Far too much naive BJJ hate on the front page. So, let's offset it. Not sure how many people have seen this, I'm sure some have, but it's a BJJ demonstration followed by some sparring by two of the Gracie brothers during PrideFC 5 in Japan. Enjoy! [ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckl8-Rqk-QQ[/ame] (In case you didn't get it from the video...BJJ is made for real life scenarios. It's adapted for use in MMA, of course, but it's main function is real life scenarios, lifethreating or othewise.)
Bonus points if you can point out what Rickson does in the first sparring part that really was so "smooth", that Bas probably recognized but the other guy didn't. It really is smart, too...
Just saying...that Sakuraba who is an elite level grappler beat Gracie? Yeah, okay. Good. You should also watch Carlos Newton vs. Sakuraba. That was a crazy fight. And, not what I was thinking about...at least when the announcer guy is saying, "Smooth!" Rickson does something that is very smart in an anti-defensive manner.
Again, I thought the takedown itself was pretty smooth. But grabbing the cuff of his pants was important too. Other than that, I didn't notice anything too special but hey, it could be over my head lol. What I was saying with that post was that yes, Sauraba who is a pro wrestler beat Gracie who was very likely on PEDs at the time, but more importantly, the fight took over a goddamn hour and a half! And that was the way the Gracies wanted it! Again, it differs from a self-defense situation, but when you make special time allowances it seems that you're conceding the fact that your style is not exactly the speediest-working system out there.
That's it. When he grabs the leg of his pants, that's very, very smart. Prevents the defense for the armbar in that position.
Hmm? Are you talking about at 1:31? (FYI pointing out time works better than describing what is goin on in the video.) The reason he grabbed initially was for additional control during the takedown. Armbar never came into play. Other than that, when you're doing an gi armbar with only one leg over, than grabbing the pants is almost a must unless you got it tight and cupped.
ive always found the only people who dont believe in bjj's effectiveness are those that havent trained in it. it really is a shame because its a beautiful and fiercely practical art.