2 Part Lesson — Marcelo remarks on friction and technique in Nogi: [I] Dry your hands on your shorts before attempting a lock around your opponent; any help you can get by removing sweat from your hands will go a long way toward your progress in position. At the beginning of a match, take advantage of the dryness and try movements that don't necessarily require you to slip around or cut through, but rather ones that work by connecting your weight to the opponent. For instance, the Folding Pass is good tactic for closing the distance and keeping the opponent caged without having to lock your hands around his waist. If you press down on your opponent's knee and his other leg lifts toward the center-line, fold his knees together and drive your chest and hips over his hips until you can land over his guard. You can pass with a Windshield Wipe, circle around, or even drive to Mount. If you can catch Underhook & Head Control, do so; otherwise, settle into the position with at least one Underhook or post both hands out for Mount. [II] If your opponent's knee doesn't raise up from pressure on the opposite side, dive for Underhook & Head Control as you pass one leg to the outside for Half Guard. Locking your hands together around the opponent's body with the Underhook & Head Control is a good option for sticking to your opponent even after sweating, but especially when still dry. If you fail to produce a deep enough result from an initial attempt, back out and try the other side with the same technique.