As the majority of the guys we have training are predominantly grapplers/jiu jitsu guys, I thought I give some pointers on the stand-up wrestling.

Most of you have an knowledge of throws or takedowns, but one thing I think most of you learnt from Saturday's interclub was that you lack the necessary skills (the practical ability or "working-knowledge") for pulling off those throws, whether that be due to confidence in executing the technique, incorrect balance, inability to off-balance your opponent, entry to the throw or getting a dominant grip in the first place.

Now these are all things that we can work on in classes, but don't let yourselves think this is a huge problem. Just think about it logically & work out what you need to do to address it.

If I was to put you on your backs & ask you to show me a grip on the jacket to control your opponent or how to sweep them, you'd all have several options you could show me & different favourites. Most of you would be able to show several options if your first method is countered or defended...and even if those sweeps don't work when you are rolling you'll have an idea of why or what went wrong.

On the floor you can't "force the fight", you have to rely on momentum, timing, action & reaction. Half the time you use a sweep it's because you have set it up & caused your opponent to move where you want them or you have reacted to an action they have taken.

Think of your stand-up wrestling in the same way. It's vitally important to drill and practise the techniques so they are engrained in your muscle memory, in the same way as you practise your groundwork. Practise gripping correctly, practise your entry & footwork endlessly & stick to what you are being taught when sparring at the end. Don't treat stand-up/randori/wrestling (whatever you call it) as a fight, use the same methods as you do with groundwork. Drill it, Try it, Correct it, Refine it, Drill it, Try it, Correct it...you get the idea!! And add into that Time, Patience, & Perseverance.

Don't "force the fight" stood up (same as on the ground). If you try to muscle a move or force it it's unlikely to work unless you outweight your opponent by 50kg (same as on the ground). You need to use timing, set-ups, momentum (same as on the ground) and if you can't make it work ASK (same as on the ground).

The only time you can "force" a throw is when you are trying to learn it, but generally this requires a degree of compliance from your training partner or you need to be trying it on someone of a lower skill level.

When you get it right, you won't even be aware that you have thrown someone until after it's happened. I can't think of any times in a competition environment where I've actually "tried" a throw...they just "happen" without thinking.

I heard it described once as knowing the gun has gone off, but being unaware that you pulled the trigger. It's a great feeling, when you are stood there, seeing someone at your feet, knowing you did it, but not quite sure what you actually did.

As Bruce Lee would say "don't think...feeeeeeeeel"

Laters guys.