Recently we viewed the wrestler’s DVD and decided to give an analysis on each of the four parts. This DVD is based on improving the takedowns of BJJ players in Nogi. Specifically, the idea of the DVD is to end the takedown in a dominant position which improves the stand up game of the viewer. In this case, Nicky Rodriguez focuses on getting to the back via the takedown. This strategy has been used successfully throughout his career, which earned him a silver medal in the 2019 ADCC.
Table of Contents
Part One – Using the Snapdown
The first part is focused on snapdowns and using them to get the opponent on the floor. The first point of note is the technical application of the snapdown. Typically snapdowns are taught in a fairly sloppy manner. This involves dragging the opponent’s neck downwards which if often ineffective as the neck position is quite strong. Rodriguez acknowledges this and instead focuses on grabbing the side of the head. He also emphasizes twisting the head in an ‘S’ motion which breaks the opponent’s posture and will put their head down easier. Compared to the typical level of snapdown taught in BJJ, this technique is far superior and is more realistic.
Another key part of chapter one is based on the slide by move which he shows. Here he gets a two on one grip against the opponent’s hand and uses the opponent’s force to slide past their body. With the two on one grip, he pulls their hand down whilst pushing the elbow up to get to the side of the opponent. From here he then shows a bodylock slam which uses the knee to off balance the opponent on the floor. Again, this is a superior technique to typical BJJ takedowns as the subtle details such as the knee position add to its success rate.
The first chapter ends with Rodriguez showing back takes from these takedown positions. An interesting feature of this is that all of the takedowns end in side control or attacking the back. This is often an issue in BJJ where a takedown can lead to a negative position such as the opponent’s Closed guard, so Rodriguez shows how to avoid landing in bad positions.
Part Two – Using the Armdrag
The second part of the DVD looks at the high tension arm drag. Again, this shows the subtle intricacies which are often lacking in BJJ takedowns. For example, actually finishing an arm drag in sparring can be difficult when met with resistance. However, Rodriguez attacks it with added tension. This means he finishes the arm drag almost like a Kimura which forces the opponent’s arm under control. In short, this is a more controlled way of doing an arm drag which opens the opponent up to various take downs.
For instance, one of the routes from this method is going to a single leg, whilst another is attacking the ankle pick. Nicky Rod goes into fine detail on the ankle pick such as twisting the opponent’s foot and dragging backwards to finish the takedown. This goes against the traditional method of simply driving forwards which may be realistic against good wrestlers with base.
Similar to the first chapter, the DVD shows how each takedown can lend to different attacks. For instance, if the opponent defends the single leg then the ankle pick becomes available. With this in mind, it is always preferable to have a chain of attacks to keep the opponent paranoid.
Part Three – Defensive Wrestling
The third part of the DVD is where Rodriguez switches focus from attack to defense. However, he also starts with a high crotch attack. Again this move is versatile and can be finished as a single leg or even a fireman’s carry. Once more Rodriguez goes into the key details which are sometimes missing in these situations such as hand placement and the mechanics of the position.
From a defensive perspective, he also looks at defending the single leg. Often it’s taught to get a collar tie and then try and kick the leg through, which may not always work. Here, we are shown a variation that seems more realistic. Instead of kicking the leg, he also holds the opponent’s elbow whilst doing so. This makes the escape much easier and again this variation isn’t always taught.
Part Four – The Pancake
This is the final part of the DVD. Here Rodriguez starts with another defensive counter which is the pancake. This move enters via a double leg takedown from the opponent. The idea is to then get a strong underhook and head control whilst holding their far hip. This acts similarly to a half nelson in terms of head control and can be used to take your opponent down into body lock control. Once more, this is something you may not always see being taught in a BJJ gym so it’s good to see something different which works.
After this, he shows his famous cartwheel pass and how to execute it on seated opponents. This is the only part of the DVD which isn’t focused on takedowns but is good if you want to learn the pass.
After this, the drilling ends and he gives a brief talk on how to improve your BJJ. This involves drilling on either side and competing as often as possible to gain experience. Rodriguez only had 16 months BJJ experience when winning silver at ADCC. However, he was very experienced at competition in wrestling. He claims this is vital for success and experience can often beat skill which is probably true.
Summary
Overall this is a really good DVD. After watching Rodriguez in action it would be easy yet lazy to say he is overly reliant on his athleticism. However, after watching this DVD it is clear he is very technical and skilled when it comes to wrestling and back takes.
Perhaps the biggest issue with modern BJJ is the lack of takedowns which this addresses. Not only this but the quality usually taught is not great as it’s often taught by people who aren’t specialists at them. However, because of his wrestling background you can see the experience and the micro-details show how to vastly improve your stand up game.
Because of this, it’s not only good for BJJ students to learn but also for those doing MMA. As wrestling is such a key part in both sports these days this DVD is a great place to learn. Whether you’re new or experienced at BJJ you will be able to take something away from watching it. With this in mind, we recommend it for all who are into BJJ.
If you want to improve your takedowns, it’s simple – get Nicky Rod’s DVD now.
