The matrix is a technique used in BJJ which was made by the Norweigan duo, Tommy Langaker and Espen Mathieson. They often refer to this as part of their Viking guard series which involves an aggressive open guard style. In terms of its uses, it is similar to the berimbolo as a concept. What is meant by this is that it’s not exactly a guard or a static position. Instead, it’s best to think of the matrix as a move which is often used to take the back or sweep the opponent.
In other words, the matrix can be hit from various guard positions as long as the entry is there. Common guard positions that can lead to the matrix include single leg X, X guard, reverse de la riva, and general open guard positions. They all require one key component. This is to get your outside leg chopping down on the opponent’s leg which puts their leg to the floor. From here, you can get to the matrix and start looking for attacks.
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Why the matrix is so useful
Before looking at the positions and entries, it’s important to identify why the matrix is so useful. Basically, if learned correctly then it’s incredibly powerful. Imagine you enjoy hitting berimbolo’s which can instantly turn a match in your favor. Now, imagine adding the equivalent to the berimbolo in the form of the matrix. Both moves share the ability to take the back, as well as sweep the opponent from a variety of positions. This is why the matrix is so useful and it’s arguably easier to do and isn’t very complicated when you learn its fundamental details.
Not only this but although it’s mostly a gi move – it can also be used in no gi. Generally, these moves are better to attempt in the gi as there’s material to grip which makes it harder for your opponent to defend. However, using the matrix in no gi is still a viable option. Having said this, this article will focus on entries involving the gi.
As Mathieson and Langaker are mostly gi specialists, it’s only fair to honor this. However, if you do learn it in the gi first (which is recommended) then you can always apply the same concepts in no gi, but replace belt and sleeve grips with wrist and hip control instead. Often in no gi it is referred to a K Guard.
Entering the matrix from reverse de la riva
To begin with, you want to grab the sleeve of the opponent on the same side of the leg that you will be chopping down on to. Next, you want to bring your arm under the leg of the opponent as if hitting a muscle sweep, similar to doing a kiss of the dragon. From here, you want to invert whilst keeping hold of the sleeve to stop them from escaping. When directly under the opponent, you should then take the original de la riva hook from inside his leg, to outside his leg and chop down on the calf to break them down towards the floor. At the same time, your other leg should be kicking into their armpit to keep them connected and pre-occupied.
After you’re under them, you should go out the back of their legs whilst holding the pants of the chopped leg and their belt with your other hand. You will now enter a crab ride position where you then need to kick them away and take the back. After this, the matrix has been completed and you now have the back to attack.
Entering the matrix from X guard
Again, remember the most important part of hitting the matrix is through chopping the leg. It also helps to torque the knee inwards, as if doing a knee reap which makes the leg less powerful and easier to manipulate.
To enter from X guard, you want to kick the opponent away as if going for a technical stand up which takes their weight off the near leg. You then throw your bottom leg (under the back of their far knee) around the back of their near knee, chopping the calf. From here, you once again grab the pant sleeve and keep their leg chopped down.
Like the reverse de la riva position, you can then execute the finish in the same way, which involves grabbing the belt and kicking through with a crab ride. This entry is much less complicated than the previous example given because it doesn’t require inverting and has fewer steps involved. You can also use both arms whilst in the X guard to pull the knee inwards which will make the move even easier to accomplish.
Entering the matrix from single leg X guard
As the single leg X is similar to the X guard, the entry here is kind of similar. The benefit of this position is that you already have the inside leg underneath your opponent, so it’s even less complicated than before. From here, you shoot your inside leg over their leg and chop at the calf, whilst putting your outside leg under their body.
To do this, you will need to have off-balanced them towards the opposite direction by kicking them towards the floor. Once here, you can set up your grips and you’re ready to take the back. If the opponent does try to escape, then as long as you have their pant grip, you should always be able to get a takedown sweep. In a perfect world, you would always get the back, but as BJJ isn’t predictable, sometimes you will have to settle for a sweep, especially against athletic, skilled opponents.
Similarities of the positions
As has been discussed, the matrix relies on using your leg to chop down on their leg to make it weak. From here, you can then move your hips to get to the back. However, the role of your other leg is important and must be underneath their hips to allow for the crab ride. It’s important not to have this leg too far out to avoid kneebar attacks.
Another important concept is to bring their knee inwards whilst setting the matrix up, as it harms their balance and makes it easier. Of course, the correct pant and belt grips are also very important. Often, if people don’t control these grips whilst attempting the matrix, they will fail as there’s no connection or control with the opponent.
Submissions from the matrix
Primarily, the matrix has two submissions if we’re not including getting to the back. The first submission is the calf crusher. As the opponent’s leg is chopped to the floor, it’s in a dangerous position with your shin on top of the calf muscle. If you then triangle your legs together and hug their waist, you can lean forwards to get a calf crusher. This move may submit the opponent, but if they’re defending the back well, then it may be a forced option to get them to move. Obviously, the submission is ideal, but it may open up the option to sweep the opponent by securing the body lock as well.
The second submission is the kneebar. As you’re under the opponent’s leg, you can drag their leg towards your chest to secure the knee line. From there, you can lock your legs together and hit the kneebar or toe hold. As the opponent is facing the other way, they can’t really do much. However, the most important part here is to get the knee line, otherwise, it won’t work. Once you’ve secured the knee, you can even triangle your legs over their other foot if you catch it, which adds even more control to the submission with little chance of escape.
Summary
The matrix is a fantastic technique to learn, and it’s no surprise that two of its biggest advocates (Mathieson and Langaker) are some of the best in the gi right now. As has been discussed, there are various entries into the matrix. However, there are also other positions such as lasso and collar sleeve guard, which the pair are best known for.
In brief, as long as you have the ability to get your one leg chopping down into the leg of the opponent, the matrix will always be an option. With this said, if you learn this as a concept then you can hit this move from anywhere and suddenly your guard will become much more powerful as a result.
For more information on the matrix position, you can purchase the instructional by Tommy Langaker and Espen Mathiesen here.
