Whenever I’ve been fortunate enough to teach a seminar, or a private lesson, or even just a class, I always have the same advice every single time; make the fight as unfair as humanly possible. I do not mean to cheat, or use cheap tricks, or any sort of underhanded techniques. No, what I mean by this is to eliminate anything that would allow the fight to become an equal, 50/50 battle. The best offensive maneuver in Jiu Jitsu is anything that eliminates all possible defenses or escapes, and that is what I vehemently work towards every single time. Just like in life, why do we allow ourselves to be put into a situation where a fight is equal? Let alone allow our adversaries a chance to not only counter, but to get the upper hand? My favorite kind of offense is the kind that can’t be defended. For every defense you have, I have several other options to proceed forward. You are always a step, or two, or three behind and I get an advantage by constantly having you on guard.
Not only do I work everything I can to prevent this being an equal battle, I ensure that it also never becomes a 50/50 battle on strength for strength. Meaning that I know I’m at a size disadvantage being an atomweight and a female with invariably different bone structure and size versus the average woman, or as most know, against the men we are normally partnered up with in such a male dominated sport. It boils down to me knowing that if I ever get into a battle of strength, I’m losing that war. Point blank period. I hear all the time that I’m strong for my size. But if you look around, who in the hell is my size!? I’m the Polly pocket, thumbelina, pint sized individual at the gym, and most people there can lob me off of their bodies with the simplest of ease. Therefore, my entire game has to be completely offensive in a way that corners my opponent into not allowing them a chance to reciprocate. If the move can’t be defended, I win. If my sweeps can’t be stopped, submissions can’t be defended, and strikes can’t be blocked, and I am relentless with that assault, then I win. It won’t be a fair fight, and I will do whatever possible to ensure it remains so.
Years ago, I attended a BJJ seminar as a fresh blue belt from Dave Camarillo that completely changed my view point. He always talked about multiple attacks from the same position. Rather than choosing the option where if you make an attempt at a move and fall short, you are now in the position to just launch another attack. It’s why I will always prefer to attack from the top position, which is especially important when it comes to MMA. If I lose the submission, I’m still on top and I have gravity and strikes on my side from that viewpoint. It’s a reason why some of the best Jiu Jitsu athletes in the game will have whole series dedicated to attacking the back. Your opponent can’t fight you if they can’t face you and there are a boatload of submissions you can apply and attack whilst being able to take your time climbing the back like a spider monkey. Why get into a scramble if it can be avoided? Sure, I may be better or faster than my opponent, but is that a risk I am really willing to take? One simple mistake in a 50/50 scramble can cost you the match or the fight and I much prefer to not even give them a chance to outdo me in anything.
We out here forcing people to think more than they can fight. If you’re too busy contemplating your methods of defense, then you are not attacking me and therefore I am at an advantage. I’ll hit them with the ol’ Kentucky fried chicken. Aka, that 3 piece combo, so while they’re defending I’m already putting into effect my next move. If you’re lucky, you may get a biscuit on the side too. Holla at your girl, Colonel Sanders because I’m finger lickin’ good. Just like the mythological hydra, you cut off one head and there grow 3 more ready to launch an attack. I prefer my opponents to be forced multiple steps behind and therefore always playing catch up. I try to eliminate any obstacles that may cause a more equal battle and will openly admit I want my skills, training, and most importantly fight IQ to be so superior that the battle beforehand is as absolutely unfair as possible. I’m tired of people preaching fairness, like by saying all is fair in love and war; probably the 2 most unfair things life has to offer. If you expect life to be fair because that’s how you are, then you are a fool. It’s like expecting the lion not to eat you because you didn’t eat him. Don’t delude yourself into believing each battle should be equal and start learning to make the fight unfair.
