Breaker drill

A breaker drill is a type of exercise used in martial arts, particularly in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling, to improve one's ability to escape from bad positions and submit their opponent. Here's a breakdown of the breaker drill:

What is a breaker drill?

A breaker drill is a training exercise where a person (the "breaker") is placed in a bad position, such as being pinned or submitted, and must use their skills and technique to escape and submit their opponent (the "holder").

How to perform a breaker drill:

  1. Find a training partner who is willing to hold you in a bad position.
  2. Start by having your partner hold you in a position that you struggle with, such as a side control, mount, or armbar.
  3. As the breaker, focus on using your technique to escape from the position. This may involve using your arms, legs, and body to create space and generate power.
  4. Once you've escaped, immediately transition into a submission hold to finish the drill.
  5. Switch roles with your partner and repeat the process.

Benefits of breaker drills:

  1. Improves escape skills: Breaker drills help you develop the skills and confidence to escape from bad positions, which is essential in real-life self-defense situations.
  2. Enhances submission skills: By focusing on submitting your opponent after escaping, you'll improve your ability to finish a fight with a submission hold.
  3. Increases situational awareness: Breaker drills require you to be aware of your surroundings and react quickly to changing situations.
  4. Builds mental toughness: Escaping from bad positions and submitting your opponent can be mentally challenging, but it helps build mental toughness and resilience.

Tips for performing breaker drills:

  1. Start slow: Begin with slower-paced drills and gradually increase the speed and intensity as you become more comfortable.
  2. Focus on technique: Remember to focus on proper technique and execution, rather than just trying to escape or submit.
  3. Communicate with your partner: Make sure to communicate with your partner about the position and the level of resistance you're comfortable with.
  4. Mix up the positions: Vary the positions and scenarios to keep the drills interesting and challenging.
  5. Practice regularly: Consistency is key when it comes to improving your breaker skills. Practice regularly to see progress and improvement.