I use open mats as an opportunity to trouble shoot a specific issue or test a technique that I have been drilling. Once I am able to strip away the problems from an issue I work to connect it to another technique and that's how I build up a game.

Open mats are a great to really work through something as you might have a wide variety of skill levels and body types to try things.

Like John said it can be a simple task and don't be afraid to spend as much time as you need. As a while belt I spent about 1 month keeping my elbows glued to my sides as I kept getting arm barred by one person. It was a victory even if I got choked as long as I didn't get arm barred. 

Don't be afraid to ask your partner to start in a specific position or try to catch you with whatever move. I sometimes have different plans incase the game I'm trying to build doesn't work because of who shows up. 

Gary Pond what about the plastic bag choke?

Did you miss last week with our saddle attacks in advanced gi? Well you are in luck.This week we are covering some defense from the saddle so you'll know what to do as your partners attack. 

No better time than Wednesday to train especially if you need to break in a new belt!

I feel like I was a victim of this a time or 2.

Daniel Bianchi hmmm....the one linked below ??? 😂 

Fun fact, first submission I ever hit while rolling.

 https://rolacademy.tv/programs/2023-09-30-russ-usauskas-workshop?category_id=198222 

I'm sure not a surprise to any of my partners but the triangle choke. I didn't even learn it in a class, just a training partner showing me an extra move.

Saddle, cross ashi, 4-11, or honey hole. Do you know the difference? Is there a difference?

Come at 8PM on Wednesday to advanced gi to find out!

This week advanced gi will transition back to looking at leg locks. We will take the first week to reintroduce a drill, the concept of being inside, and reexamine a few entries we have seen in previous segments. 

The leg lock blocks have been popular in the past, let make this one even better together!

Bottom half guard. It is the one position that no matter how I have approached it, nothing ever sticks. I've made several attempts over the last 9 or 10 years and it is like in one ear and then out of the other.

Have a good bottom half? I'm all ears.