Offensive vs defensive cycles- an offensive cycle is when you can chain a variety of attacks together and manage to constantly be on the attack. A defensive cycle is when you cannot mount any attacks and you find yourself defending your opponent attacks. Something in this sport that you can absolutely not accept is falling into a defensive cycle for long amounts of time. Notice how the second yuri engages my guard, starting his offensive cycle, I don’t just look to retain guard, but to also start my own offensive cycle, thus putting him into a defensive cycle. So many people talk about retaining guard, but just as important as retention itself is the ability to ATTACK directly after the initial retention takes place. Don’t get caught in a defensive cycle where all you do is defend. The second they attack, defend and counter attack. Irimi ashi to cross ashi😊