kiss of the dragon
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About This Technique
Kiss of the Dragon
The "Kiss of the Dragon" is a dynamic sweep and back take technique predominantly executed from the Open Guard or Reverse De La Riva Guard. While the exact origins or Japanese term aren't definitively documented, it's a maneuver recognized for its high risk-reward profile. When performed correctly, it places the practitioner in a dominant back position.
Position: Open Guard or Reverse De La Riva Guard
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Initial Setup: - Begin from Reverse De La Riva Guard. This means your outside leg is hooked around their front leg, and your inside foot is resting on their thigh or hip. Your inside arm should control their ankle or pants.
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Control the Sleeve & Collar: - With your outside hand, grip the sleeve of your opponent’s nearest arm for control. Your inside hand should seek a collar grip (if wearing a gi) or alternatively the back of their neck (in no-gi).
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Hip Elevation & Inversion: - Elevate your hips by pushing off the foot that's on their thigh or hip. As you lift, invert yourself beneath your opponent, pivoting on your upper back. Your goal is to move beneath them while maintaining control with your grips.
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Re-Angle & Transition: - Once beneath, use your hooked leg to shift your opponent's balance laterally, allowing you to spin around behind them. Use your inversion movement to reappear behind them, with both legs now freed from the guard.
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Establish Hooks: - While emerging behind your opponent, swiftly work to establish back control by inserting your hooks (feet) inside their thighs, aligning parallel to their hips. Your chest should be close to their back.
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Secure Back Control: - Release the sleeve grip, transitioning to control around their waist or across their shoulder for a seatbelt grip. This ensures you stabilize your position before completing the back take.
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Finish or Transition: - With control on their back, you’re in an optimal position to apply a submission technique, most commonly a Rear Naked Choke or to work towards establishing points in a competitive match.
Key Points to Consider:
- Timing & Momentum: The moment you invert, ensure it’s dynamic yet controlled to prevent getting countered.
- Grips: Maintain strong grips until you've transitioned to the back. This helps maintain control.
- Escape Path: Be mindful of how you exit the position should the sequence not go as planned.
Summary:
"Kiss of the Dragon" is a highly versatile maneuver that allows a practitioner to transition from a defensive guard position into an aggressive offensive posture. It’s a testament to excellent coordination, agility, and timing, as it capitalizes on seamless movement beneath an opponent, ending in a potentially match-ending position.
How to Execute
# Kiss of the Dragon from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in an open guard position, facing your opponent who is standing or in a combat base. Your legs should be engaged, using frames or hooks to manage distance and control their movement.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Secure a sleeve grip on one of your opponent's arms, preferably their lead side. Use your other hand to control the ankle on the same side to monitor their base and balance.
## Steps
1. **Entry and Control**:
- Establish your initial grips as mentioned. Use your legs to manage distance and keep your opponent from closing in or passing.
- Pull slightly on the sleeve grip to off-balance your opponent, creating a reaction for your entry.
2. **Initiate the Spin**:
- Drop your hips slightly while maintaining the sleeve grip, and scoot your hips inward towards your opponent's ankle.
- Use your free hand to post on the mat for support if needed, allowing you to pivot more effectively.
3. **Leg Positioning**:
- Bring your inside hook leg (closest to their controlled ankle) under and behind your opponent’s standing leg, creating a butterfly hook.
- Simultaneously, swing your other leg over and around to initiate the spin, aiming to bring your head underneath them.
4. **Rotate Underneath**:
- As you spin, keep your head close to their legs and maintain control over their sleeve to guide their balance.
- Use the momentum to rotate your entire body under your opponent, keeping your hips elevated and close to their legs.
5. **Control and Take the Back**:
- As you emerge on the other side, immediately establish hooks with your legs, aiming to control your opponent's hips.
- Use your sleeve grip to pull yourself up to their back, transitioning into a controlling position.
- Secure a seatbelt grip (one arm over the shoulder, the other under the armpit) to stabilize your position.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Keep your grips tight throughout the movement to maintain control and prevent your opponent from easily countering.
- Ensure your spin is tight and close to their legs; distance will allow them to escape or adjust their balance.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Do not lose the tension in your grips; this could allow your opponent to disconnect and reestablish their base.
- Avoid a loose spin; maintain constant pressure and control as you move underneath to prevent your opponent from sprawling or stepping away.
- Make sure to establish hooks promptly after spinning under to prevent your opponent from turning or escaping.