Ep. 130: Position Series: Kesa Gatame, feat. Sonny Brown

This week, we're joined by one of our most often requested guests: Sonny Brown!  Sonny, also known as "that other BJJ podcast guy," is working on a kesa gatame instructional.  He joins us to share core concepts on this underutilized position.

We debunk common kesa gatame misconceptions:

• "They'll just take my back"
• "They'll just bridge me over"
• "They'll just push my head into an armbar or crucifix"
• "Kesa gatame is only for big guys"
• "Once you get into kesa gatame, you’re stuck there."

Critical control points for kesa gatame:

• Keep your legs at a 90° angle to block the bridge
• Keep their near-side elbow off the mat
• Bring your opponent's chin to your chest.
• Don’t lean your head over to their far side.
  
  

Mental models discussed in this episode:

• Do What Works
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/do-what-works/
  
  
• Predictable Responses
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/predictable-responses/
  
  
• Theory of Alignment
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/theory-of-alignment/
  
  
• Surface Area
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/surface-area/
  
  
• Shifting Platforms
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/shifting-platforms/
  
  
• Critical Control Points
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/critical-control-points/
  
  
• Center of Gravity
  https://bjjmentalmodels.com/center-of-gravity/
  
  

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