FightNoob is a recurring series on Single Blog Takedown where we help new fans and neophytes understand the sport of mixed martial arts. This is the seventh edition. Previous editions can be found right here.
Well, I didn't think it could get any worse than my Rua pun last month (cause it's pronounced "hoo-ahh", you see, like "who"... like "who's on first"... yeah it's still atrocious) but thankfully loyal reader and excellent grappler Jim came through with this week's title. Blame me, my friends, or my pun-adoring editor: your call.
Anyway, some more FightNoob today and then next week we'll try to make sense of the craziness of this month in MMA, including Fedor, Couture/Vera, Jose Aldo Jr., and everything that happens in and around UFC 106 this weekend. Which I'm in front of a TV for! For once. Should make a nice warmup for my Survivor Series tickets the next night. (That's right, WWE. DON'T JUDGE ME)
Volume 7: The KaMMA Sutra
For fans without a background in a grappling discipline like jiu-jitsu or wrestling, one of the harder MMA concepts to understand is positioning. When the fight goes to the ground, beginning fans commonly see only "who's on top, who's on bottom" without knowing how good a position one fighter is in over the other. In reality, different styles of fighter like different positions... and being on bottom might not be as bad as it seems.
Grappling positions are volatile. Good offensive fighters can transition from a less dominant to a more advantageous position on the ground, while excellent defensive fighters can stuff transition attempts and constantly work to escape positions - or score reversals. And remember, grappling positions can be adjusted by the referee (if neither fighter is engaging, the ref can stand them up) or by the timekeeper (fighters are saved by the bell in MMA). Keep the goal in mind: while improving positions scores you points on the judges' cards for effective grappling, the real focus of improving position is to reach a point where you can stop the fight.
Pop quiz: which fighter is in dominant position? If you screw this one up, you need more study.
Guard: We dealt with the most basic ground position in the last edition of FightNoob, so head there if you need a refresher. If you're watching MMA, guard is the most common position and remember that it frequently favors the fighter on bottom - especially if they're good at jiu-jitsu.
The fighter on bottom will attempt to keep guard and try to sweep and reverse positions attempt a submission from guard (the kimura, or shoulder lock, is a popular one). The fighter on top will either try to posture up and strike or transition through to half guard and then either mount or side control. A good guard keeps the fighter on top close and controlled.
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