Mastering the Rattlesnake Strike Position: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey there, combat sports enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to discuss one of the most powerful and versatile positions in the game - the Rattlesnake Strike Position. So, buckle up and get ready to become a Rattlesnake Strike master! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and rattlesnake strike position.

What is the Rattlesnake Strike Position?

The Rattlesnake Strike Position is a guard position in BJJ, similar to the De La Riva guard, but with a unique twist. It's characterized by the use of one leg to control your opponent's posture and the other leg to attack or control their limbs. This position is incredibly dynamic and allows for a wide range of submissions and sweeps.

Why the Rattlesnake Strike Position is a Game Changer

The Rattlesnake Strike Position is a game changer for a few reasons:

1. 1. Posture Control: The primary leg controls your opponent's posture, making it incredibly difficult for them to pass your guard or escape.
2. 2. Versatility: The secondary leg can be used to attack various targets, such as your opponent's arms, legs, or head, opening up a world of submission and sweep possibilities.
3. 3. Counter-Intuitive: The Rattlesnake Strike is often unexpected, giving you the element of surprise and catching your opponent off guard.

Setting Up the Rattlesnake Strike Position

To set up the Rattlesnake Strike Position, follow these steps:

1. 1. Start from the Closed Guard: Begin by sitting in the closed guard, with your back on the mat.
2. 2. Extend One Leg: Extend one leg, keeping your heel on the mat and your toes pointing up. This leg will be used to control your opponent's posture.
3. 3. Bend the Other Leg: Bend the other leg at the knee and bring your foot towards your opponent's hip. This leg will be used to attack or control your opponent's limbs.
4. 4. Frame with Your Arms: Use your arms to frame your opponent's hips or chest, creating space and preventing them from passing your guard.

Mastering the Rattlesnake Strike Submissions

The Rattlesnake Strike Position opens up a world of submissions. Here are a few of our favorites:

The Rattlesnake Triangle Choke

The Rattlesnake Triangle Choke is a unique and powerful submission that starts from the Rattlesnake Strike Position. To finish this choke:

1. 1. Control Your Opponent's Head: Use your secondary leg to control your opponent's head, preventing them from escaping the choke.
2. 2. Wrap Your Arms: Wrap your arms around your opponent's neck, bringing your hands together.
3. 3. Finish the Choke: Squeeze your arms together, applying pressure to your opponent's carotid arteries and forcing them to tap.

The Rattlesnake Armbar

The Rattlesnake Armbar is a devastating submission that can be finished from the Rattlesnake Strike Position. To finish this armbar:

1. 1. Control Your Opponent's Arm: Use your secondary leg to control your opponent's arm, preventing them from escaping the submission.
2. 2. Extend Your Leg: Extend your primary leg, using your heel to apply pressure to your opponent's elbow.
3. 3. Finish the Armbar: Extend your leg further, hyperextending your opponent's elbow and forcing them to tap.

Sweeping with the Rattlesnake Strike Position

The Rattlesnake Strike Position is not just about submissions - it's also an incredibly powerful tool for sweeping your opponent. Here's a favorite Rattlesnake sweep:

The Rattlesnake Hip Bump Sweep

The Rattlesnake Hip Bump Sweep is a simple yet effective way to sweep your opponent from the Rattlesnake Strike Position. To perform this sweep:

1. 1. Control Your Opponent's Posture: Use your primary leg to control your opponent's posture, preventing them from passing your guard.
2. 2. Bump Their Hip: Using your secondary leg, bump your opponent's hip, disrupting their balance.
3. 3. Sweep Their Leg: As your opponent's hip moves, sweep their leg, causing them to fall to the mat.

Defending Against the Rattlesnake Strike Position

While the Rattlesnake Strike Position is incredibly powerful, it's not invincible. Here are a few tips for defending against it:

Posture Control

The key to defending against the Rattlesnake Strike Position is maintaining good posture. By keeping your chest up and your hips back, you'll make it difficult for your opponent to control your posture or attack your limbs.

Pass the Guard

If you find yourself in the Rattlesnake Strike Position, your best bet is to pass your opponent's guard. This will neutralize their control and allow you to establish your own dominant position.

Escape the Guard

If you can't pass your opponent's Rattlesnake Strike guard, your next best option is to escape. This might involve breaking your opponent's control, creating space, or using your own guard to trap their leg.

Conclusion

The Rattlesnake Strike Position is a powerful and versatile guard position that every BJJ practitioner should have in their toolbox. Whether you're using it to control your opponent's posture, attack with submissions or sweeps, or defend against their advances, the Rattlesnake Strike is a game changer that can take your BJJ to the next level.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there, start drilling the Rattlesnake Strike Position, and watch as your BJJ improves and your opponents tap! Until next time, happy rolling!