Tsuyoshi Kosaka’s Ground Techniques for MMA: Mastering Top Position Attacks and Defense

In this comprehensive guide, Tsuyoshi Kosaka, a top contender in the UFC heavyweight division and one of the most accomplished Japanese fighters, delves deep into his favored ground techniques. This first installment focuses on offensive and defensive maneuvers from the top position, including takedowns, maintaining dominant positions, and executing various attacks.

Contents

1. Passing the Guard

• Techniques to break the cross guard
• Methods for passing the guard
• Strategies for escaping the half guard

2. Positioning

• Kesa-Gatame (Scarf Hold)
• Gyaku Kesa-Gatame (Reverse Scarf Hold)
• Side control positions (including variations)
• Knee-on-Belly position
• Mount position
• Transitioning between positions

3. Escaping Pins

• Techniques for escaping from Kesa-Gatame
• Methods to counter Gyaku Kesa-Gatame
• Strategies for escaping side control and its variations
• Defense against Knee-on-Belly
• Escaping the mount position

4. Submissions and Chokes from Pinning Positions

• Arm lock, armbar, and shoulder lock from Kesa-Gatame
• Using legs for arm locks from Kesa-Gatame
• Straight armbar from Gyaku Kesa-Gatame
• Shoulder locks from side control
• Neck locks from reverse side control
• V1 arm lock from head side control
• Triangle choke and straight armbar from head side control
• Armbar and triangle variations from Knee-on-Belly
• Shoulder lock and armbar from the mount position

5. Defending Against Submissions and Chokes

• Defense against arm locks and straight armbars
• Countering leg-assisted arm locks
• Techniques to defend shoulder locks
• Protecting against armbar and various submission attempts

Featured Fighter: Tsuyoshi Kosaka (KOSAKA TSUYOSHI)

Born on March 6, 1970, in Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, Tsuyoshi Kosaka started Judo during his junior high school years. He followed an elite Judo path through Seikyo High School (now Nara University-affiliated High School), Senshu University, and the Toray Judo Club. In September 1993, he joined the professional wrestling organization RINGS and quickly rose to prominence, defeating numerous international competitors. In March 1998, he gained international recognition by defeating the formidable Kimo at the 16th UFC event. Kosaka became a top contender in the UFC, securing many memorable victories and solidifying his reputation as “TK” worldwide.

After returning to Japan in October 2001, he competed primarily in PRIDE, claiming the inaugural Pancrase Super Heavyweight Championship in October 2004 by defeating Ron Waterman. Kosaka retired from active competition after facing Mark Hunt in the first round of the PRIDE Openweight Grand Prix in May 2006. Post-retirement, he focused on coaching at his gym, ALLIANCE-SQUARE, and engaged in various activities such as TV commentary and publishing instructional materials. In 2015, Kosaka garnered attention for coaching the Japanese national rugby team in tackling techniques, contributing to their remarkable World Cup performance. He returned to active competition on New Year’s Eve the same year in the RIZIN ring, achieving victory and earning acclaim as a middle-aged star.

Language:Japanese

Length: 185min.

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