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Attacking from an Inferior Position: Don’t Escape the Danger – Be the Danger

Attacking from an Inferior Position: Don’t Escape the Danger – Be the Danger

Written by Coach John Connors www.FightersConfidence.com

 If you’re a Breaking Bad fan, you will know the scene I’m about to describe. The main character’s wife is frightened of drug dealers and gang members terrorizing their family. Instead of looking to escape his precarious situation, Walter tells her, “I’m not in danger, Skyler. I am the danger.”

 Keep those words in mind for a moment. Today we’re going to talk about attacking escapes. I don’t mean starting from an inferior position and retreating back to a neutral position. We’re really going to turn the tables with the ultimate escape that could end with a submission.

 Attacking from an inferior position can be surprisingly advantageous. Your opponent will begin to hesitate and feel uncertain, and whether you succeed in a submission attempt or not, your opponent will begin to make mistakes. Then, you suddenly have a reputation for being dangerous from every position.

 So how do you begin to be dangerous? Before you start choking opponents from the bottom of side control, you must first advance your mental game. Developing this predatory mentality can be done in four simple steps. Check them out below.

 

1.      Pre-Frame

 

Figure out what your goal is in training that day. If your goal is to learn how to be dangerous, focus on being aggressive from bottom positions. Ask to start rolls under mount or side control for more chances to practice your technique.

 

2.      Visualize 

If you can’t visualize yourself successfully executing a technique, the real-life result will likely be the same. Visualize success and also perseverance, so even if you are not immediately successful, you won’t become discouraged. Keep trying to be dangerous. 

3.      Self Talk 

Now let’s return to the Breaking Bad scene. Do not only say, “I have to escape,” as you are trapped under side control. Try to view your situation as a position of power. Instead say, I am the danger. So when you’re in a bad spot, you will have confidence to escape directly into an attack. 

4.      Breathe 

Step four is to control your breathing. Relaxed breathing will trigger your parasympathetic nervous system, and therefore will cause you to think more clearly. Consequently, attacks and submissions are easier to see and execute, and you become more dangerous.

 When you have a handle on these four steps, do some studying on aggressive, attacking techniques. I have solid kimura and choke attacks from the bottom of side control and also sweeps from the bottom of mount that I hit regularly. There is even a smooth heel hook to attempt while your opponent transitions to mount.

 So next time you are stuck on bottom, don’t hesitate to go for that attack. This aggressiveness just helps your mindset, betters your offensive game, and boosts your whole gain. Alternatively, it off balances your opponent, slows them down, and makes them hesitant.

Practice these four mental techniques, and soon you will dominate the game from every position. Remember, you are not in danger – you are the danger.

Rob Magao and Eli Knight a sneaky sweep and submission from bottom side control: