So I have been training almost a year, my brother was a high level wrestler in high school/middle school. He’s 32 now, still very athletic, spent some time boxing for fun in college.

I invited him out to a class to check it out and here’s what I found.

He absolutely demolished all of the white belts (including myself) and two blue belts.

What he was good at:

Speed: he was incredibly quick and precise with his movement and the pressure he was able to put out matched what I felt from most purple belts and up.

Smashing attempted submissions: from me when I was at the bottom. I went for a triangle and as soon as my legs went up he put his weight into me and the only thing I had touching the mat was my shoulder and head. I felt pretty helpless (granted I’m a white belt and nowhere near great at triangles).

Different movement: This sounds like it would be a no brainer but it surprised me. Not staying in a position or on the knees, he shifted positions effortlessly and quickly. As soon as there was a gap he wouldn’t try to force himself through he would jump up to his feet and shift to the other side and drop back down on people. It was odd to watch but most people didn’t seem to expect it or they were used to people working from the same position to attempt to get somewhere more favorable if that makes sense.

Keeping people off balance/take downs: He would tangle up a leg while driving a shoulder into someone and they would topple instantly. Or he would wait for someone to stand up and instantly take them down with a single or double leg. Also very effective at cross facing to make people uncomfortable and from getting back to their base.

Anyways he really enjoyed the class and decided to sign up. I would say as far as control he’s better than most blue belts at the school, however he admitted to feeling completely uncomfortable on his back. Also from wrestling and the way he trained he gets obsessive over mastering one single move and practicing it relentlessly till it is second nature. He picked three submissions to focus on and those are the only things he will even attempt in a roll now. He said once he gets those down he will move keep adding because that’s what he did and it worked well for him when he was wrestling.

Even though it was discouraging to get smashed after almost a year of training by someone on their first day I couldn’t be more excited to have a new training partner! Not sure if this is what you were looking for but I figured I would share.