Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is often associated with intricate ground fighting, but the match always begins on the feet. For many, the standing position is a chaotic and uncertain realm. However, John Danaher’s instructional series on BJJ Fanatics offers the fastest way to develop a formidable standing game, transforming this chaos into a structured and effective system. This approach to standing fast is based on a deep understanding of first contact, hand fighting, foot fighting, and, most importantly, the single leg takedown.
Table of Contents
The Fastest Way
John Danaher, a name synonymous with innovation in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, has revolutionized the way practitioners approach the gentle art. His instructional video series, “The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position,” available on John Danaher BJJ Fanatics, provides a comprehensive roadmap for conquering the standing game.
What sets this series apart is its systematic approach, which demystifies the initial phases of a BJJ match and provides clear, actionable strategies for success. Danaher’s teaching method, heavily rooted in logic and principles, makes his system effective. In this program, you can learn many of Danaher’s takedowns and standing strategies, along with techniques to utilize effective standing fast principles.
The Systematization of Chaos
Danaher’s genius lies in his ability to transform seemingly chaotic scenarios into structured, predictable exchanges. The standing game in BJJ often appears to be a flurry of grips, movements, and reactions, making it intimidating for many practitioners. However, Danaher breaks down this chaos into a logical sequence of events, emphasizing the importance of understanding and controlling each phase of the encounter to use the steps as the fastest way.
This systemization begins with establishing a solid foundation. Unlike other forms of grappling that might rely heavily on sheer athleticism or a wide array of techniques, Danaher’s approach is built on a few core principles. These principles are applicable regardless of the opponent’s size, strength, or specific techniques. By mastering these foundational elements, practitioners can develop a standing game that is both effective and adaptable, even against opponents who may seem more physically imposing.
The Primacy of Initial Contact
One of the central tenets of Danaher’s system is the emphasis on making meaningful initial contact. This is not simply about touching the opponent but about establishing a connection that sets the stage for the rest of the exchange. There are several ways to make meaningful first contact that put you in a position to win! In the world of BJJ, securing dominant grips and positioning right from the start can dictate the flow of the match. Danaher outlines various methods for achieving this, including the forehead-to-forehead technique, the rear hand reach, the front hand reach, and the head post.
Each of these methods has its own specific applications and advantages. For example, the forehead-to-forehead technique creates a close-quarters connection that minimizes the opponent’s ability to create space or initiate their own attacks. The rear hand reach, on the other hand, allows for a more dynamic approach, enabling the practitioner to control the opponent’s posture and disrupt their balance. By understanding the nuances of each method, BJJ players can choose the most appropriate one based on the specific situation and their own strengths.
The Single Leg Takedown: A Cornerstone of the System
Central to Danaher’s standing game is the single leg takedown. He argues that this is the highest percentage takedown in BJJ and the cornerstone of an effective standing strategy. The single leg takedown’s effectiveness stems from its versatility and relative safety compared to other takedowns that might expose the attacker to counter-attacks or leave them vulnerable on the ground. It is also one of the fastest way takedowns in the sport.
Danaher’s instructional series dedicates a significant portion of its content to mastering the single leg takedown, covering everything from the initial setup to various finishes. By placing primary importance on the single leg, Danaher provides a clear focal point for practitioners to develop their standing game, regardless of experience level. He breaks down the mechanics of the takedown into easily digestible segments, focusing on grips, footwork, and body positioning. This meticulous attention to detail enables students to quickly grasp the essential components of the single leg takedown and incorporate it into their arsenal.
John Danaher BJJ Fanatics
The collaboration between John Danaher and BJJ Fanatics has resulted in some of the most influential instructional content in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Available exclusively through the BJJ Fanatics platform, “The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position” is a testament to Danaher’s teaching prowess and his ability to distill complex concepts into actionable steps. The platform provides a seamless learning experience, allowing students to access the videos at their own pace and revisit specific sections as needed.
A Deep Dive into the Course Structure
“The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position” is structured into eight volumes, each building upon the previous one to create a comprehensive system for standing combat. This methodical progression ensures that students develop a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced concepts. The course begins with the fundamentals of stance, motion, and initial contact, laying the groundwork for everything that follows.
Volume 1 introduces the core principles of Danaher’s system, emphasizing the importance of a stable stance and purposeful movement. It also explores various methods for making initial contact, including the closed and open stance gripping strategies. Volume 2 delves deeper into hand fighting and foot fighting, two crucial elements of the standing game.
Hand fighting is broken down into three basic goals, while foot fighting is simplified into two, providing students with clear objectives to strive for in these often-confusing exchanges. These volumes go over the foundation of the fastest way to become effective in standing in BJJ.
High Single Leg Takedown and Its Variations
Volumes 3 and 4 focus on the high single leg takedown, examining various setups and finishes. Danaher provides a detailed breakdown of the mechanics involved, emphasizing the importance of proper body positioning and weight distribution. He also addresses common scenarios that might arise during a single leg attempt, such as the opponent’s defensive reactions, and offers effective solutions to overcome them.
