How to Play an Offensive Guard the John Danaher Way
Unlock the Secrets of Aggressive Guard Play with John Danaher's Techniques
Hey there!
Today, we're unlocking the secrets of playing an offensive guard, guided by the principles of John Danaher. This approach revolutionizes traditional guard play, pivoting from defense to offense seamlessly. Or, in John Danaher lingo (and more accurately said), how to go from a defensive cycle into an offensive cycle
Understanding the Knowledge Denial Method (KDM)
The KDM revolves around recognizing what our opponent needs to pass our guard and systematically denying them that opportunity. We've touched on this in past issues, and I'll revisit it in a summarized form in future newsletters. Key aspects include:
Controlling the space between our knees.
Maintaining Knee-Elbow/Chest connections.
However, guard retention, while crucial, isn't the endgame. Staying purely defensive or in a 'defensive cycle' will eventually lead to your guard being passed. It's just a matter of time.
Transitioning to Offense from Guard: This leads us to our main focus: How do we play guard effectively, or rather, how do we stay offensive from guard to avoid being constantly on the defense?
Here, we need to adopt a series of concepts or principles, sequential in nature, to transition smoothly from one to the next:
Mastering the Offensive Guard
Concept #1: Creating Meaningful Connections
The first step in Danaher's offensive guard strategy is to establish grips that control the distance and the match's tempo. These grips include scoop grips, overhooks, underhooks, 2-on-1 grips, Achilles grips, kimura grips, and arm-drags.
Concept #2: Immediate Off-Balancing - The Danaher Way
Against Kneeling Opponents
Implement a sweeping attempt, like sumi-gaeshis, or use push-and-pull tactics based on visual cues to create opportunities.
Against Standing Opponents
Focus on unbalancing them, creating Kuzushi. Move them in various directions, aiming to make them post hands on the mat or fall to their hips. Even the attempt can create openings for an attack.
Concept #3: Advancing Position - From Connection to Control
Once you've established a strong grip and off-balanced your opponent, it's time to launch an attack or improve your position. This could involve transitioning to a leg-lock entry or sweeping to gain top control..
Adaptability is key to exploiting submission opportunities or achieving dominant positions.
Practical Sequence Example
The whole sequence looks like this:
Get a good grip (meaningful connection) → Off-balanced them → Generate an attack off the off-balance
Here are some examples:
Strong Grip Foundation: Initiate with a 2-on-1 wrist and elbow grip.
Dynamic Off-Balancing: Use the grip to control and move your opponent.
Offensive Transition: Choose between a leg-lock setup or a sweeping maneuver to gain a dominant position.
Another example from Gordon: Meaningful conection→ Immediate Off Balancing → Start Offensive Cycle with leg attack.
And here’s one from last week’s AIGA event. Look like Dominic Mejia gets meaningful connections, unbalances his opponent, and starts an offensive cycle with a leglock entry:
Embracing these principles will elevate your guard game, aligning with John Danaher's revolutionary approach. Stay tuned for more insights into playing an offensive guard the John Danaher way.
Train hard, roll smart!
Oss!