Collar Drag | Grip Fighting

Executing a dynamic collar drag from seated guard involves several key steps to effectively control and off-balance an opponent. When an opponent attempts to pass the guard, they will likely reach for the upper body or legs. It is crucial to prevent them from establishing two grips on the legs.

1. As soon as the opponent grips the legs, immediately reach across for their collar with one hand while using the other hand to break their grip on the opposite leg.
2. Shift to the hip on the side of the reaching arm to gain leverage and prepare for the drag.
3. If the opponent's grip is strong, use the blade or flat surface of the forearm to knock it off, then hide the leg to prevent regripping.
4. In case of a very firm grip, approach the grip with the whole body and use a rear naked choke grip on the opposite lapel to break it while stretching the leg away.
5. Maintain a radar between the knees to contain the opponent and pivot to keep them in front.
6. Look for the moment the opponent changes direction to execute the collar drag. The ideal timing is when they initiate movement but before their weight settles on the mat.
7. Follow the opponent's movement and when they switch directions, switch hips and execute the collar drag.
8. If the opponent ends up too far for a back take, maintain the collar grip and transition to a leg hug, double leg, or back take as appropriate.
9. Use every point of contact as a sensor to feel where the opponent's weight is and react accordingly, keeping the grip dynamic to sense their movement.

Focus on the timing of the opponent's directional change to effectively use the collar drag to off-balance and potentially take the back or transition to other attacks.