3 Part Technique - In the finals of the 2004 brasileiros absolute division, Marcelo was swept with a beautiful Flower Sweep from Closed Guard by Xande Ribeiro that may have well cost him the match. You must learn from your mistakes; Ma...

2 Part Lesson - Cross and 2on1 the opponent's blocking arm as you attempt to pass and cut your knee against the opening space. The opponent may hip escape away, so prepare to force Knee on Belly to counter his escape.

2 Part Lesson — Marcelo stands to break the Closed Guard: [I] If your opponent is insistent upon hanging from Closed Guard while still clinched to you, create frames against his hips and let gravity work in your favor. Don't tip back o...

2 Part Technique - Find the structural weak points in your opponents positioning and exploit them whenever the opportunity to do so presents itself. For example, as soon as you clean off your opponents grips in De-La-Riva Guard, his pr...

4 Part Lesson — Marcelo instructs his class on how to strip your opponent's grips on your sleeves while inside his Spider Guard. If you cannot gain strong upright posture to crouch back down with your hands inside, stomp on his bicep t...

3 Part Lesson — [I] Success in breaking open the Closed Guard while standing involves timely coordination of your limbs; if your opponent tries to pick your heel (outside grip around foot), kick forward and step back as you crank his a...

3 Part Technique - If your opponent attacks one of your legs after you pop up to break his Closed Guard, take note of which side arm he uses and simply hop back down to reset. On the second attempt, pin the wrist of the hand he used be...

2 Part Technique - When your opponent grabs for Double Sleeve Control from the Closed Guard, it's usually a good indication that he is planning on playing Spider Guard when you try to open him. Spoil his intentions after he releases hi...

2 Part Technique - If your opponent begins to interfere with your pushing hand while you break his Closed Guard from Standing, grab onto his gi pants on the inside of his knee so that you can continue applying pressure. Keep hold of th...

2 Part Technique - If your opponent grabs both of your sleeves while holding onto the Closed Guard, assume that he is waiting to transition to the Spider Guard. Although Marcelo knows how to unravel the hooks and pass the Spider Guard,...

3 Part Lesson - With a Collar and Elbow control established, meld your Hook Sweep and Knee Slide Pass together by continuously holding your initial control. After passing his guard preserve your grips and control to take the opponent's...

2 Part Technique - Point your knee inwards against the opponent's Spiral Guard and control his upper body to yield his offense. Use the Collar and Elbow Control and slide your knee against his guard.

2 Part Lesson — Marcelo gets past a loose De-La-Riva Hook: [I] If your opponent opts for DLR Guard with Collar & Sleeve Control (as opposed to the traditional ankle grip), take advantage of his lowered defenses and concentrate on passi...