The other day, I had someone in my guard who was exhausted and trying to stall. He basically wrapped his hands around my neck in a semi-can-opener and was resting on top of me.

I was having a lot of trouble getting him to budge until I remembered back to my old traditional martial arts background and recalled a pressure point in the side of the jaw. That seemed to work -- he moved his head away to avoid the discomfort, creating space -- but now I'm starting to wonder if that move was legal. Anybody know?

In any case, what do you guys like to do when you have someone stalling in your guard like that? His head was right next to mine and I was thinking reversal, but I couldn't get my hips clear to bridge or scissor. Any suggestions?

Jeff

Yeah man nothing wrong with that. As long as the dude doesn't get pissed it's fair game. I usually punch them and say "uhh.. sorry", then I sweep the moment they are in shock. Another technique I like is when the guy is defending the ezekial, I headbutt them and they open up. Did this to Sergio the other day.. he hasn't spoken to me since

From what you described it seems that the guy in order to do that has to be leaning forward. This often leaves them vulnerable to all attacks and sweeps that involve bringing the opponent over your head.
Try either going for an armbar, or hook one of your arms under his leg and try bringing him over with a bicycle sweep.
Also for the neck crank to work the opponent needs both elbows closed. Try opening them up to release the pressure and then move your hips.

In this particular case, my opponent was laying flat across me, basically giving me a really tight hug. Therefore, my hips and upper body were essentially flattened in place and I couldn't move them easily.

However, I like the idea of lifting the elbows. I think that that may work in this case. It'd give me enough space to start escaping my hips, which should break the deadlock and possibly even set me up for a nice omoplata. Sweet!

Thanks very much for the suggestions!

Jeff G

Hey Jeff, how can your opponent be laying across you if he is in your guard?
was he in side mount?

Sorry, I was unclear. He's in my guard, chest against my chest, and his head to one side of my head. He has his arms wrapped around my neck.

Jeff

Pressure points are not allowed...