D1 Wrestling Defense

Confidence Comes From Defense

DO THIS FIRST:

1. Actions & Reactions

How does one become truly confident in the standing position?

One word, defense. Having well rounded defense on your feet is the closest thing to having an actual force field around you at all times. It's what allows you to finally relax on your feet and let your own offense flow through.

In order to create high level, layered defense it helps to know what you're defending against. That's why in the beginning of this video we'll cover some basic offensive movements, namely the "drop step" or "penetration step".

Effective defense is the act of stopping your opponents attacks without thinking. If you're thinking about reacting to an opponents attack you will be far too late to actually defend. The best part? It's the easiest portion of the standing position to learn and commit to muscle memory. The basics of defense covered in this video can be mastered to a usable level in a matter of weeks.

Astonishingly, defense is one of the most overlooked and under-practiced elements in grappling.

Take advantage of your opponents oversight and commit to learning effective defense.

2. The Fun Stuff

Ok, but what if they actually get ahold of my legs, coach?

If your opponents and training partners beat your head, hands, and hip defense covered in the previous video and are able to grab ahold of your legs - this is where the fun begins.

There's actually a fourth and final layer of defense which is known in the wrestling world as "Funk". Under this umbrella term is a technique known as "limp legging" which is when one defends and frees their leg from an opponents grip after they've attempted a single leg of some kind.

I say this is where the fun begins because in the entirety of martial arts there are few results more satisfying than an opponent getting all the way to about 90% finished on a shot and you effortlessly free your leg from their grip at the last moment.

It discourages your opponent from attacking again and builds your confidence knowing that even if they are able to beat all your main layers of defense and obtain a leg you can still reliably defend.

Plus, it's particularly useful against larger, stronger opponents who have an easier time getting in on your legs.

3. Heel Curl

Once in a while we come across someone with super human strength. They bully their way to our legs and are able to hold on with vice like grips. When we encounter these gorilla humans the heel curl is your saving grace.

It's one of the few techniques which exist as an option if you can't effectively limp leg because their grip is too tight. Not only does it allow you to defend a strong opponents shot, but when done correctly, a very real and common outcome is taking your opponents back.

You read that right. The heel curl is an absolute life saver and table turner. One second your opponent is marching uninterrupted towards solidifying a takedown and the next moment you've taken their back.

Few techniques turn the tables from a completely dire situation into such a severe positional advantage so quickly. Such is the nature of the heel curl. Enjoy :)