to his right hip keeping your knees wide & your body low.
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Bring your left elbow tightly to the side of his left ear so that by pushing your elbow & knee together you can raise his head off the floor - having a negative effect on his ability to bridge.
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