Kuzushi in RDLR
I'm always trying to work something offensive and something defensive. Defensively I'm working on side control escapes this month, but offensively I have been working on back takes.
Long term, I really want to get good at Kiss of the Dragon. Not gonna lie, this is 95% because I think the move has a cool name & looks fun to do. To work towards this goal, I have been trying to work on my RDLR game. I got Mikey's RDLR instructional and have enjoyed some great content from John Thomas and Espen Mathiesen on YouTube that helped me get comfortable establishing the position. However, I'm not finding the position to be super intuitive once I am in it. A key to me improving my DLR and X-guard game was learning how to use different grip configurations to off-balance my opponent, making a specific leg heavy or light when I need it to be. In RDLR with my right hand on their ankle, my right leg using the RDLR hook, and my left foot framing their hip I feel like I have one side of their body nicely isolated and I can retain the position fairly well, but I have had trouble off balancing them and getting the hooked leg light so I can spin under. Most of the time I find myself in the position my partner is standing.
What are some of your favorite ways to keep your opponent off balance, make that hooked leg light, and perhaps get their far knee and/or hand to the mat? Specifically, how are you using your hand that's not on the heel of the hooked leg? If there were other details that really helped your RDLR and Kiss of the Dragon game in particular, feel free to share!