Introduction to the Smother Tap
The smother tap has gained prominence in modern grappling through practitioners like Nicholas, Dan Montessori, and Gordon Ryan. The technique involves asphyxiation achieved through chest-to-chest pinning contact, representing an evolving area of high-level competition.
Physical Requirements and Limitations
Smother techniques are not universally applicable across all weight classes and experience levels. A 130-pound practitioner would face extreme difficulty applying this technique against a 230-pound opponent of equal skill, making it dependent on physical attributes rather than technique alone.
Primary Function as a Setup Rather Than Finish
The primary value of smother-based asphyxiation lies in its use as a distraction mechanism rather than as a finishing submission. The jiu-jitsu point system's emphasis on maximum points for mount and rear mount positions reflects the strategic importance of controlling an opponent's breathing.
Breathing Interruption as a Tactical Advantage
Interrupting an opponent's breathing creates immediate psychological and physical effects within seconds. This disruption causes practitioners to become frantic and panicked, compromising their defensive positioning and making them vulnerable to follow-up submissions that would otherwise be defended against.
Skill Disparity and Submission Viability
Asphyxiation becomes a complete submission only when significant skill gaps exist between opponents. Against equally skilled competitors with strong pin escape abilities, smother techniques rarely result in actual submissions to finish.
Limitations Compared to Universal Submissions
Smother-based asphyxiation will never achieve the universal applicability of fundamental submissions like armbars, triangles, or heel hooks. These traditional submissions remain effective across weight classes, skill levels, and situations where technical superiority alone may overcome physical disadvantages.
Pinning Skill as the Foundation
The effectiveness of smother techniques depends heavily on the practitioner's pinning ability and their opponent's pin escape capability. Athletes trained extensively in chest-to-chest pinning can extend asphyxiation longer, creating opportunities for actual submission finishes against less experienced opponents.
Contextual Application in High-Level Training
In training environments where all participants possess equal pin escape and application skill, asphyxiation rarely progresses to submission finishes. The technique's effectiveness emerges primarily when applied against opponents lacking equivalent pinning defenses.
What Does John Danaher REALLY Think About The SMOTHER TAP?
Key Takeaways
- •Introduction to the Smother Tap
- •Physical Requirements and Limitations
- •Primary Function as a Setup Rather Than Finish
- •Breathing Interruption as a Tactical Advantage
John Danaher breaks down why his students have found such success with the smother tap. Make sure to like, comment, and subscribe to access all of the latest jiu jitsu videos! Website: https://www.flograppling.com Subscribe: http://bit.ly/2q6hb5f Get the FloSports iOS App: http://bit.ly/FloGrapplingiOSApp_9 Follow FloGrappling Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloGrappling/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/flograppling Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flograppling/
Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about belly smother?
This video covers introduction to the smother tap, physical requirements and limitations, primary function as a setup rather than finish. It provides detailed instruction from FloGrappling.
How long does it take to learn belly smother?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing belly smother?
The effectiveness of smother techniques depends heavily on the practitioner's pinning ability and their opponent's pin escape capability. Athletes trained extensively in chest-to-chest pinning can extend asphyxiation longer, creating opportunities for actual submission finishes against less experienced opponents.
