Issue 102

Renzo Gracie is viewed as one of the greatest BJJ artists ever, and an inspiration to many. Each issue, he does us the honor of passing on his skills and wisdom.

‘LION KILLER’ CHOKE COUNTER

1) Ali (blue T-shirt) takes Renzo’s back and gets a standing rear naked choke (also called the ‘lion killer’ or ‘mata leo’ in Portuguese).

2) Renzo creates space between his own neck and Ali’s arm by placing both of his hands on the bicep and wrist of his opponent.

3) Renzo steps to his right and bends his body at a 90 degree angle. Simultaneously he places his left leg behind Ali’s leg so his opponent can’t move to take his back.

4) Renzo drops to his right knee and posts with his right arm. The left leg still prevents Ali from taking Renzo’s back. 

5) Renzo continues dropping all the way down to his right elbow. As his right hip follows his body down, he rolls through and flips Ali over his right shoulder.

6) Both guys are now on the ground. Renzo, continuing to hold Ali’s wrist, posts with his right leg and begins to roll toward his left.

7) While staying low and close to his opponent’s body, Renzo steps his right leg over his left and begins to move chest to chest.

8) Renzo finishes the position in side control. He uses his right tricep and elbow to keep his opponent from shrimping and getting his hips out.