Kiss Of The Dragon

Transition
Also known as:
KOTD

The Kiss of the Dragon is a back-take transition where the bottom player threads their body underneath and behind the opponent by inverting and spinning through between the opponent's legs. It is used from various open guard positions when the opponent is standing or in combat base, converting guard retention into direct back control.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The hooking leg (typically from DLR or RDLR) acts as an anchor to control distance and initiate the inversion.
  • · Grip on the far ankle or pant leg prevents the opponent from stepping away and is essential for completing the spin.
  • · Tight shoulder-to-mat contact during the inversion keeps your path compact and protects your neck.
  • · Anticipate the opponent sprawling or pulling their trapped leg free by accelerating through the spin rather than pausing midway.
  • · Your hips must clear past the opponent's hip line completely before you surface on the back side.

Execution

  1. 1 From your open guard hook position, secure a grip on the opponent's far ankle or pant leg while maintaining your primary hook.
  2. 2 Invert toward the opponent, threading your outside shoulder underneath them and between their legs, keeping your body tight to their base.
  3. 3 Use the far ankle grip to block their retreat as you spin your hips through, rotating your body 180 degrees behind them.
  4. 4 As your hips clear past theirs, establish a seatbelt grip and insert your hooks to secure back control.
  5. 5 If they resist by widening their base, use the momentum of the spin and pull on the ankle grip to off-balance them forward as you complete the transition.

Common mistakes

  • × Inverting too far away from the opponent creates space that allows them to disengage or sprawl before you complete the spin.
  • × Releasing the far ankle grip too early lets the opponent step over your body and pass, turning your back exposure into a disadvantage.
  • × Pausing in the inverted position instead of committing fully to the spin leaves you stuck underneath with your back exposed and no control.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Kiss Of The Dragon shows up.

De La Riva Guard Bottom Inverted Guard Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom Squid Guard

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

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