MO1.2 Basic Mount Technique- [Closed Guard]: 

(Tori’s Training Perspective) This is the first cousin of the “Open Guard.” If you’ve placed an opponent in the guard, you are not getting kicked, but you can be struck with fists, knees and elbows. First breath and relax. Do not waste energy.  Many students will wrap their legs around uke to limit his/her mobility. Uke will want to strike you, so you can arch your back to extend the distance needed to land the blows effectively. Also try and control uke’s hands. This control can translate into a joint lock. You can move between open and closed guard to facilitate escape from this position, but you can also choke from this position. You cannot strike with your feet in this position. This tactic is mainly for control.

Warning: You can be placed in an ankle lock if you intertwine your ankles in the closed guard position.

(Uke’s Training Perspective) There are several methods to get out and escape this position if grappling is not your strong suite. Reach behind and place one of uke’s ankles in a lock. If their closed guard is strong and you cannot land the ankle lock, lift them with Daki-age and slam them repeatedly into the tatami until they return to the open guard. Try to pass the guard or stand and begin kicking the downed opponent’s legs.  Do not let the opponent stand-up unless range one and two are your strong points.

Warning: If you’re on your back in a life preservation situation the guard is not where you want to be, but if you’re knocked to the ground you need to know how to fight from this range. 

Mount:

Student-1: (Tori) Back to the tatami in the guarding position with legs wrapped around uke.

Student-2: (Uke) In student-1’s guard.

Execution:

• (Tori) Student -1 wrap your legs around uke’s waist.
• (Tori) Arch you back to keep uke at bay.
• (Tori) Tie-up uke’s hands.
• (Uke) Push your knees under tori’s thighs to create a stronger base.

Note: Uke don’t extend your arms, and don’t let the tori pull you forwards

• (Uke) Lift with Daki-age (high lift throw) and slam tori onto the tatami. If the uke loosens their grip with the legs, pass the guard or try to stand and begin to kick their legs and hip joints.

Practice Options

1. (Uke) Student-2 creates a wider base and punches to groin, bladder, face, and solar plexus. Uke can practice driving their knee into the uke’s coccyx.
2. Uke) Should practice Daki-age.
3. (Tori) Student-1 can practice pulling uke down and placing them in a triangle choke or arm-bar.
4. (Tori) Student-1 should work on limiting uke’s ability to pass the guard.
5. (Tori) Student-1 should work on controlling uke’s hands to limit his/her striking ability and pulling uke close. Limit his/her ability to breathe.
6. (Tori) should work on applying, simple chokes, finger locks and larger joint locks from this position.

Note: In a life preservation situation uke can crush the attacker’s testicles.