A Kickboxer's Submission Lesson

Literally leaping right into the hold like this was how Akino was used to applying the hold, and when used properly was a great way to catch opponents off guard, as Konata just learned. But most people didn’t use it that way, and it was a bit ridiculous to expect a beginner with grappling to be able to follow along with that. Akino realized that as soon as she’d locked the triangle choke in, and let go of the girl as soon as she tapped.

“Sorry, that might’ve been a little fast.” she said, bringing herself to sit up on the mat. “Do you think you were able to get all that? If not I can demonstrate it more slowly, and without the takedown so you can understand how it works.”

“Not a problem. Sorry again for going so fast. I should’ve thought that through a bit more. But once you understand how to apply the hold, you’ll be able to find your own ways of getting it locked in. A takedown like that, with practice, just might even be a piece of cake.” she said with a brief, reassuring smile. But then the it was time to get back to work, so she moved to lie on her back, with her knees elevated as her soles rested on the mat.

“Ok. Now what I want you to do is kneel down right in between my legs.” Akino began explaining. “Once you’re there, get your arms up like you’re trying find an opening to punch me right in the face. And then, hold out your fist toward me. Don’t actually try to hit, since I’m just showing you the basic mechanics of the hold for now.”

While Akino was glad to see Konata seemed to be encouraged by her words. But, the immaturity caused the one-eyed woman’s eyebrow to twitch slightly as the kawaii joked about. Anyone with a normal sense of humor would probably be laughing right along with Konata. But Akino was only starting to get irritated by it.

Fortunately, Konata picked up on it before she could say anything about it, and they were quickly right back to business. “Right. Just hold your fist out as if you were trying to hit me.” she said. And if Konata did as she was instructed, Akino would grab onto the arm, before moving her legs to coil around the girl. One leg would move over her shoulder and behind her neck, while the other leg would clamp down on top of the first, trapping Konata’s head, neck and arm. She wouldn’t apply a ton of pressure, but just enough to start lightly choking her and give her an idea of what the hold was meant to do.

Soon after Akino had her legs secured around Konata, she felt the girl tap against her thigh, and immediately released the hold. “Think you got it now?” she asked, hoping slowing the pace of her demonstration down had helped her get an idea of how to use the hold.

“Now it’s your turn to give it a try.” Akino said as she pulled herself up to her knees. “Lay down just like I did, and let me know when you’re ready to try.” The one-eyed girl gave her a moment to get comfortable and mentally prepare herself if necessary before proceeding further.

Akino nodded as Konata moved herself in position and laid on the mat. Inching forward to position herself in a kneeling stance between the girl’s legs, the one-eyed girl then held her fist out toward Konata’s face as if she were throwing a punch down at her. “Alright then. Whenever you’re ready.” she said, then simply waited for the girl to try to apply the triangle choke just as Akino had a moment ago.