The Merge: MAYSSA BASTOS' "WRESTLING UP" DEFENSE

The Merge: MAYSSA BASTOS' "WRESTLING UP" DEFENSE

"Wrestling up" in Jiu Jitsu is when the fighter in the bottom position (on their back, butt, knees, or side) uses specific takedown mechanics to either escape bottom and recover or reverse the position and get on top.

At the EUG Promotions Inaugural Event this past April, Mayssa passes Jessa's guard and lands in north south. Jessa immediately latches on to Mayssa's leg and starts to belly down and wrestle up. This can be a major issue for the fighter on top especially if the bottom fighter has strong wrestling skills.

Michael breaks down how Mayssa defends and counters this and also demonstrates a similar Jiu Jitsu drill that students can practice. Lastly, Michael shows two other possible outcomes and solutions depending on how your opponent reacts.

 

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About Michael Trasso:

Michael’s journey on the mats began in 1995, training Jiu Jitsu at just five years old. Throughout the next decade, he picked up wrestling and would become one of the world’s most accomplished adolescent Jiu Jitsu competitors. In 2008, Michael was recruited to wrestle for Rhode Island College. In 2011, Michael was nationally ranked #9 and in 2012, attained his 100th collegiate victory. In 2016, Michael began training in San Diego where he received some of his most notable awards in adult Jiu Jitsu competition to include earning his spot on FloGrappling’s “Top 20 No Gi Adult Black Belt Middleweights in the World” ranking in 2018 and 2019.

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