Building Momentum

Momentum training for the hips is crucial in Jiu-jitsu to merge force with an opponent's and connect moves fluidly. Three fundamental movements are introduced to develop this skill: the Armbar Swing, Hip Heist, and Uchi Komi at the Wall.

1. The Armbar Swing starts from a tight Armlock position, eliminating space behind the knees. The focus is on transitioning quickly to catch momentum, moving from one Armlock to the next.
2. Progressing from the Armbar Swing, the Omoplata to Omoplata drill adds a quarter turn of the body. Starting in a finished Omoplata position, the practitioner swings up to neutral and back down into another Omoplata, requiring coordination with the partner to switch arms safely.
3. The Hip Heist drill can be practiced solo. From a tripod position, exchange the arm and opposite leg, firing the elbow back tightly and quickly, with hips and head facing up at the end of the movement. Return to neutral on a diagonal axis, using the elbow to generate momentum for the hip turn.

These movements are essential for building hip momentum, which is used to unbalance opponents, execute sweeps, recover guard, and transition to more dominant positions.