Update on Karate Bunkai in BJJ

At training on Thursday I did the no-Gi followed by the Gi session for a total of 3 hours of BJJ - completely exhausting. I also have several scratches because one of my rolling partners didnt cut their nails enough.

Anyway, I tried out my Sanseru bunkai guard pass (see previous post) against our second highest instructor (a BJJ Brown belt, say equivalent of Shodan/Nidan Karate skills due to different ranking system). It sort of worked, but he asked me "what the hell was that crazy shit you used? It wasn't BJJ!"

I was very fortunate to be able to discuss the technique with him and our black belt (20 years training, highest ranked in Adelaide) and the following is what I derived from the discussion.

- Using the 'step over guard pass' exposes the back. You are completely exposing it and are in a bad position if the opponent is fast.

- The technique applies pressure towards the knee. Therefore if done wrong may injure the knee.

The opponent can avoid the guard pass by pulling the attacked leg back, and then can take advantage by pressing it towards you. However I suggested that one would only use this technique when the guard is difficult to pass and the closed guard is firmly on. Perhaps to counter a retraction of legs one could hold onto the attacked leg?

- The opponent can base themselves with arms out and prevent you flipping them.

- It was noted that this is similar to the 'spine breaking' technique that occured in the infamous youtube video.

While this is slightly different to the bunkai (because the opponent who got badly injured here was holding onto a leg) the point remains, and one would have to be very careful to make sure that one's opponent does not have their neck in the wrong position.

- However it was noted that although an opponent could avoid the guard pass it could be an effective "once per match" move. It was also agreed that the move was a very effective move for use on the street.

What a great opportunity it is to be able to use on art to test another!

Osu!