Some concepts and tools are more widely useful in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu than others are. And you need to learn how to use them not just for immediate gain, but also for gaining additional opportunities.
For example, the Chin Strap. This tool isn’t just useful when it comes to finishing Guillotine Chokes, but also for when you’re trying to set up a Guard Pass or two!
Coach Tom, from The Grappling Academy, explains and demonstrates in neat detail below.
THE CHIN STRAP: YOU’D BE CRAZY NOT TO USE IT
The best way to get used to the “feel” of a Chin Strap (and to properly using it) is either from Closed or Butterfly Guard. Coach Tom demonstrates how this tool looks like: you’ll grab your training partner’s hand in a Guillotine fashion, strapping his chin with your fingers. Make it a point to keep these fingers tight together; you don’t want your opponents to peel them off.
Then, you’re going to basically roll their chin in towards yourself while rolling your shoulder forward. This will make up for a tight squeeze, which you can easily use for a tap by bringing their head down to the mat and stopping them from rolling forward.
Now, this tool can and should be used in other scenarios as well. For instance, if you’re passing the opponent’s Half Guard, you can Chin Strap them. This will cause them to grab your hand, thus opening up their ribcage space (necessary for getting the pass).
You can even use it in Side Control, to prevent them from shrimping effectively. How? Just watch Coach Tom explain it on the video below:
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