On the Mat Day 311: Switching From Turtle

I really like wrestling moves so this lesson was particularly fun for me. I got down on all fours with my partner in front of me and performed switch outs that take me to the back. We did variations with the opponent clutching under the armpits or a seatbelt clutch. We also did a move where you put your head in between his legs and push up to send him in the air and into side control. Very fun class plus K-sensei allowed us a lot of time to drill each one.

Sparring was fun and tough at the same time. Some strong guys came to class. I've noticed the younger white belts are getting better, too. One of the guys who trains last night didn't turn up because he was severely injured on Saturday night. He is a white belt and was sparring with a more athletic white belt who jumped guard. The guard jumper slid down his leg and the poor guy's knee buckled inwards. He snapped his ACL and also broke the bones around his knee. Really shitty luck considering he had recovered from a dislocated shoulder in summer. I hope it doesn't deter him from continuing. It just reinforces to all of us at the gym that grappling can incur some really serious injuries and we roll extra careful.

Sparring time: 6 x 6 mins = 36 mins

Also did about 20 minutes of escape drills with Terazawa-san after class. Side and kesa-gatame escapes then finished with sitting guard sweeps.