[Zankou]

Okay, I learned a couple moves that have *greatly* increased the effectiveness of my underhook game, solving some tough problems. Lemme share.

First is a way to get the game going when your opponent flattens you out with a crossface. You have the underhook. The key is very simple: Turn your face AWAY from the crossface. You think of getting on your side and facing the guy, but that's exactly what you don't (and can't) do when a stiff crossface is on. Instead turn your head and face the exact opposite way, away from the crossface. Grab the pant at the knee with your free arm. Then using the underhook, your knee, and the pants grip, hoist the guy up and over you. THEN you can turn on your side and start working. This has worked GREAT for me.

Second is a way to defeat the overhook to brabo. As soon as the guy goes for the overhook, you bring your hand inside, clamp the overhook to your body, and do the "roll back" type sweep, grabbing his opposite leg/foot and driving your hips under, rolling him over. He will go flying. It's awesome!

Third is when your opponent starts doing that sucky reverse scarfhold move. Most opponents will leave their trailing leg too close. You simply step over that trailing leg with your own outside leg, take your underhooking arm and put it right across the guy's face, and drive into him. Voila, sweep!