Technique Breakdown: Sidakov Split Step High Crotch

Zaurbek Sidakov, 2x World Champion from Russia, consistently hits a split step high crotch on his World Class opponents. I broke down his teammate Zavur Uguev's split step which is nearly the same, but with some differences that allows his entry to be a lot smoother:    • Technique Breakdown: Zavur Uguev Split Step   At first glance it appears to be a simple outside step, but upon further analysis, there is a lot more biomechanically that demands a high level of coordination, precise timing, and world class athleticism to convert an outside step to an inside penetration. The fact is, he is converting his outside split step to an inside leg penetration from space and requires 7 keys to make it all work: 1. inside hand fake grabs to cause opponent to reach 2. outside hand taps head as a diversion and swims or combs hair to clear opponent arms 3. split step or deep lunge so front leg steps outside of opponent's body 4. back leg is loaded directly behind for power 5. drive thru front knee to continue forward motion 6. release inside hand and secure leg ensuring shoulder position is correct 7. punch back leg in by driving knee inside and get tall again Finish will be different depending on opponent reaction.