Pendulum Shifts (Patreon)

• LMA Curriculum

Much like the side-to-side shift, this is another combative movement that develops your leg strength while also developing leg dexterity. You're center of gravity and weight remains fixed on the same spot on the ground while you switch your supporting leg.

Imagine you're on a balance beam and you're switching your feet. Your feet changes but your weight remains fixed on the beam, otherwise you fall.

Keep your stance low throughout the movement. Your weight and the depth of your stance remains fixed, only your legs are swapping.

This allows you to change your angle while keeping your weight loaded around the same spot on the ground, but also to switch from orthodox to southpaw. What was initially your lead side becomes your power side. All from a very subtle movement. This also naturally gives you an angle for your exit.

For grappling, this movement is important for both guard passing and guard retention.

Keep abs and glutes tight, and breathe out with every shift.

– Sam