Meet Mikey Musumeci: The Rising Star of ONE Championship
Mikey Musumeci may not strike fear into his opponents at first glance, but don’t let his unassuming appearance fool you. With his glasses, smile, and signature hand gesture representing his Italian heritage and love for pizza and pasta, Musumeci is a force to be reckoned with on the mat. At just 28 years old, he has already established himself as one of the most accomplished Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners in the world, boasting five IBJJF World Championships under his belt. Currently holding the ONE Championship Submission Grappling Flyweight title, Musumeci is a formidable opponent with a record of 7-0, including 5 submissions.
Musumeci’s nickname, “Darth Rigatoni,” hints at his prowess in the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. His ability to seamlessly transition from a friendly demeanor to a ruthless submission technician is a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft. During a visit to the MH Fitness Hub ahead of ONE 168 in Denver, Musumeci demonstrated his expertise by showcasing his closed-guard arm bar on a willing participant. As a journalist with a background in striking arts like boxing and Muay Thai, I found myself out of my element when faced with Musumeci’s submission techniques. While grappling had been a part of my MMA training, facing a specialist like Musumeci was a whole new challenge.
Mastering the Closed Guard Arm Bar
Musumeci’s closed guard arm bar is a technique that requires precision, control, and finesse. Before delving into the mechanics of the arm bar itself, Musumeci emphasized the importance of understanding the closed guard position. By utilizing the closed guard on the bottom, a practitioner can protect themselves from strikes and control the pace of the match. Musumeci expertly demonstrated how to frame an opponent’s biceps, limiting their ability to strike and dictating the flow of the engagement.
To execute the arm bar, Musumeci broke down the steps into a series of fluid movements. Beginning with a handshake grip on the opponent’s arm, the process involves securing the elbow, aligning the hand, elbow, and shoulder, and then transitioning into the leg position for the arm bar. By lifting the leg over the opponent’s shoulder, locking the heels around their back, and shifting the weight to the side, the practitioner sets the stage for the final maneuver. With precise movements and calculated pressure, the arm bar is applied, forcing the opponent to tap out or risk injury.
Building Strength and Technique
To reinforce the body positioning and control needed for the closed guard arm bar, Musumeci introduced a challenging drill that tested the participant’s strength and endurance. Drawing inspiration from the classic film “Happy Gilmore,” Musumeci emphasized the importance of using the hips to lock in the leg position and maintain control over the opponent. By gripping a medicine ball between the legs and maneuvering around the mat, the drill targeted the adductor muscles and core, essential for executing the arm bar effectively.
The drill served as a precursor to the ultimate challenge: performing the arm bar technique under pressure. With a timer set for 30 seconds and the task of successfully executing two out of three attempts at the arm bar, the participant faced a test of skill and mental fortitude. Musumeci’s guidance and encouragement propelled the participant through the challenge, culminating in a newfound confidence in their ability to apply the arm bar technique effectively.
As I reflect on my experience learning from Mikey Musumeci and his expertise in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, I am reminded of the dedication and precision required to excel in the art of submission grappling. Musumeci’s success in ONE Championship is a testament to his skill, determination, and unwavering commitment to his craft. For aspiring martial artists and fans of the sport, Musumeci’s journey serves as an inspiration to push boundaries, embrace challenges, and strive for excellence in all endeavors. In the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Mikey Musumeci stands as a shining example of what can be achieved through passion, hard work, and a relentless pursuit of greatness.
