Introduction & Technique Overview

Mike DeWay, a first-degree black belt under Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Springfield, introduces the Muddy Waters technique—an advanced rubber guard position. This technique attacks the opponent's arm through two distinct methods: an Americana-style shoulder lock and a leg-based armbar. While the position requires moderate flexibility, understanding proper angles and spacing is essential for success.

Establishing Closed Guard & Breaking Posture

The foundation of Muddy Waters begins in closed guard by systematically breaking the opponent's posture. The practitioner pulls the opponent's head toward the chest using elbows, leg control, or by sitting up to collapse their structure. The goal is to bring the opponent's head down toward the stomach, creating the necessary compression before initiating the position.

Hip Escape & Mission Control Setup

After breaking posture, the practitioner performs a hip escape toward their preferred side while establishing mission control. The foot on the opponent's hip and the ankle hooked to the wrist creates the foundational rubber guard structure. This positioning prevents the opponent from creating space and maintains control of the opponent's head.

The Zombie Control

The zombie control neutralizes the opponent's ability to frame and escape by securing their arm to the mat. The practitioner shoots their hand under the opponent's elbow and extends fully through to their armpit before circling the arm back toward the knee. This technique eliminates the opponent's primary defensive tool and prevents frame-based escape attempts.

Hip Positioning & Leg Placement

To position the second leg effectively, the practitioner presses against the opponent's hip to lift their own hip off the mat, creating space for the knee to move freely. The right knee circles over the top while maintaining elbow pressure into the opponent's collarbone. Proper hip elevation is critical to avoid arm straightening and maintain structural integrity.

Securing the Double Bag Position

With both feet positioned, the practitioner grabs and circles the second foot behind the first foot while maintaining ankle grip. The knees are pinched inward to compress the opponent and secure the high double bag position. Extending the opposite arm straightens the body, tilting the opponent to the side and preventing them from squaring up.

Attacking the Shoulder Lock

From the secured position, the practitioner reaches up with the free hand to pull the opponent's arm toward the mat, targeting the shoulder joint with downward pressure. If the opponent's hand is too tight against their face to extract, the practitioner hooks the thumb instead and maintains control by holding their own shin. This variation preserves the arm lock while adjusting to defensive positioning.

Transitioning to the Armbar Finish

When the shoulder lock is unavailable, the practitioner transitions by holding their shin with one hand while securing the opponent's hand with the other. As the foot releases from the opposite side, the free leg comes over the opponent's head to establish the armbar. Hip drive completes the submission by securing the top position and straightening the opponent's arm.

Key Principles & Training Requirements

Muddy Waters requires more than flexibility—it demands deep understanding of angles, distance, and spacing within the rubber guard framework. While the technique is advanced, mastery comes through hands-on training with qualified instructors rather than video instruction alone. Practitioners are encouraged to seek in-person instruction at 10th Planet affiliates to develop proper technical understanding and timing.

Advanced Rubber Guard: Muddy Waters

Superhero Jiu Jitsu Academy

Muddy Waters

3 min read·9 key moments·PT8M38S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction & Technique Overview
•Establishing Closed Guard & Breaking Posture
•Hip Escape & Mission Control Setup
•The Zombie Control

Deep into the rubber guard, through New York, past the Invisible Collar, we get to Muddy Waters. Come through and learn some of the most innovative guard work at 10th Planet Springfield with coach Mike Dewitt Jr.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about muddy waters?

This video covers introduction & technique overview, establishing closed guard & breaking posture, hip escape & mission control setup. It provides detailed instruction from Superhero Jiu Jitsu Academy .

How long does it take to learn muddy waters?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.