Bernardo Faria contra Lagarto, na final do Europeu 2012. Foto: Raphael Nogueira/GRACIEMAG.com

Quando você briga para evitar a passagem de guarda e cai na posição de quatro apoios, você não está 100% a salvo, ainda.

Um dos caminhos é não cair na posição, e catar logo as pernas do parceiro para cair por cima. Caso não dê certo, é hora de aprender a se defender virado para o chão.

O adversário pode pegar suas costas, catar seu pescoço no relógio, jogar o peso em cima da sua nuca, entre outros ataques e sufocos. O que fazer? Como se defender?

O faixa-preta Sean Bansfield, nosso GMA em Ann Arbor, Michigan, mostra no vídeo a seguir como se proteger na posição. A primeira recomendação é virar com segurança quando o oponente enfiar o primeiro gancho, e assim ceder a meia-guarda (1min01s).

Outra opção, quando o oponente estiver mirando seu pescoço na norte-sul, é quebrar a pegada dele e rolar para cair por cima (2min05s).

A terceira é uma posição que simboliza a essência do Jiu-Jitsu: sem fazer força, o professor simplesmente se senta (3min20s) e chega com suavidade para as costas do lutador que o atacava.

Na quarta e quinta, Sean ensina a movimentar-se para a frente para tentar ganhar um espaço e escapar do incômodo.

Confira e comente se você gostou e vai testar na próxima vez!

Bernardo Faria against Lagarto in the final at the 2012 European Championship / Photo by Raphael Nogueira/GRACIEMAG.com

When you’re fighting to keep your guard from getting passed and you end up on all fours, you know you’re not in the clear, yet.

One of the routes to take is to not get stuck there: grab the opponent’s leg and land on top. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to learn to defend while facing downwards.

The opponent can take your back, catch you in a clock choke, bear his weight down on the back of your neck, or do a whole assortment of other unpleasantries to you. What do you do? How do you defend?

In the following video, the black belt Sean Bansfield, a GMA of ours in Ann Arbor, Michigan, shows how to protect yourself in the position. At minute 1:01 he recommends turning safely when the opponent sticks the first hook in, thus conceding half-guard.

Another option, for when the opponent has your neck in his sights while in north-south position, is to break his grip and roll for top position—as in minute 2:05.

The third, at minute 3:20, is to rely on a position that embodies Jiu-Jitsu’s essence: without using any force at all, the Jiu-Jitsu professor simply sits and smoothly slides to the back of the fighter who was attacking him.

In the fourth and fifth variations, Sean teaches how to move forward to try to gain ground and avoid getting roughed up.

Give it a watch and let us know what you think.

Our GMA member Sean Bansfield, o Ann Arbor BJJ, is inviting for the 4th Michigam Jiu-Jitsu Gi & NoGi Championship.

It is set to take place January 29th, at the West Middle School, in Ypsilanti.

The event will feature both Gi and No-Gi division for men, women and kids.

Hurry and reserve your spot.

For more info, go to mbjjc.com

Do you own a Jiu-Jitsu academy and want to have your school featured  on GRACIEMAG.com? It’s easy, all you need to do is to become a GMA member. Click here and find out how.

Our GMA member Sean Bansfield, o Ann Arbor BJJ, is inviting for the Michigam Jiu-Jitsu Championship.

It is set to take place January 29th, at the West Middle School, in Ypsilanti.

The event will feature both Gi and No-Gi division for men, women and kids.

Hurry and reserve your spot.

For more info, go to mbjjc.com

Do you own a Jiu-Jitsu academy and want to have your school featured  on GRACIEMAG.com? It’s easy, all you need to do is to become a GMA member. Click here and find out how.