Student Objectives:
The student will recognize the value of pinning the legs to avoid Guard.
The student will apply the Knee Pull technique to transition from Side Control to Mount.
The student will explore the value of leg riding.
Teaching Cues:
Blindfold
Grab the knee
Pin the knees
Foot to Knee Pit
Mount
Lesson: Knee Pull to Mount
The assisting student starts on the ground, legs gently bent, and feet flat on the floor. The assisting student begins in Side Control with one hand in the crossface and one hand as a chock on the hip.
The move initiates by taking the crossface arm over the body and transitions into Reverse Kesa Gatame. The practicing student takes the far arm and reaches across the assisting student’s body to make a grip on the outside of the far knee. Next, the practicing student pulls the far knee to the floor near their knees. This binds both knees together and pins the assisting student’s free knee between the floor and the top knee. It is ok for the practicing student to shrimp during this pinning maneuver to make space for their opponent’s knees to contact the floor.
Once the legs are secure, the practicing student uses their posted foot to step over the knee pit of the assisting student. This also results in stepping over their own hand. Once the foot is in the back of the knee pit, the practicing student should lift their hips and transition into mount while keeping their heel securely in the knee pit.
Possible Extensions:
The practicing student starts from Knee on Belly and makes a grip on the outside of the knee before transitioning to Reverse Kesa Gatame.
The Knee Pull can pair with the Americana or Armbar after completing the transition into Mount.
The student can apply the Knee Pull after a successful Leg Tackle or Knee Cut Pass. This creates fluidity between movements.
Possible Refinements:
Ensure the practicing student places the arm over the body when making the transition into Reverse Kesa Gatame. This is the “blindfold” position and makes it easier to access the assisting student’s outside knee, and also creates a visual barrier to the technique.
When the practicing student pulls the knees down, make sure they have enough space for the assisting student’s knees to touch the floor. If the space is too crowded, then there won’t be a clear pathway for their leg to step over the knee pit.
Ensure the student does not move across the hips when making the initial movement into mount. While this is a viable mount, there is value in laying on the legs initially before moving into mount.
Reference materials:
Teaching Reflections:
How did I do teaching?
What could I do better next time?
Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?