Brunettes

I love brunettes. Spanish brunettes, especially. And Japanese women? Don't even get me started. But my proclivity for these dark haired beauties doesn't blind me from the more fair haired of the populace. In other words, blondes and redheads can catch my eye from time to time. Now that we've got that settled:

The triangle is my brunette. I love everything about it: its simplicity and complexity (the two are not contradictions); its high percentage of effectiveness; its finality; its versatility; its origins; its potential; its ... Hell, I even like the smell of it. (Well, not really). And those who train with me know I almost have a fetish for it. But let's remember the blondes and red-heads, shall we?

Although my whole goal is to keep throwing the triangle, or to methodically set it up, that doesn't mean I don't use armbars, shoulder locks, guillotines, and heel hooks. In fact, I very seldom get the triangle. That might sound odd, but it's true. My effort to get the triangle usually finds me a plethora (I hate that word) of other options. For instance, I will often set up the triangle with an armbar. Many times the armbar finishes the situation before the triangle is even needed. Other times I will go for a triangle only to transition to an armbar. But in both cases it was my effort for the triangle that precipitated my opponent's tapout.

A few students have expressed concern that if everyone knows what I'm going for (the triangle), everyone will be ready for it. They think that I have shown all my cards. Wrong. The triangle is merely what gives me confidence to plod along. It gives me a clear goal. Let me explain it this way: Has anyone ever discovered the Holy Grail? No. But the effort to do so has uncovered unimaginable riches. Almost every expedition for the Grail has uncovered a cache of gold, priceless artifacts, or historical insights. In other words, going for the triangle doesn't limit you, it unearths an incalculable vista of possibilities.

I advise everyone to choose one submission. (In my case it's the triangle). Then structure your whole system around that. For instance, Rickson bases his entire system on the mount. (Yes, I'm aware the mount is not a submission. It's just an example). The mount is the centerpiece of his entire game. (Even though you know he will be working for the mount, you haven't really gained any insider information that will shut him down). And as you always work for that submission, you always have a clear goal, which helps to keep you confident and determined. And the very pursuit of it might help you find submissions and opportunities you'd otherwise miss.

I love brunettes. But I will accept a blonde or two. Master the triangle. And you might just go home with a colorful manage a trois.