@Brian Rafat I think that the key is slowing down like you said on a number of occasions. Once you do, you will start noticing bad patterns and decision making. The only problem is not all sparring partners are willing to slow down together with you and it becomes kinetic. So I think the key is to play your game no matter what your sparring partner does.

@Brian Rafat I like the analogy. That’s actually a really good way to look at it.

I’m having a hard time passing the types of guards (shallow laso etc) you were showing because of the grips and the foot on the side. Also, when I’m being side controlled, thats when I feel I need to show more “urgency” but it comes at the expense of technique so I scramble ineffectively.

@Brian Rafat that makes perfect sense. From side control, I’m generally ok waiting for the guy to mount, I find an opening and normally I manage to get out. But if I’m dealing with a more advanced person then I’m finding it difficult. An advanced guy will control the situation and slide the knee on the belly at the right moment and get to mount. So my goal is to know when to shrimp and get my knee in to get the frame (plus an advanced guy will be hunting for submissions while controlling, so I’m busy thinking about that also) - that’s the struggle. Hopefully it’ll come with time. Not sure if that makes sense.