By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer
Professor Ulpiano Malachias is a second-degree black belt under Carlinhos Gracie and the head instructor at Gracie Barra Westchase in Houston, TX. Malachias is an avid competitor that has placed in high-level competitions throughout the world, including a bronze medal at World Nogi in 2008. Though now focused on instruction, Malachias still likes to lead his students by example and most recently competed at this year’s IBJJF Houston Open where he took gold in the black belt master division as a heavyweight. When not representing the GB banner himself Prof. Ulpiano can be seen alongside Vinicius Draculinho Magalhaes and other GB stalwarts coaching their team’s vast stable of athletes in tournaments throughout the state of Texas.
In this TXMMA Technique of the Week, Malachias shows our readers his fresh perspective on jiu-jitsu by demonstrating a slick arm lock from the turtle position. This submission can be executed with or without relying on the gi by replacing the deep collar control for a seatbelt (over/ underhook) grip. The key to setting up this submission is isolating the arm being attacked once top control has been established on the turtled opponent. To trap and leave the targeted arm defenseless use your knee to block the opponent from grabbing at their own leg to block by sliding yourself forward and to the side. Trap the isolated arm by grabbing it and triangling it with your legs and threaten with a lapel choke to set up the submission. When the opponent attempts to protect their neck they will leave an opening for you to roll them into position by controlling their head with your far arm in a half-nelson position. The natural movement of the body will roll your opponent in a way that will allow for you to also isolate the other arm with your own and leaving the arm trapped with your legs ready for attack. Hyperextend the arm by controlling your opponent and placing pressure on their elbow. Put your weight on the joint by sitting and squeezing your legs as you pull back and wait for the tap.
TXMMA Technique of the Week – Ulpiano Malachias (Gracie Barra Westchase)