CURRICULUM, WEEK OF November 16th

In CTA class this week, we’ll shift our focus to side control, one of the most common and important positions in Jiu Jitsu. Throughout the week, we’ll cover fundamental techniques for guard retention and learn how to escape from side control when our opponent is blocking the hips on either side. These escapes are essential for building confidence and composure when caught on the bottom.

To finish the week, we’ll study the key lock submission from side control - a classic attack often used by beginners due to its simplicity and effectiveness - and learn the proper way to escape it. You’ll find that with the right timing and technique, escaping this submission can actually be easier than applying it.

In CTB class this week, we will begin shifting our focus to the open guard. We’ll start the week by learning effective methods for passing, with a primary emphasis on the double under pass - one of the most reliable and pressure-heavy passes in Jiu Jitsu. Later in the week, we will transition to the over-under pass, another powerful option that gives you strong control over your opponent’s hips and legs.

To finish the week, we will learn how to execute the tripod sweep - a highly effective and simple sweep that works well against opponents of all levels. We’ll also cover a variation of the tripod sweep that becomes available when your opponent tries to defend, giving you a dependable follow-up option to secure the reversal.

In CTC class this week, we will continue our focus on the De La Riva guard. We’ll begin the week with the underhook De La Riva, an effective way to maintain control when your opponent attempts to remove your De La Riva hook. This variation helps you keep strong angles, manage distance, and transition into sweeping opportunities.

Later in the week, we’ll shift our attention to the De La Riva X, exploring how to enter the position and use it to off-balance and attack. De La Riva guard is an incredibly versatile system, and mastering its variations allows you to maintain dominance over your opponent by controlling their posture, movement, and base.