Top or Bottom?

[aseepish]

I'm more comfortable on top - from standing I usually go for a throw or takedown rather than pull guard. When I've got the guard, I try to sweep rather than go directly for a submission. Then again, if a submission presents itself...

[SamuraiGuy]

I'm not sure in which, "arena" your talking about, since you didnt mention it I will assume BJJ competition, but I'll say it for em all anyway cause I'm bored.

BJJ - While I prefer the bottom of the gaurd to the top of the gaurd in BJJ, I always look for the takedown in competition/standing to ground rolling. Most of the takedowns I like to use put me in side control, or with an arm controlled (like a hip throw or foot sweep).

No-Gi - Takedowns, takedowns, takedowns, I have no preference between top or bottom of the gaurd in No Gi, so I look for takedowns, if I get the takedown, I'll be in top of full gaurd, top of half gaurd, or side control.

MMA - Takedowns to the top, my game from my bottom submission/control wise is alot better in grappling, but when the punches are being thrown, put me on top.

[Shard]

I train mainly in No-Gi.
I don't really have a preference. I'm comfortable top or bottom. If i'm on the bottom and my opponent is in my guard, i'll go for a triangle, failing which i go for an armbar.
If i'm in guard but on top, i'll try an ankle lock(ok sue me i don't know what its called). Or try to escape guard into a mount and work from there.

[danfaggella]

I hate the fact that I get so many subs from bottom. Being a little guy, even when I take poeple down I often end up on bottom.

However, when I can get in someone elses gaurd, I usually pass it and can play a decent top game, against some people.

Most of my submissions come from taking someone's back or having them in my gaurd. 70% of my subs are strait armbars, from gaurd or side control.

[JkD187]

I'm more comfortable on top - from standing I usually go for a throw or takedown rather than pull guard. When I've got the guard, I try to sweep rather than go directly for a submission. Then again, if a submission presents itself...

My whole philophsy is to put constant pressure on the opponent....i try for takedowns maybe a few shoots or a hip throw type motion...if i cant take them down i pull guard and immediatly try to offbalance them and set up a sweep or a submission.The way i grapple i force opponents to make mistakes rather then just wait for them...however to constantly use this stragety you have to be in great shape....works great for me and it feels great to win by submission as quick as you can rather then to lose/win a boring hugfest.

[BoarSpear]

I'm more comfortable on top -

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[aseepish]

Hellllooooo kitty!

Uh, I mean, let's keep this serious leather. Uh, I mean...

[7r14ngL3Ch0k3]

I wonder if BoarSpear prefers top or bottom?(in the grappling sense and not in any other metaphorical way)

[BoarSpear]

I prefer to avoid the ground entirely, when I must go to ground I really dont care, it isnt like I have a choice since the ground wasnt my idea in the first place eh? You fight the fight you're in, hoping to fight the one you can control is sorta silly aint it?

[jubaji]

I prefer to avoid the ground entirely, when I must go to ground I really dont care, it isnt like I have a choice since the ground wasnt my idea in the first place eh? You fight the fight you're in, hoping to fight the one you can control is sorta silly aint it?

In other words, as soon as you hit the ground you are a fish. I'm not surprised.

[danfaggella]

boar, you cna still take control and have a preference if the ground isn't your forte. For instance, you would likely prefer the top, so you could stand and strike!

[BoarSpear]

boar, you cna still take control and have a preference if the ground isn't your forte. For instance, you would likely prefer the top, so you could stand and strike!

You missed my point, if its my preference, Im standing If it isnt that means I was taken down, that means I wasnt in control...Sure I'd prefer to be on top, but I also preffered to be standing You fight the fight you are in, wish all you want but if you develop favorites you may try to use a hammer to drive a screw...

Think of it this way, top or bottom preferences, thats dangerously close to specializing...specializing means multiple weaknesses need work, but one thing rocks...see the Gracie clan...great ground people no doubt some of the best, IF you freakin ly down for them...they sort of neglected the take down and striking for thier preffered type of fight, now that everyone else caught on in less than a decade, they are left behind, playin catch up...see Roylars buttscoot, thats the result of overspecialization and reliance on that skill (preference of ground) to save him.

[7r14ngL3Ch0k3]

Boar, what if you were jumped out of no where by a 250lb dude who knows how to at least wrestle. You'd be in trouble because of your disregard for ground grappling. I know your stand up is deadly but fighting a larger opponent(skilled in takedowns or not) has high risk of going to the ground.......and i take it you dont train in BJJ(or ground grappling, whatever you want to call it so the Gracies dont get credit).

[BoarSpear]

Boar, what if you were jumped out of no where by a 250lb dude who knows how to at least wrestle. You'd be in trouble because of your disregard for ground grappling. I know your stand up is deadly but fighting a larger opponent(skilled in takedowns or not) has high risk of going to the ground.......and i take it you dont train in BJJ(or ground grappling, whatever you want to call it so the Gracies dont get credit).

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[7r14ngL3Ch0k3]

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Oh, youre just to good to be taken to the ground, sorry my mistake, i forgot about that for a second.