Student Objectives:
The student will escape the Kesa Gatame (modified Side Control) by using the Gut Wrench technique with a compliant partner.
The student will identify the difference between Kuzure Kesa Gatame and Kesa Gatame.
Teaching Cues:
Belly to Back
Lock the Hands
Bridge
Roll
Lesson: Gut Wrench
The starting position is Kuzure Kesa Gatame. The practicing student will lie on the ground with their back on the floor and their legs gently bent. The practicing student should raise their arms to allow the assisting student access to the armpit area.
The practicing student will get down into a modified Side Control position. The assisting student will sit in a modified Watching TV position with their belly button towards the head of the practicing student and the posting arm over the body. Once the arm is over the body, the assisting student will use the posting arm to hug the head. The assisting student will then slide their hips into the space between the ribs and arm while also overhooking tightly on the arm. Then, lastly, the assisting student will clasp their hands together.
To start the technique the practicing student will get on his/her side and point their belly button towards the assisting student. The practicing student should then walk their hips forward until their hips/belly touch the lower back of the assisting student. Simultaneously the practicing student will reach around the assisting student’s body and clasp their hands together. This clasping of the hands both protects the arms but also connects the bodies together.
Once the bodies are connected the practicing student will bridge diagonally to put pressure into the assisting students back and hips. The goal should be to get the assisting student to base on their outside hand that was in the overhook position. Once the hand has posted, the practicing student will maintain the bridge while rolling over their own shoulders. Because the arm is trapped under the head, this should prevent the assisting student from being able to reestablish their base and should create a strong reversal.
Possible Extensions:
Have the assisting student maintain control of the head after the reversal. Then have the practicing student break the grip on the head by sliding to mount and using heavy forward shoulder pressure to break the grip.
Have the assisting student start with a Head and Arm throw that ends in Kuzure Kesa Gatame. Make sure the assisting student knows how to safely complete the throw as well as the practicing student knows how to accept the throw without being injured.
Have the practicing student start in a traditional Side Control and try to apply an underhook to transition towards the back. During the transition the assisting student will scoop the head as the underhook slides to the back. This is a common thing that happens when an opponent realizes that their back is exposed. Otherwise the move executes the same as in the lesson above.
Possible Refinements:
Very commonly when performing this move, the practicing student will allow their hips to drop when trying to roll over the assisting student. While this sometimes works, the pathway is not mechanically advantageous and it puts a large strain on the lower back. Make sure the student is maintaining the bridge to activate all of the large muscle groups for an efficient reversal.
When clasping the hands I prefer an S Grip as it has the ability to squeeze the elbows. The S-Grip is also a great option when there is a lot of space to cover and the space is crowded.
The angle for the initial Bridge is very important. Make sure the student starts by connecting their hips to the lower back, but then they push across, trying to transfer the weight into the partner. This is probably the most difficult part of the technique and will take the most practice. The natural tendency is to allow the hips to slide off each other and perform a bridge to lift the hips. Resist the urge to allow the hips to lift straight up as it does not force the assisting student to adjust their base.
Reference materials:
Teaching Reflections:
How did I do teaching?
What could I do better next time?
Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?