Flashback Friday: Gui Mendes vs Justin Rader (2008 World Championships)

I am waaay overdue for an update to the blog.  Life has really gotten in the way but I hope to have a little bit more time to devote to bringing some new content.  For those that follow along...I plan to have matches from the BJJ Expo up as soon as the event is over each day so stay tuned if you don't plan on ordering in a week!

Budovideos was kind enough to share this video from 2008 and I couldn't help but pass it along. This event was the 2008 World Championships and depicts both Rader & Mendes as brown belts. It's evident early on that Gui's style has not changed a lot over the years.

*Skip down to the bottom if you don't want the match spoiled*

Match Commentary:
Early on Gui looks to pull open guard. He manages a seated single leg guard and transitions into De La Riva.  Gui's super deep DLR hook helps him work towards the back similar to a Babybolo. Rader defends well but Gui turns it into a single leg take down to score 2 points and begin to work his crushing top game.

Gui threatens the back and Rader flees out of bounds at the 2:26 mark.  At the restart, Gui pulls guard carefully as to not give up any points to Rader.  Gui works a half-guard butterfly and maintains an over hook on Rader's arm.  From this position Gui hits a beautiful sweep for another 2 points.  Rader manages to catch quarter guard but tries to get to his knees giving Gui the timing to move into mount.

Gui still maintaining the over hook attempts to attack for an armbar/omoplata.  He settles for the shoulder lock but Rader escapes and moves out of bounds in typical Rader fashion.

On the restart Gui works to guard and quickly throws up a triangle.  He manages to trip a standing Rader.  Rader works out of the triangle choke and attacks a straight ankle lock.  Gui defends well and manages to pass the guard again landing in side mount.  This was the beginning of the end at the 5:30 mark.

Gui uses Rader's lapel to control the cross face and threaten with a baseball bat choke that he's now famous for.  Rader defends well but cannot escape Gui's nasty top side game.  The match ends with a pretty lopsided score in favor of Gui.

For Mobile Users:  http://www.youtube.com/v/QUAUVNp02f8?version=3&autohide=1&feature=share&autohide=1&attribution_tag=09Jd6spzxjKWwM0PrmBr7w&showinfo=1&autoplay=1

Upcoming blog posts:
1. BJJ Expo Matches
2. Review of Shoyoroll Winter 13 Shorts
3. Review of Shoyoroll Original Logo LS Rashguard 
4. Next SYR gi drop?

Flashback Friday: Rafa Mendes vs Justin Rader (Pan 2012)

This is a great match that exemplifies Rafa Mendes when he is at his best.  It's not often that you see Justin Rader get dominated but Rafa simply has his number.  Some of the techniques you see on the Mendes Bros. training site are executed in this match.

Commentary:  (Skip to the bottom for the video)

The match starts with both competitors working from their preferred positions.  Rafa pulls open guard and Rader looks to establish his own grips and pass.  Rafa transitions quickly to De La Riva guard, controls the hooked pant sleeve with a solid grip and stands up into a single leg passing immediately a leg drag position, then into side mount.  This worked well for Rafa for a couple reasons:  1. Rader's posture was not favorable & 2. Rader's trapped leg completely extended and disturbed his base.

Rafa wastes little time and appears to work Rader's lapel free from the side mount, feeds it under his head and attempts to set up a baseball bat choke.  Rader does an excellent job of staying mobile underneath and forces Rafa to let go.  

When the action restarts Rafa moves to knee on belly, then switches sides (as seen on his training site).  He controls the far arm with a figure four and as Rader defends awkwardly by standing up. Rafa transitions brilliantly into a back mount dragging Rader to the ground.  Still threatening with the arm control he slides his leg over and attacks the armbar.  In typical fashion Rader manages to defend very well and escape from deep waters like few others can do.

Action restarts in the center at 2:11; Rafa grabs the same side lapel and shoots a well-timed triangle. The timing Rafa uses to lure him in and bump Rader's elbow inward enough to lock in the triangle is worth noting here.  Very smooth technique.  Rader crouches down trying to survive the choke but it's in too deep.  Rafa forces the tap at the 3:00 mark.  It's not often you see Rader get taken apart like this and simply a HL reel match for Mendes.  

Link for mobile users:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qUJ1qPpEnc