Student Objectives:
The student will apply a Snap Down technique with good technique to a non resisting partner.
The student will identify a failed Snap Down as a means to Kuzushi.
The Student will transition from the Snap Down to the Front Head Lock fluidly, with good technique, against a non resisting partner.
Teaching Cues:
Sloth Grips
Step Back
Snap Down
Lesson: Snap Down
The starting position is a Collar Tie. The practicing student will stand square and take a Sloth Grip on the back of the assisting student’s neck. The arm should be bent, with the elbow towards the floor and the forearm pressed against the chest of the assisting student. This elbow helps prevent level changes and blocks some potential entries. The second hand should also be a Sloth Grip with the wrist around the bicep and the fingers clasping the tricep. This arm is also bent with the elbow pointed towards the floor. The assisting student will then place their hands on the shoulders of the practicing student.
Make sure to talk about hand placement and continually fighting for inside hand position. This hand placement on the shoulders is only to facilitate practice for the Snap Down from an ideal position.
To initiate the snap down the practicing student will step back and bend their legs into a squat while simultaneously pulling/guiding the assisting students hands and head towards the floor. The step back is important as a way to slightly extend the arms (no more than 80%) but also as a way to create a pocket of space for the assisting student to fall.
When pulling with the hands, the hand cupping the back of the head is very important in creating a break in the posture. First, the Sloth Grip on the back of the neck should pull in an attempt to get the assisting student’s nose past the plane of their toes. Then, after their posture is compromised, the pressure will switch to a downward motion to force their face towards the floor. The second hand, on the back of the tricep, will also pull and compliment the pressures of the hand on the back of the neck.
The goal of the Snap Down, in simple terms, is to get the assisting student to place their hands on the floor. If the hands are on the floor, there is a moment where the neck, back, and arms are exposed to attacks. This is a brief moment, so drilling pathways in conjunction with the Snap Down is essential.
Possible Extensions:
The first extension, after understanding how to force the assisting student’s hands to the floor, is to pair this with the Snap Down with the Front Head Lock. As the Snap Down is occurring, the practicing student will transfer their chest to the back of the head of the assisting student. The hand that was controlling the back of the neck will make a quick transition from the back of the neck, around the front of the neck, and to the far armpit until it can make a Sloth Grip on the far tricep. The hand that was already on the tricep will slide down the tricep and take control closer to the elbow.
There are many options from the Front Headlock position and it is an easy transition from the Snap Down.
If the student knows how to Knuckle Drag from the Sprawn and Spin lesson then the Knuckle Drag is a clean transition to the back off of the Snap Down. Make sure to turn the Knuckle Drag directly into the Cross Face while spinning to the back.
If the student knows how to use the Throw By, or the Shuck from the Front Headlock those are also very clean and easy transitions from the Snap Down and/or Front Headlock.
Possible Refinements:
Often people that are new to the Snap Down will make the movement all about the arms. Make sure the student is using their arms, legs and core to complete the movement. This means that the footwork is essential in recruitment of the big muscle groups for the Snap Down.
The Snap Down is best used as a redirection of the assisting student’s forward pressure. As the student’s become more accustomed to the pathway, encourage the assisting student to push forward after putting their hands on the shoulders. Make sure to inform them the transition will be much quicker as they will be adding to the practicing student’s force rather than being neutral or resisting.
While stepping back is important to building power, it is also important in creating space for the assisting student to fall. Without stepping back it’s possible that you could pull the assisting student directly into your own legs and give them an entry to the Double Leg, or, in some instances, injure your own legs by hyperextending them.
Reference materials:
Teaching Reflections:
How did I do teaching?
What could I do better next time?
Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?