Omoplata Game By Joao Crus DVD Rip
Salepage : Omoplata Game By Joao Crus DVD Rip
Crus has published a new DVD teaching set called “Omoplata Game” that consists of four segments that cover various components of the omoplata such as sweeps, submissions, set ups, and escapes. Personally, I was quite thrilled to write this review since I have been gradually incorporating omo’s into my own guard game, and while I have had some success, I am constantly seeking for ideas to improve upon.
Each disk contains easy-to-navigate menus where you may play all methods in a succession or jump to a specific technique to work on, and is divided into four categories and an equal number of disks. Crus makes an effort to teach an entire “game” through DVD, and while this is a challenging feat, I must say he did a good job. This is a fundamental training on the omoplata since there is nothing high flying or complicated taught on this DVD, just solid foundations on how to enter into position, perform the submission or sweep, and escape such position.
Technically, this is a no-frills DVD package that gets directly to the core of the matter. Crus turns and moves to suit varied perspectives, the editing is straightforward and tidy, and I detected no blips or faults in any of the segments. Having worked in DVD creation before, I know how difficult it can be to obtain non-copy written content, and although the music selection is appropriate for the “Omoplata Game,” the one no-no in instructional DVD production is allowing the music to play over the actual lesson! This not only drowns out the instructor but is also quite annoying, as is background youngster conversation. Because Joao’s English is good, his terminology and details are very clear and intelligible. Aside from the music, the audio on all four CDs is very clear. It should also be noted that this book is also available in Spanish!
The DVDs are laid out in a logical manner and are extremely easy to obtain and learn from in your house or dojo. The image is clear, and the contrast is strong. Joao and his partner are both wearing two different colored gis the entire time, making it simple to see whose-what is knotted up in the other’s whose-what.
Setups (Disk 1)
Set Ups is the longest DVD (as it should be) at 33 minutes, and it covers both open and closed guard entrances, with seven techniques highlighted in the closed guard segment and twelve in the open guard half. Crus attempts to demonstrate each method numerous times and breaks down each aspect of the action to clarify what he is doing. Though the majority of the information on all four disks is BJJ-specific, Crus gives an entry from a self-defense / MMA standpoint of getting struck, ground, and battered in the open guard segment. I bring this up because many instructional DVDs nowadays overlook the foundations of our beloved art, which is street self-defense!
With spider guard, inverted guard, De La Riva, and manipulating the cross grips, Crus provides a great buffet of positions to approach the omoplata. Again, none of the entries need extreme flexibility or agility. Joao appears to understand how to educate the average practitioner how to flourish in his game.
Escapes (Disk 2)
Disk two covers escapes and counters to the omoplata, showcasing 7 techniques in 12 minutes. Crus’ ingenuity in placing this second in the instructional process! Whereas other instructional DVDs would highlight escapes or counters to a certain emphasis towards the conclusion, Crus recognizes that TIMING is more important than anything else in evading the omoplata! It is quite difficult to muscle out of a locked position, thus many of the escapes rely on you being aware of the lock and rolling or standing prior to your opponent putting your shoulder down and controlling your lower body.
Joao also has some fantastic follow ups following the roll outs, including standing escapes, a roll over, and a sit up counter to a roll over! There are several smooth transitions!
Sweeps (Disk 3)
Concentrating on the “Star Sweep” (my phrase, as Mr. Crus has not specified any approaches). So I’ll take the liberty of using the most popular phrase I’m familiar with for the sweep.) When you hold a cross grip and your opponent stands to pass, you under hook the same side leg as your sleeve grip and sweep them back by rolling over your shoulder. On this theme, Joao has five sweep variants, with one ground sweep that is your normal omoplata sweep. I learned a lot from the five standing sweeps, but I was left wanting more on the ground and wondering why we required a second disk for a 9-minute tutorial!?
Disk 4 contains the submissions.
Joao concludes the set with the submissions disk, which has over 11 approaches on various submissions that we may access through the threat of omoplata or if our omoplata fails for some reason. Crus’ leg assaults stand out from the rest of the pack, as he enters a knee bar following a botched omoplata attempt in guard. The 20-minute DVD is completed with his pretzel omoplata and chokes.
I must say that I was looking for a bit more variation in terms of wrist locks, various leg assaults, and transitions to different patterns. However, for those new to omoplatas, this is a wonderful introduction to an often underappreciated and underutilized move.
For those who aren’t aware with Joao Crus and his narrative… Prof. Crus’ wife was diagnosed with lung cancer at a young age, and this DVD (together with a few others Crus has created) is an attempt by Mr. Crus to obtain funds to treat his wife. The American Cancer Society receives 10% of all DVD sales. So, whether you buy these DVDs for yourself or as a present, bear in mind that you are helping to fight cancer all over the world! Keep an eye out for future reviews of Joao Crus’ DVDs on the Ground Never Misses.
Please click here to get “Omoplata Game” or to browse all of Joao Crus’ games!