By Felix Rodriguez, Staff Writer
Professor Dande is a second-degree black belt under Carlos Gracie Jr. and has been one of the most respected instructors at Marcio Feitosa’s Gracie Barra –South Austin since 2011. Dande’s calm and easy-going demeanor have served him well on the mats as an instructor and while competing as well. Professor Santos remains active in the BJJ tournament scene guiding his students and competing along with them. Dande took home a bronze at the IBJJF’s Master Senior Worlds in 2012 and most recently placed second at the 2013 Houston Open while competing in the Masters black belt division.
Prof. Dande is an important part of Gracie Barra’s strong nucleus of instructors. When Roberto Tussa Alcenar sustained a back injury Dande drove from Austin to Houston in order to help his friend and teammate honor a seminar commitment. TXMMA covered the guard-passing seminar at Gracie Barra West Chase and we already showed Prof. Ulpiano Malachias’ arm lock from the turtle Technique of the Week that TXMMA shot at that event.
In this edition of our Technique of the Week Prof. Dande demonstrates how to counter an opponent’s deep half-guard by submitting them with a choke. The deep half guard is most effective when the opponent’s leg is fully controlled to create leverage. Wait for the opponent to commit to attacking the leg to begin setting up the submission by grabbing the far side lapel with the arm closest to your opponent’s legs and threading their gi under the free arm. Bring the tip of the lapel to the opposite side of the body by switching the grip “knuckles down” and feeding it underneath the opponent’s head. The key to making the choke work is the proper placement of the lapel to pressure the opponent into leaving their neck vulnerable for the Ezekiel choke. Finish the submission by holding the lapel firmly while bringing the elbow down across the top of the neck, slide the arm closest to the oppnent’s head underneath their neck and reach for the sleeve of your other arm. Once your grip is secure the Ezekial choke will be ready to go. As always practice the techniques shown here with safety and respect for your training partner
For more information on Professor Dande and Gracie Barra South Austin visit their website at www. gbsouthaustin.com.
TXMMA Technique of the Week – Alexandre “Dande” Santos (Gracie Barra South Austin)