Submissions101: Earthbound

I had to miss class today as I am in the final stages of a pretty nasty cold, I feel better, but my body is very achy. So instead of a training blog, I thought I would tell you about a new training DVD I have recently purchased. My good friend Ari Bolden, Jiu Jitsu instructor, Bouncer, Guitar Hero Enthusiast; has already put out one DVD of the amazing instructional videos he and his team post at Submissions 101, called Lights Out which covers a bunch of different chokes. Ari and the gang have now put out their first, professionally done DVD, it’s called Earthbound: What happens when the fight hits the ground. And this, is my review of their offering.

“EarthBound: What happens when the fight hits the ground?” is the new project DVD put out by the Submissions 101 team in conjunction with Cranes Production. Lead by Sensei Ari Bolden, owner and chief instructor of the Victoria Jiu Jitsu Academy in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, Sub101 has created a DVD that is great for beginners in jiu jitsu and submission grappling, as well as veterans of the art. Bolden’s easy, laid back teaching style is ideal for instruction, and the attention to detail taken to make sure each technique covered on the disk is easy to understand.

The animated menu is a nice addition to the latest Sub101 offering, giving a very polished, professional look and feel. The disk is broken down into four sections; Throws and Takedowns, Positional Dominance, Submissions, and an information section which has a nice blooper reel of the more candid moments in production. With each section listing the separate techniques, it makes it very easy to navigate the DVD to find exactly the technique you wish to watch.

The camera work is well done, they’ve made sure to cover each angle so you can get a good idea of where you need to be positionally on each move. Audio levels are perfect, with Ari speaking in a clean, clear voice as he breaks down the technique. His authority and knowledge really shine when he points out things to watch out for, and fine tuned details to make you more effective in performing the techniques.

Over all I believe Earthbound to be a perfect disk for anyone wanting more information about Jiu jitsu, or just wanting to add more to their skillset. It’s a wonderful addition to any martial artist’s library. Available now at Cranes Productions.

4.5/5.0

TECHNIQUES COVERED

THROWs :
double leg takedown
single leg takedown (running the pipe)
single leg inside leg trip
hitoe samurai throw
sumiotoshi (corner drop)
Osoto gari
Ouchi gari
Ogoshi (hip toss)
Ippon Seionage (shoulder throw)

SUBMISSIONs:
armbar from guard
escape from armbar from guard
American key lock
escape from americana key lock
Armbar from mount
escape from armbar from guard
rear naked choke
defending the RNC
Scarf hold key lock
escape from scarf hold key lock

POSTIONAL DOMINANCE:
Mount
Escape from mount: Upa and Shrimp
Guard
Escape from Guard
Sweep from guard (kimura sweep)
Side Mount
Escape from side mount
scarf hold
escape from scarf hold
back control
defending the back