Combinations

Once you have a plethora of techniques in your mind, you will need to use your imagination to formulate combinations. The goal of a combination is to force your opponent to have to choose between two options of resistance. For example, the opponent may have to choose between being swept, or being armbared. Combinations also help you to surprise your opponent, especially if your combination is new to them.

The objective is to get a reaction from your opponent, then stop and look at what has become available due to his reaction. For example, if someone is defending the guillotine by pulling down on your wrist, then you can easily throw your leg over his shoulder for the triangle.

Also, if you hip bump someone they may post with their arm, this will open them up for the kimura or omoplata, if they are pushing forwards you can go with their pressure and pull them on top of you for the scissor sweep.

Another way to brainstorm combinations and get your imagination rolling is to list different positions or submissions and randomly mix and match them. See if you can figure out a way to move from one position or submission to another.