The Opponent Defends the Arm Drag

Photos by Thomas Zamiar

When I found out that Marcelo Garcia would be coming to my school in downtown Chicago, I knew I would be getting a glimpse at a manuscript of jiu-jitsu's future. Marcelo arrived for a two-day seminar immediately after walking off his flight from Brazil.

Marcelo's 185-pound body possesses newfangled jiu-jitsu skills. His handshake may be soft and his smile puts you at ease, but he is not a player who should be underestimated. Moreover, Marcelo, 23, exhibits a quiet resolve on and off the mat, which is remarkable for his age. He has a humble confidence and offers jiu-jitsu a catalyst to keep it evolving.

In this installment, Marcelo demonstrates what you should do when the opponent defends the arm drag.

Marcelo and Katalin are in the starting position.	Katalin fends off the arm drag by pulling her arm back.	Marcelo scoots forward and goes for the leg, grabbing the leg closest to him.
Marcelo wraps his right leg around Katalin's right leg or base leg.	He simultaneously hooks an arm around the knee to begin breaking down her base. Marcelo continues to plow his weight forward, attaching his shoulder to the knee and keeping his leg wrapped around Katalin's leg.	He uses his free hand for a base as he scoots forward, preparing to post up. Marcelo posts up on his basing hand while driving the weight of his body forward .
Marcelo then continues to stand up, wrapping both arms around the knee, tucking his head down on the inside of the opponent's knee.	Marcelo follows through with the takedown...	He stays connected to Katalin's leg, eliminating her options to recompose and then circles out to take her completely down. Marcelo assumes a strong ground position while staying connected to his opponent as she begins to defend herself or establish a better position. Here, Marcelo can take the kneebar or pass to a cross-side.

The Resume
Following are some of Marcelo Garcia's accomplishments:
• Four World Championships
• The 2003 and 2005 ADCC Championships
• The most technical fighter at the 2003 ADCC
• Defeated Cameron Earle in the Professional Submission League

For Seminar Information:
If you are interested in having Marcelo at your school for a seminar, please contact him through mgseminars@ yahoo.com.