MMA and me; day 175

A really fun boxing class on Tuesday, so I'll get right into it. First, we opened all of our combos with a step off jab, lead uppercut, jab, straight. It's important to step off with the first jab, so you can set up the uppercut properly, then press forward with the second jab, since you will most likely be knocking your opponent back with the uppercut. The opening combo was the beginning sequence a high catch, and a counter, right turn, double lead hook, straight, left turn double jab. Next we followed up the opening with a touch, where you use your lead hand to gauge distance, and actually touch it to the opponents chin, then fire a straight right down the pipe, roll, counter, and finish with the right turn, double lead hook, straight, left turn, double jab. After working the combo with the touch, we worked another new concept for me, the reach. After the jab, uppercut jab, straight, step off and throw a rear hook to the body, then pull back and throw a hard straight, followed by a roll, counter, and then the same ending. Lastly, we worked the double body catch into the whole combo, remembering to sit straight down, and rock side to side instead of leaning, to catch the punches.We finished up with ab and core drills, and it was time to move on to grappling. First, here are the broken down combos

1) step off 1-5-1-2-high catch-2-3-2-right turn-3-3-2-left turn-1-1
2) step off 1-5-1-2-touch-2-roll-2-3-2-right turn-3-3-2-left turn-1-1
3) step off 1-5-1-2-reach body 4-2-roll-2-3-2-right turn-3-3-2-left turn-1-1
4) step off 1-5-1-2-catch body 4-catch body 3-6-5-3-2-right turn-3-3-2-left turn-1-1

In jiu jitsu, we worked again on take downs, fluidity, and balance. When shooting take downs from the knees, we worked on flowing from side to side and pulling guard if the take down is unsuccessful. We also drilled on smoothly transitioning from position to position, and never allowing an opponent an opening to either pass your guard, or work for a take down. It's very important to always keep pressure, but don't over extend yourself. We then worked from the stand up on a couple of double leg take downs, first where you wrap up the legs, and then pivot on your knee until they fall to the mat, and then pass around into side control. Second, we worked on a more straight forward take down, where after wrapping up the legs or waist, you slide your rear leg behind their legs, keeping your head tight under their armpit and the side of the rib cage, then drive forward and pass to side control. Lastly, we drilled take downs off of the pummel, which comes in handy when you have your opponent pushed up against the cage, or are pressuring them towards it. After a couple of pummels, just drop your level, and work for that double leg. Fun class, and it's bringing back memories of high school wrestling!