4-9.

4-9. STRIKING FROM SIDE CONTROL

The goal of striking while ground fighting is to improve your position or create an opening for a better attack. In this case you would most likely be trying to mount.

a. Step 1 (Figure 4-99). Keeping your head low so that the enemy will not be able to knee you in the head, move your hand that is closest to the enemy's legs into his armpit.

Figure 4-99. Striking from side control, step 1.

b. Step 2 (Figure 4-100). Move your other arm around his head and clasp your hands together. Lean your shoulder onto his head to keep his chin pointed away from you. This will make it more difficult for him to turn his body toward you to regain the guard.

Figure 4-100. Striking from side control, step 2.

c. Step 3 (Figure 4-101). Move your leg that is closer to his head into his armpit, driving his arm upwards until it is pinched against his head between your arm and leg.

Figure 4-101. Striking from side control, step 3.

d. Step 4 (Figure 4-102). Point the toes of your other foot toward the sky and drive your knee into his ribs.

Figure 4-102 Striking from side control, step 4.

e. Step 5 (Figure 4-103). When he changes his position to defend against your strikes, step over and gain the mounted position.

Figure 4-103. Striking from side control, step 5.