These volumes explore different setups for the high single leg, including the collar and elbow, tricep and elbow, and arm drag variations. Each setup is presented with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the specific grips, footwork, and angles required for success. Volume 4 further expands on the single leg takedown by covering various finishes, such as the low inside/outside and high inside/outside variations. Danaher also introduces the concept of the foot-to-foot dilemma, a crucial aspect of the standing game that determines the effectiveness of takedown attempts.
Positional Attacks and Defensive Strategies
Volumes 5 and 6 shift the focus to positional attacks and defensive strategies. Volume 5 addresses situations where the single leg takedown is defended and provides a roadmap for transitioning to dominant positions like waist control or the underhook. This volume also covers important defensive counters to common reactions from the opponent, such as the limp leg and the guillotine.
Volume 6 explores positional attacks to the back, a highly advantageous position in BJJ. Danaher teaches various techniques for achieving back control, including snapdowns, duck unders, arm drags, and throw-bys. Each technique is broken down into its constituent parts, ensuring that students understand the underlying principles and can execute them effectively. These attacks are helpful when applying the fastest way to gain positional advantage.
Volume 7 is dedicated to defensive skills, covering essential techniques like hand fighting, down blocking, sprawling, and using the whizzer to defend against common takedowns. This volume emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong defensive posture and using proactive measures to shut down the opponent’s attacks before they can fully develop.
The final volume, Volume 8, brings everything together, demonstrating the entire system in action. It reviews the core concepts of initial contact, the single leg game, the positional game, and defensive tactics, providing a holistic view of Danaher’s approach to standing combat.
Standing Fast
The concept of standing fast in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu encompasses more than just literally remaining on one’s feet. It represents a mindset, a commitment to engaging in the standing position with confidence and purpose. Danaher’s system provides the tools and strategies necessary to develop this mindset, transforming the standing game from a daunting challenge into an opportunity for success.
By mastering the principles outlined in “The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position,” practitioners can develop a standing game that is both formidable and adaptable.
The Importance of Footwork
Footwork is a cornerstone of effective standing combat, and Danaher places significant emphasis on its development. He introduces the concept of the “foot-to-foot dilemma,” which highlights the importance of controlling the space between your feet and your opponent’s feet. By achieving advantageous foot positioning, you can create opportunities for takedowns while simultaneously limiting your opponent’s options. When an opponent is controlling your feet, standing fast becomes difficult.
Danaher teaches various techniques for generating favorable foot-to-foot positioning, often in conjunction with hand fighting. These techniques involve using connection hands to manipulate the opponent’s stance and create openings for attacks. By understanding the dynamics of foot positioning, practitioners can gain a significant advantage in the standing game, making it easier to execute takedowns and harder for opponents to do the same. There are two main goals of foot fighting in the program that really hone down on the fastest way to foot control.
Hand Fighting: Creating Opportunities
Hand fighting is another crucial aspect of the standing game, and Danaher’s system breaks it down into three basic goals. These goals provide a framework for understanding the purpose of hand fighting and using it to create takedown opportunities. By focusing on specific objectives, practitioners can engage in hand fighting with greater intention and effectiveness.
The first goal of hand fighting is to establish a dominant grip. This could involve securing a collar tie, an underhook, or any other grip that provides control over the opponent’s posture or movement. The second goal is to disrupt the opponent’s balance, making them more susceptible to takedowns.
This can be achieved through various means, such as pulling, pushing, or off-balancing techniques. The third goal is to create an opening for an attack. By using hand fighting to manipulate the opponent’s position, practitioners can create opportunities to execute takedowns or transition to dominant positions on the ground.
The Positional Game: Beyond Takedowns
While takedowns are a central focus of Danaher’s system, he also recognizes the importance of the positional game. In situations where a takedown is not immediately available or is successfully defended, it is crucial to be able to transition to dominant positions that offer offensive opportunities. Danaher’s system provides a clear roadmap for navigating these scenarios, ensuring that practitioners can maintain control even when their initial takedown attempts are thwarted.
One of the key concepts in the positional game is the transition to waist control or upper body control. When a single leg takedown is defended, for example, Danaher teaches specific sequences for securing a tight waist or establishing an underhook. These positions allow for continued offensive pressure and provide opportunities to attack the back, a highly advantageous position in BJJ. The positional game is an essential component of a successful strategy in the fastest way to becoming effective in standing.
Conclusion
John Danaher’s “The Fastest Way: To Becoming Effective In Standing Position,” available on John Danaher BJJ Fanatics, offers a revolutionary approach to the standing game in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. By systematizing the seemingly chaotic exchanges that occur on the feet, Danaher provides a clear and effective roadmap for success.
The course’s emphasis on foundational skills, the single leg takedown, hand fighting, foot fighting, and the positional game creates a comprehensive system applicable to all skill levels. Through meticulous instruction and a focus on repeatable steps, Danaher empowers practitioners to stand fast with confidence, transforming the standing position from a source of uncertainty into a realm of opportunity. His methods, when practiced diligently, offer the fastest way to improve one’s standing game and achieve greater success on the mats.
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