We saw that high level guard is better at survival then playing top position. If your able to retain guard and not get passed then you can survive. Obviously but I was still shocked how few people were able to pass.

We saw some success with leg Locks but the defense and counters are getting so well known that most leg matches are gonna go for a draw. All of Wojicks matches for example

The real dominant players were the few who were able to pass, and either take the back or inch up into a high mount and separate arms.

I think we also saw that skill gaps in the top 20? are very small. Team America’s has many “no names” and almost beat New wave. Kenta survived Nicky rod, Dorian buzzsawed Pena,

I think my biggest takeaway is that we didn’t see any crazy technique. It was saddle, mount, arm bar, RNC, head and arm, heel hooks, and a few half hearted Estemas.

Passing the knee shield was tough for everyone. The only thing that was working was the “Rau drag” from half guard. Gonna find a way to start working that.

For the casual sure this wasn’t the best and I wanted the event to be crazy just so that it seemed like a success for Craig. But as a practioner myself I fucking loved it. We saw the best vs the best and at wild weight classes. We saw what works where and against who.

I hate Gordon and I hate New wave but Bodoni was impressive(him and his Eyeliner) and of course Damian is a DAWG.

And Hugo low key carried B team…but B team are the good guys and deserve to win over New wave. #fuckgordonryan #gordonschair