UNLOCK YOUR NEXT MOVE

Visual Guide to Integrating a New No-Gi Technique

Technique Spotlight: The Kimura from Closed Guard

We'll use the Kimura from Closed Guard as our example throughout this guide.

Phase 1: Understanding & Initial Exposure

(Weeks 1-2)

▶️

Watch Instructionals

Dive deep into expert breakdowns. Focus on grips, body positioning, setups, and finishes.

🎯 Example Focus: Note Kimura details like hip angle & grip variations.
🗣️

Talk With Your Coach

Get personalized tips. Ask about common pitfalls and high-percentage setups they recommend.

🎯 Example Focus: "Coach, any tips for finishing the Kimura on stronger opponents?"

Private Lessons (Optional)

Accelerate learning with focused, one-on-one feedback and tailored drills.

🎯 Example Focus: Dedicate a session to Kimura entries and troubleshooting.

Phase 2: Drilling & Refinement

(Weeks 2-4, Ongoing)

Utilize your 20 min daily dedicated practice time during class for these drills.

⚙️

Reps - No Resistance

Build muscle memory. Break down the technique into small parts and rep them slowly and perfectly.

🎯 Example Focus: Drill Kimura: posture break -> isolate arm -> figure-four -> hip shift -> finish.

Drills - Light Resistance

Partner provides predictable, light resistance to help you feel common counters and solidify control.

🎯 Example Focus: Partner slightly stiffens arm or tries to hide hand during Kimura attempt.

Phase 3: Application & Integration

(Weeks 3-8, Ongoing)

🎯

Live Situational Drilling

Start in the target position. Your goal: hit the new technique. Partner's goal: escape/pass. Reset.

🎯 Example Focus: Start in closed guard, hunt for the Kimura. Partner defends realistically.
🌊

Flow Rolling

Lower intensity (30-50%). Focus on smooth transitions and finding opportunities for the technique naturally.

🎯 Example Focus: Look for Kimura openings as they arise, don't force. Chain with other moves.
🔥

Live Rolling (Full Resistance)

Test under pressure. Set small goals (attempts, securing grip, finishing). Don't get discouraged by initial failures.

🎯 Example Focus: Aim to attempt Kimura setups 2-3 times per roll from closed guard.
🏆

Class Games / Constraints

If available, participate in specific training games (e.g., "subs from guard only") to focus your efforts.

🎯 Example Focus: "Guard attacks only" round? Perfect time to work that Kimura!

Your Training Week Visualized

How to weave this into your 4 days + open mat schedule with ~20min dedicated time:

Day 1 & 2 (Technique Focus Days - 20 min slot):

  • No Resistance Drills (Kimura steps)
  • Light Resistance Drills (Partner gives slight counter-pressure)

Day 3 & 4 (Application Focus Days - 20 min slot):

  • Situational Drilling (Start in Closed Guard, aim for Kimura)
  • Review/Refine based on rolling feedback

Open Mat:

  • Dedicated drilling with a partner (Kimura focus)
  • Flow Rolling (Integrate Kimura naturally)
  • Live Rolling (Actively hunt for Kimura setups and finishes)

The Journey: Ongoing Process & Mindset