CURRICULUM, WEEK OF May 4th

This week in our CTA classes, we’re shifting focus to the stand-up game. We'll start by learning how to take our opponent down with the double leg, how to defend it with a strong sprawl, and how to take the back from there. Midweek, we’ll cover how to finish the single leg and how to counter it when someone shoots on us. To close out the week, we'll practice safely pulling to closed guard and immediately transitioning to offense. This week will give you a strong foundation in stand-up grappling that you can confidently apply from your feet—but remember, like everything else in Jiu-Jitsu, starting from standing—whether taking down or pulling guard—takes a lot of repetition, so stay consistent and keep showing up.

In CTB class this week, we’ll kick things off by focusing on the collar drag. Whether you're using it from standing to expose the back or from seated guard to initiate sweeps or transitions, the collar drag allows you to redirect your opponent's momentum and put them on the defensive. It’s a high-percentage move that fits seamlessly into many open guard systems and sets up powerful follow-ups when used correctly.

Later this week in CTB, we’ll shift our focus back to the closed guard. We’ll review the arm lock from guard, reinforcing key details for a strong finish, and then learn a highly effective defense and escape to shut it down when it's used against us. To finish the week, we’ll cover the Catucada sweep—an excellent counter when your opponent tries to stand and open your closed guard. This sweep allows you to stay offensive, disrupt their posture, and reverse the position while maintaining control.

In CTC class this week, we’ll be reviewing the deep half guard—a powerful position that gives you control and sweeping options from the bottom of half guard. Deep half is an excellent resource for slowing down aggressive top players and creating opportunities to reverse the position. Remember, whether you love a technique and plan to use it often, or think it’s not your style and you’ll never use it, it’s still important to understand how it works. Knowing the ins and outs of a position helps you stay a step ahead, both offensively and defensively, when you find yourself there in live training.