Angle As Attack

Distinguishing between a hip escape and a pivot is crucial for effective attacks from the closed guard, such as armbars. A hip escape involves moving the hips away to create space, while a pivot or angle change is about taking space away to isolate and attack the opponent without allowing them to counter.

1. To practice a basic armlock, cross the opponent's arm and pull their shoulder down to keep their back parallel to the mat, making it easier to climb.
2. Place the same side foot on the hip or floor, lift the hip, and pull the shoulders forward while kicking the other leg back and crossing it high and tight in the armpit. The heel should drive towards the opposite shoulder, and the shoulder should pull towards the opponent's knee without changing the hip angle.
3. Attempting an armlock with a hip escape creates a gap behind the knee, leading to a loss of control over the opponent's weight and elbow.
4. Drill the armlock swing to learn how to change angles without creating space. This can eventually be done without placing the foot on the floor or the opponent's hip, just by changing the angle of the shoulders.
5. For the armlock swing, the partner should place their arms over the practitioner's shoulders to keep the desired space open. The practitioner can control the partner's arms or focus solely on leg action.
6. Start the movement with one foot on the hip, lifting the hip and shoulders off the floor to pivot on the smallest surface area possible, imagining a railroad tie through the belly button.
7. Lift one leg high and pass the other leg over with no space behind the knees, ending in the same position on each side.
8. Simultaneously swing one leg off, sit the shoulders up using the leg's momentum, and push off the hamstring with the back leg to pivot to the other side.
9. Keep feet relaxed or slightly flexed to avoid creating gaps behind the knees, which can compromise control over the opponent.

Mastering the armlock swing and the pivot movement is fundamental for executing sweeps, attacks, chasing the back, and recovering guard, as it allows for angle changes while maintaining connection to the opponent's weight.