Running a fun and high-energy-low-injury wrestling program for non-wrestlers of all levels (Christian Graugart 32m)
In this video, I explain how I have been running my weekly wrestling class for all levels. We always teach “position before submission” on the ground but when it comes to standup, most Jiu Jitsu academies just teach a few takedowns here and there, with very little—or no—emphasis on the positional aspect. People also have a bit of fear of standup wrestling and takedowns due to risk of injuries. So my solution is to put heavy emphasis on positional work standing up, and take the actual takedowns out of the game for the first long period. I hope you’ll enjoy the video and find it useful!
Notes:
COMMON 90 MIN. CLASS BREAKDOWN
- 10 minutes warmup
- 10 minutes “heavybag” drill
- 10 minutes hold vs. escape drill
- 10 minutes corrections
- 45 minutes mail drill / fight for position
- 5 minutes review of drill and preparations of corrections for next class
DRILL PROGRESSION
- “Heavybag” drill
- Hold vs. escape dominant position
- Hold vs. escape adding “Plan B”
- Fight for position (no takedowns)
RULES OF MAIN DRILL
- Three seconds control with closed grip wins:
- Bodylock (any side)
- Front headlock (with one arm)
- Lift one or two feet off the ground
- Three wins in a row, you can go out
- No pause after referee resets position
- Next in line can attack immediately
- Trashtalking and coaching is mandatory
(Don’t forget to play loud music!)
