Hey fight fans, are you ready to level up your UFC 4 game? Today, we're diving deep into the art of submission grappling from the top full guard. This is a crucial position where you can really start to control the pace of the fight and hunt for those sweet submission finishes. Knowing how to attack from the top full guard is a game-changer, and we're going to break down the techniques, the strategies, and the key details you need to become a submission ace. Get ready to learn the secrets of how to effectively submit from the top full guard in UFC 4! Let's get started, guys!

Understanding the Top Full Guard

First off, let's make sure we're all on the same page. What exactly is the top full guard in UFC 4? Well, it's that position where you're on top, your opponent is on their back, and their legs are wrapped completely around your body. Think of it like a human pretzel! Your goal here is to control your opponent, wear them down, and hunt for submissions while avoiding any potential sweeps or escapes. It is crucial to understand the nuances of this position because it dictates the flow of the match. Your ability to dominate in the top full guard can often be the difference between winning and losing. Being comfortable here also makes you a more versatile fighter, capable of adapting to different scenarios and opponents.

Mastering the top full guard isn’t just about knowing the moves; it’s about understanding the flow of the position. You need to be aware of your opponent's actions, anticipating their attempts to escape or transition. This includes recognizing when they’re trying to posture up, which can open them up to certain attacks. Moreover, you need to understand how your own actions affect their reactions. A well-timed strike can force them to give up position, while a smart feint might set up a submission. It's a mental game as much as it is a physical one, and being able to read your opponent is key to success. Proper positioning also has a large impact on the match. Your base on top should be solid. Avoid being swept by controlling their hips. Furthermore, you will want to keep your weight centered to neutralize any attempts to create space. Being off-balance will give your opponent the advantage they need to escape. The goal is to always be in the driver’s seat. Understanding how the top full guard works is your first step in building a dominant grappling game. By focusing on control and awareness, you will be able to make the most of this position.

Key Principles of Top Full Guard Control

• Maintain Posture: Keep your head up and your chest over your opponent. This prevents them from easily sweeping you and gives you better angles for strikes and submissions.
• Control the Arms: Use your hands and forearms to control your opponent's arms. This prevents them from posturing up or striking you effectively. A good grip will not only keep their arms in check but will also help set up submission attempts.
• Base and Balance: Maintain a stable base and balance to avoid being swept. Keep your weight distributed and be ready to adjust to your opponent's movements.
• Manage Stamina: Grappling is tiring. Pace yourself, and be mindful of your stamina bar. Avoid wasting energy on unnecessary movements.
• Strategic Transitions: Don't just stay in the full guard forever. Learn when to transition to different positions or attempt to pass their guard. This keeps your opponent guessing and opens up new opportunities.

Submissions from Top Full Guard

Alright, let's get to the good stuff: the submissions! The top full guard is a prime location to hunt for various submissions. We'll be looking at the most effective and reliable ones. Remember, timing is everything. Look for openings, and be patient. Don't force anything; let the opportunities come to you. Each submission has its own specific setups and counters, so pay close attention. Mastering these submissions will make you a force to be reckoned with. Let's see some of the best submission options available to you!

The Armbar

The armbar is a classic for a reason – it's devastating! It's one of the most fundamental submissions and is very effective from the top full guard. To set it up, you'll need to control one of your opponent's arms, ideally with a cross-face grip. Then, you'll swing your leg over their head, trapping their arm. Once the arm is trapped, you'll bridge towards the side the arm is trapped on, using your hips to generate power and extend their arm. The key to a successful armbar is isolating the arm and creating the angle needed to extend the elbow. Remember, it's a bridge, not just a lean. The bridge creates the force necessary to break the arm. It is also important to maintain a tight grip to prevent them from slipping out. This one can be tricky at first, so practice the motion in the training mode to get the hang of it. After a few tries, it will become second nature, and you will be pulling these off in no time. The armbar is one of the most important submissions from the top full guard. Make sure you master it!

• Setup: Control one of the opponent’s arms and control their other arm.
• Transition: Swing your leg over their head, trapping their arm.
• Execution: Bridge towards the side of the trapped arm, extending the elbow.

The Triangle Choke

The triangle choke is a sneaky but powerful submission that utilizes your legs to choke your opponent. It can be a little more difficult to pull off, but the reward is great. From top full guard, you will need to get the right angle to apply it. The key is to control their posture and create the angle to secure the choke. The goal is to get their head into the triangle. You want their head to be in the crook of your leg, and you will secure it by locking your ankles behind their head. Once you have the triangle locked in, squeeze your legs together tightly and apply pressure to their neck. A good triangle choke is a devastating submission and a great way to end a fight. Remember, practice and timing are key. Always look for the opportunity to transition into the triangle choke. The triangle choke is one of the most effective and important submissions from the top full guard.

