Could this be the piece you've been missing in your BJJ or MMA game?

As a Brazilian BJJ practitioner, or an MMA grappler the importance of having an arsenal of techniques to rely on in challenging situations, can be the difference between victory and defeat. It's not an easy battle, because you are fighting not only with an opponent, but also against energy expenditure, so if your techniques and counters aren't effective, you will end up fatigued and less capable to defend yourself. This is why it is crucial to invest some time in carefully testing out a guard that works for others and what works for you. After all, what is worse than being on the ground in a tight spot without having a trustworthy solution?

Let's take an MMA scenario for example. You are on your feet, the opponent is lighting you up and your takedowns aren't working. What do you do? Stay on your feet and get knocked out? It's only a matter of time before it happens. What's your answer? Same thing in BJJ when the other guy is stronger, more experienced, more technical, younger and a better athlete than you. Both you and I know what that feels like, and it sucks (in a good way because we love BJJ) It is against such opponents that you have to break the pattern and switch up to become unpredictable. Because by moving away from the traditional patterns, you will have the element of surprise on your side. But to do so, you need to look for answers outside of what everyone else are using. You need a system that will make all the difference. 
One system that has been a game-changer for me, and I believe should be in every BJJ & MMA practitioner's toolkit, is the Lockdown. The lockdown offers a unique combination of safety and efficiency, making it an invaluable tool for anyone who wants to stay safe and become truly deadly from their back.

Injury: As you probably already know, injuries are inevitable. So, when you're in the heat of a fight or grappling match, you need a strategy to protect yourself and recover quickly, all while maintaining a dominant position. This is also where the lockdown comes in. This highly effective technique immobilizes your opponent, preventing them from transitioning to more dominant positions like the mount or side control. When you have someone locked down, they're unable to impose their strategies on you, which makes it a perfect position for recovery. The lockdown offers a safe space to get  underhooks and regain control, all while conserving your energy. As the opponent struggles to overcome the lockdown, they end up expending precious energy that could give you the upper hand later in the roll. This energy conservation is vital in high-pressure situations, allowing anyone who preserves it to stay fresh and ready for whatever comes next.

In my experience, not only does the lockdown offer a secure position for recovery, but it also provides a platform to launch a counterattack. Once I've regained my composure and caught my breath, I can begin to mount an assault from my back, using the lockdown as leverage. It's really amazing how this skillset can turn the tables when you need it the most, transforming a vulnerable position into a powerful advantage, especially when using the Electric Chair submission. Of course, this is just a tiny component in the overall system, but the Electric Chair is definitely a sub that is high percentage and very surprising to most opponents.  

Additionally, the lockdown also allows me to "hide" from my opponent, making it difficult for them to find openings to exploit. With the element of surprise on my side, I can catch my opponents off guard and capitalize on their vulnerabilities. There's nothing more satisfying than seeing the look of confusion on an opponent's face as the tide suddenly turns in my favor. So, I cannot emphasize enough the value of the lockdown as a tool in my arsenal. It provides a stable recovery position while immobilizing your opponent, conserving your energy, and setting the stage for a powerful counterattack. By mastering the lockdown, you'll be well on your way to becoming a more formidable fighter and grappler, ready to take on any challenge that comes your way. So, if you haven't already, start incorporating the lockdown into your training routine. Just try the connection and feel it for yourself – you won't regret it.

Frank Barca, 10th Planet, Melbourne, Australia