Anyone have a particular starting set up that they favor?
seen alot of different things from different people at tournaments. Some people like to start things off standing, where as some like to sit down or lay down. Even seen one guy start the match on all fours. everyone is different depending on your game. Use only that which works and take it from anywhere you can find it.
what do you prefer? any pro's and/or con's?
what do you feel provides the best options and a good defence.
I like to start on my butt and pull half guard. Then I immediately cinch in the lockdown and work my sweeps. (i prefer this because my darces and guillotines and gator rolls suck so I always feel lost starting on my knees)
I like to start with one knee up and try to pass the other person's open guard. It's difficult to not get caught in half guard though. I also like starting with open guard and try to pull closed or half guard. I guess it kinda depends on what mood I'm in.
Double under hooks are ideal but most of the time I'm happy with a strong whizzer. If I'm starting on the ground I usually like grabbing the whizzer and sitting back into New York but lately (due to my bad back) I'll just pull the back of their knee with my hand and go straight into half guard.
I usually butt scoot to an arm drag and just try to work with whatever I get. Otherwise, if they have one knee up I'll grab their foot behind the heel and their head and just kind of ankle pick them onto their back and pass from half guard.
I always start on my but in training because it gives me a chance to get offensive with my guard or if they get past my guard, it lets me work on my escapes!!!
For me, I play with a low stance so if they try to pull me in i can fight it off easier. but usualy end up playing closed guard whether i sit or stand. As small as I am, a majority of people i spar with or go against are bigger than I am. im only 19 5'7" at 140lbs and alot of the guys at gracie barra are full grown guys in their late 20's or a little older.
still wondering how points will play in my favor at tournaments if im more familiar with playing guard than securing mount.
think the only con IMO to sitting is if they get ahold of an arm im sure they can pull a triangle fairly easily since they dont have to work as hard for it. but its funny to watch them fall back when they stretch for it and you lean away lol.
i like to start on both knees and go after the person but i suck at jiu jitsu and i usually get swept from the half guard and subbed
everyone started somewhere, remember the basics and practise,practise, practise.
im sure even the best slip sometimes and think back on what they should of done instead.
most of all, keep an open mind, some of the craziest things actually do infact work so never be scared to try out an idea that just pops up in your head.