Originally Posted by
James O'Brien II
Thanks for expressing your concern, Kyle.
I want to assure you of your safety during your 1st bridge.
Even if your opponent has fast twitch reactions, these movements will typically seem subtle to the top position.
There will be no que for the top position to react in this parrying head motion relative to your arm.
Assuming the top positions does do this. You will posses the inside track, your elbow is low enough to transition to multiple grips controlling the head. Likely a single collar tie if thing get too out of hand.
Keep in my that my movements in this demonstration are slow and over exaggerated.
I have never been caught in a head and arm choke as a result of this technique.
But as you pointed out, there may be a slim hope of this.
Marcelo shows this technique with his overhook in front of the face of the top position.
The problem that comes from this position is that the top guy can palm strike the elbow causing the arm to cross the center-line
leading directly to a head and arm choke attempt from top half guard.
Ryan Hall's inspiration brought in the club to the side of the neck area, better addressing the possibility of a head and arm attack. Also, Ryan Hall inspired the knee block. Being the knee is blocked it, the top positions has to post out, if they want to avoid being swept.
Be aware that the top position can post on their elbows. Good for us that still leaves plenty of space to block the shoulder.
Not that I suggest this, but I can typically get away with just 1 bridge.
A lot of the time. That 1 bridge will land me on my side with perfect double underhooks.