Excellent instruction and choice of techniques
This instructional teaches attacks commencing from side control top and knee on belly for the GI. Additionally, two chapters are included that teach how to maintain knee on belly and side control positions. A broad range of submissions (i.e., various chokes, triangles, armbars, monoplata, kimura, opportunistic wristlocks and multiple entries to the back) are included in this instructional with the majority the techniques focused on commencing from side control. Lucas Lepri does utilise the lapel in many of his techniques and I mention this as some people like to use their own or the opponent’s lapel and others not so. Generally, when a technique is taught, options or variations are also taught, often depending on the possible actions of the opponent. Importantly, techniques are taught from a strong position of control and during the application of the technique a focus is on maintaining solid control. Lucas Lepri is a very experienced instructor and successful competitor. His instructions are clear and understandable. He highlights the important little details of each technique. I like that when explaining e.g., where to put a foot, he explains why this must be done in a particular way and the consequence if it is not done as described. Lucas Lepri teaches a pathway and shows that when one way is blocked there is another way to get a submission. Demonstrations are clear and as is the norm these are repeated from different angles to the camera. I like that the instructor and uke are wearing different coloured GIs, as this makes it easier to clearly see the instructor’s limbs. It is an instructional that can be watched multiple times and there is no unnecessary banter. This instructional has a total runtime of 2 hours and 7 minutes. The instructional has been filmed with a fixed camera. I am not sure of what happened with the filming as in Part 1 the quality of the video, including range and sound is very good. For the other three parts the quality of the video, including range and sound declines (e.g., obvious unnecessary camera movement, minor noise from the camera operator and the camera seems to be further from the participants noting the impact on the range and quality of the sound recording). Still Ok, but not as good as Part 1. The technique preview is from Part 4 (i.e., the chapter on side control concepts) so you can confidently judge the quality of the video and sound. In summary, this is a good instructional to purchase if you are wishing to improve your submission techniques commencing from either side control or knee on belly. I think it is good that techniques are taught in a setting where control is the key focus and acknowledging that the opponent may block a particular path, so you need to be able to change direction to reach your goal.