• Setup: Control posture and create the angle.
• Transition: Swing one leg over the shoulder and secure the choke.
• Execution: Squeeze your legs together to apply pressure.

The Kimura

The Kimura is a shoulder lock that is highly effective from the top full guard. It requires a good grip on the opponent's arm and the right angle to apply the submission. You want to control their arm, reaching across their body and grabbing your own wrist. The grip is important. Make sure it is secure. Once you have a strong grip, you can begin to turn their arm. Keep their elbow pointing upwards, and use your hips to drive and create the force needed. With a strong enough grip and some good positioning, you should be able to get the tap. Timing is critical. You need to identify when your opponent gives you an opening. This is a powerful submission that can quickly end a fight. The Kimura is another powerful tool that is essential to any good fighter's arsenal. With some practice, you will be able to perform this submission effectively.

• Setup: Grab your opponent’s wrist.
• Transition: Control their arm, reaching across their body and grabbing your own wrist.
• Execution: Turn their arm and keep their elbow pointing upwards, using your hips to drive and create the force needed.

Transitioning and Setting Up Submissions

Alright, guys, let’s talk about how to get those submissions. You can't just sit in the top full guard and hope for the best. You need to be proactive! This means understanding how to transition between different positions and setting up your submissions effectively. This is where the real art of grappling comes into play. Learning how to move and force your opponent to react is crucial. You want to control the flow and dictate the action. Let's delve into some effective strategies.

Posturing Up and Creating Space

One of the most effective ways to set up submissions is by posturing up. This means pushing up off of your opponent and creating space. Doing this will force your opponent to make a defensive move. This could be to bring their arms up to block a strike, creating the space you need to lock in a submission. If you don't use this, you will make it easier for your opponent to avoid your submissions. Posturing up and creating space is a key tactic in the top full guard. A simple strike can set up your submission attempt. Timing is everything. Be sure to mix up your attacks.

Controlling Arms and Creating Angles

Controlling your opponent's arms is also essential. This prevents them from striking or posturing up and gives you better angles for your submissions. Use your hands and forearms to control their arms. This also sets up submission attempts. A good grip will not only keep their arms in check but will also help you create openings. Think of it like a chess game; your grip on their arms is like your pieces, setting up your next move. This is also a crucial aspect of the game. Always try to set up your submissions from here. With time, you will start to see the openings for submissions. Controlling the arms is a pivotal aspect of setting up submissions. Make sure you master this key part of the game.

Feinting and Misdirection

Don't be predictable! Feinting strikes or submission attempts can force your opponent to react, opening them up for the real deal. Mix it up and keep them guessing. Your opponent will react to your moves, so using feints and misdirection can also lead to submissions. This is about psychological warfare as much as physical grappling. Keep your opponent guessing with different combinations of strikes and submission attempts. Using a feint will keep them on their toes, and they won't know what will happen next. This is a very valuable skill, so make sure you practice this and get it right.

Defending Submissions

So, you've learned how to attack, but what about defending? It's important to know how to defend against submissions in UFC 4. You don't want to get caught off guard. Here are some key tips.

Spacing

Create space to relieve the pressure from the submission attempt. This will allow you time to think and react.

Hand Fighting

Control your opponent’s hands to prevent them from establishing grips.

Submission Defense Cues

Learn the game's cues for the submission defense, and react accordingly.

Practice and Refinement

Alright, guys, you've got the knowledge, but now it's time to put it into practice. Head to the training mode and drill these submissions. Practice transitioning between positions and setting up your attacks. Repetition is key! The more you practice, the more natural these moves will become. Pay attention to the details: the grips, the angles, the timing. Then, take what you've learned into online matches or against friends. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. Grappling takes time and patience. The most important thing is to have fun and keep learning. Watch tutorials, study the moves of real-life fighters, and keep refining your technique. With enough practice, you'll be submitting your opponents from the top full guard with ease.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The ultimate guide to submitting from the top full guard in UFC 4. Remember, it's all about control, technique, and timing. Master these techniques, and you'll be well on your way to dominating in the Octagon. Get out there, practice, and most importantly, have fun! Now go forth and submit!