During our time training in jujitsu, whether it be 2 months or 2 years, we have all heard of the terms “applying pressure” and/or “keeping the pressure” on your opponent. This could mean applying pressure from a top position, from a bottom position, and even some places in between. This article will explain some tips, tricks, and concepts that will supplement your jujitsu game and help you improve in the areas where straight forward cut and dry technique sometimes can’t.
Keeping the pressure on top :
- Shoulder pressure – when on top of your opponent in side control, your goal as the guy on top is to keep the guy on bottom where he is, right? One great way to make sure this happens is shoulder pressure. Cupping under your opponents neck or jaw with your head-side hand and driving his or her face away from you with your shoulder can be a great tool for applying pressure. If your opponents’ head is looking away from you, he or she will have a very hard time turning their body towards you to get you into some form of guard.
Shoulder pressure doing work
- Switching the Hips –while in top side control, your opponent is more than likely going to try to get back to his guard. By switching your hips and applying pressure through a certain side of your body, you can prevent this. This is something that improves over time as you get used to tinkering and experimenting with different forms of hip pressure.
“twister side control”
One form of side control, popular with judo players
A great way to improve your side control pressure is by training with an exercise ball. Apply side control pressure through the ball and experiment with different angles and movements, all while still driving your weight through the ball. This will get you used to applying pressure through your opponent constantly so that their chances of getting back to guard are slim to none.
Keeping the pressure on bottom:
Usually as the guy on bottom, you are looking to improve your position by creating space and distancing yourself from your opponents attacks. This may be true, but having an aggressive guard and excellent timing are just as important.
An aggressive guard will keep your opponent constantly guessing and defending your sweeps. If you stay active and keep the pressure on your opponent by having an aggressive guard, you are much better off than if you were to sit and wait for your opponent to attack.
Having good timing on bottom is key as well. If you notice that your opponent is moving toward you, wait for the perfect moment and attack him before he can try to pass. Sweeps like arm drags and gi drags can be utilized while trying to apply this concept.
Here’s a great example of applying pressure from bottom with an aggressive guard and good timing:
Keeping the pressure on your opponent can do wonders when it comes to competition. If your opponent is constantly being flattened and crushed while on bottom, and constantly being attacked and surprised while on top, his or her will-power can deteriorate and cause them to believe that they will not win the match. These concepts on pressure tie directly into the mental aspect of the game. (if you are into the mental and psychological aspect of jujitsu, BJJ champion Dan Faggella has a fantastic article on “mental momentum” right here)
Try integrating these concepts and tips into your training and you will surely be surprised by what kinds of improvements you will see in both your top and bottom jujitsu game.
Roll Hard!
-N
Chube Jitsu 
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