Basic Skills - On Your Feet!

by John Sacchi

Head Coach - Rutgers University

New Brunswick, New Jersey

1. Position: Most important skill - must maintain good position - NEVER sacrifice position for a move!

2. Motion: Whoever creates motion generally has the advantage.

3. Level Changes: Some moves require multiple level changes. When standing, the level change is at the knees - not the hips.

4. Penetration: The outside step, knee dip and double knee drop work best when an opponent is stepping or pushing into you. The inside step allows you to attack an opponent who is not giving pressure back. It allows you to travel to him.

5. Lifting: Must be able to lift from all positions, front, back, sides and from your knees as well.

6. Stance: Elbows in, head up, butt down, knees bent - stay relaxed and move.

7. Making Contact: Don't reach - make contact by:

a. "Stalking" move into him in good position - make him reach first then make contact.

b. Grab a wrist first then a collar tie.

c. Keeping a low hand on your lead leg, body fake him then quickly club him (collar tie) with your back leg hand (always protect your lead leg). In most cases, as you make contact, club and move him - see below.

8. Establish position - then create motion.

9. Move one foot - always move the other to remain balanced.

10. Move your hands and feet - don't hang in your ties - push, pull, club, and circle.

11. Move him - move yourself, get him to step or post weight on the leg you want to attack.

12. Control the tie or break off and start again.