Issue 073
March 2011
You might not be invincible after being run over by a truck while a toddler as, legend has it, happened to ‘Big Nog’. But you can still put the MMA pioneer’s trademark BJJ-based MMA game into practice, especially with the help of Team Nogueira tutor Leo Nagao...
Boxing
The Nogueira brothers (Antonio ‘Big Nog’ Rodrigo and Antonio ‘Little Nog’ Rogerio) both developed their boxing to such a standard that they could’ve represented Brazil at the Olympics. Instead they chose to continue their careers in MMA, and put their hand skills to great use in the cage rather than the ring.
In the Gym
Work your basic punch combinations, and have your pad man throw back jabs and crosses so you can practice slipping and countering. Put a rope across the ring at shoulder height then practice rolling underneath and throwing a one-two each time to ensure you have maintained a good, balanced stance every time you step.
In Action
In Pride: Shockwave 2006, 'Minotauro' used great head movement and sharp hands to outbox Josh Barnett. This avenged the split-decision loss from his previous bout when he’d been unable to submit the American catch wrestler.
Half guard sweep
Many heavyweights lack the dexterity to properly execute attacks from half guard, but Minotauro made this position his own, demonstrating better than anybody how this technique can be employed effectively in MMA.
In the Gym
You don’t have to be a passive player to use half guard. The Nogueira half guard attack can be launched from a single leg attack too, ideal if you’re having trouble completing takedowns on an opponent with strong defensive wrestling. Here world champion BJJ black belt Leo Negao, himself of Team Minotauro, demonstrates a twist on the classic Nogueira attack.
In Action
Minotauro swept Tim Sylvia with his classic half guard attack at UFC 81.
Guard and submissions
Minotauro’s not only famous for his skill in applying the submission. There’s his noted ability to endure ground ‘n’ pound and wait for the right moment to launch submission attacks. This style of fighting requires physical and mental toughness, and an unfaltering belief in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
In the Gym
Have your training partner work inside your closed guard. As he strikes, cover the punches and slip your knee through so that his bicep is trapped between your hand and your shin. From this position you can secure him so he’s unable to strike. Then pass the leg for a triangle or work for an omoplata on the other side. Try securing the arm and using upkicks from your back as a distraction to sink in the triangle.
In Action
Look back to the early days of Japanese MMA. At Pride 15, Minotauro submitted Gary Goodridge by triangle then returned at Pride 16 to defeat the incredibly powerful wrestler Mark Coleman with a triangle/armbar combination. He endured ground ‘n’ pound from inside guard and waited for the right moment to apply the submission.
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