1 Overview
The choice between training in the gi and no-gi is one of the most common dilemmas for working practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Both formats offer unique benefits and challenges, and the decision often depends on personal goals, schedule, and training environment. The gi, a traditional uniform, introduces grips and friction that slow down the game and emphasize technical precision. No-gi, typically consisting of rash guards and shorts, removes these handles, leading to a faster, more dynamic pace. For the working professional, time is limited, so understanding how each modality builds jiu-jitsu is crucial for efficient progress.
Training in the gi requires a different set of strategies. The abundance of cloth allows for a variety of chokes and controls that are not available in no-gi. This can be advantageous for those who prefer a methodical, chess-like approach. However, the reliance on grips can become a crutch if not balanced with no-gi training. No-gi, on the other hand, forces the practitioner to rely on body positioning and pressure rather than grips. This can improve overall grappling awareness and adaptability. For the working practitioner, alternating between both can provide a well-rounded skill set, but if forced to choose, consider your primary goals and the availability of training partners.
Ultimately, the best choice is the one that keeps you consistently on the mats. Both gi and no-gi have produced world-class athletes, and neither is inherently superior. The key is to train with intention, focusing on fundamental movements and safety. Always train under the supervision of a qualified instructor and with a partner who respects the tap. Remember that jiu-jitsu is a martial art and a combat sport, and its techniques should only be applied in the controlled environment of a training academy.
2 What this guard is for
The closed guard is a fundamental position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the bottom practitioner wraps their legs around the opponent's torso, locking their ankles together. Its primary purpose is to control the opponent's posture and distance, preventing them from establishing a dominant position while creating opportunities for sweeps and submissions. By breaking down the opponent's posture, the guard player can neutralize strikes in a self-defense context (though we focus on sport application) and set up a variety of attacks. The closed guard is often the first guard taught to beginners because it teaches essential concepts such as hip movement, grip fighting, and angle creation.
In the context of gi vs no-gi, the closed guard takes on different characteristics. In the gi, the guard player can utilize sleeve and collar grips to control the opponent's arms and posture more effectively. The friction of the gi also makes it harder for the top player to slip out of submissions. In no-gi, without these grips, the guard player must rely on overhooks, underhooks, and wrist control, which can be more challenging to maintain due to sweat. This forces the guard player to be more proactive in adjusting their hips and seeking submissions. For the working practitioner, developing a strong closed guard in both formats can lead to a more versatile game.
The closed guard is not just a defensive position; it is a powerful offensive platform. From here, the guard player can execute sweeps like the hip bump, scissor sweep, and flower sweep, as well as submissions such as the armbar, triangle choke, and omoplata. The key is to constantly threaten, forcing the opponent to react and creating openings. Training the closed guard requires a partner and a mat area, and it is essential to practice with control to avoid injury. Always communicate with your partner and tap early when caught in a submission.
3 Setting it up correctly
Setting up the closed guard begins before you even lock your ankles. It starts with establishing control over your opponent's posture and arms. In the gi, you should immediately seek grips on the sleeves or collar. A common setup is to grab both sleeves and pull your opponent forward while simultaneously opening your guard to adjust your hips. In no-gi, you might control the wrists or use a two-on-one grip. The goal is to break your opponent's posture so they are forced to post their hands on the mat or on you, which creates openings for attacks. Proper setup also involves ensuring your back is not flat on the mat; instead, you should be slightly angled to one side to create leverage.
Once you have broken the posture, you need to lock your guard. Cross your ankles behind your opponent's back, but avoid crossing too high or too low. The ideal position is with your ankles just above the small of their back, allowing you to control their hips. Your knees should be pinched together to prevent your opponent from posturing up. If your opponent manages to posture, you can use your legs to pull them back down by extending your hips and pulling with your grips. It's important to keep your hips mobile; if they are flat, you lose the ability to generate force. Think of your hips as the engine of your guard.
A critical aspect of setting up the closed guard is managing distance. If your opponent can create space, they can start to pass. Therefore, you must constantly pull them in and keep them close. In the gi, this is easier due to the grips, but in no-gi, you must use your legs and arms actively. Another key point is to avoid letting your opponent control your hips. If they can pin your hips, your guard becomes ineffective. Always work to keep your hips free to move. Finally, remember that the closed guard is a dynamic position; you should be constantly adjusting and looking for opportunities to attack. Training with a partner under supervision is essential to develop these skills safely.
4 Key positions and transitions
The closed guard is a hub from which many transitions flow. One of the most fundamental transitions is to open your guard and move to a more open guard, such as the spider guard or lasso guard in the gi, or butterfly guard in no-gi. These transitions are often initiated when your opponent stands up to break your guard. For example, if your opponent stands, you can transition to a spider guard by placing your feet on their biceps and controlling their sleeves. In no-gi, you might switch to a butterfly guard by inserting your hooks and lifting your opponent. The ability to transition smoothly between guards is a hallmark of an advanced practitioner.
Another key transition is from closed guard to the back. If your opponent attempts to pass by standing and leaning forward, you can use a hip bump sweep to reverse the position. If they base out, you can transition to a kimura or guillotine. The closed guard also offers direct entries to submissions like the triangle choke and armbar. For instance, when your opponent postures up with one arm, you can shoot your hips up and swing your leg over for a triangle. These transitions require precise timing and hip movement. In the gi, the friction and grips can aid in controlling the opponent during these transitions, while in no-gi, you must rely on speed and body positioning.
Defensively, the closed guard can be used to stall or to recover from a bad position. If you are mounted, you can sometimes recover to closed guard by trapping an arm and bridging. However, this is not always advisable; it's better to escape mount directly. From closed guard, you can also transition to the half guard if your opponent starts to pass. The half guard is a strong position that offers sweeps and back takes. The key is to never be static; always be looking for the next transition. Practicing these transitions with a partner under supervision will help you develop the reflexes needed to flow from one position to another. Remember to tap when caught and to communicate with your partner to ensure safety.
5 Common mistakes that open you up
One of the most common mistakes in the closed guard is allowing your opponent to posture up. When your opponent sits up straight, they can begin to open your guard and pass. This often happens when you neglect to break their posture or when you become passive. To prevent this, you must constantly pull them down using your legs and grips. In the gi, you can use collar and sleeve grips; in no-gi, you might use a collar tie or overhook. Another mistake is keeping your hips flat on the mat. Your hips need to be mobile to generate power for sweeps and submissions. If your hips are flat, you cannot effectively hip bump or create angles. Always stay on your side or angled, and be ready to move your hips.
A third mistake is neglecting grip control. In the gi, if you allow your opponent to control your sleeves or collar, they can dictate the pace and pass your guard. In no-gi, if you don't control their wrists or arms, they can easily posture and start passing. You should always fight for grips and never let your opponent establish dominant control. Additionally, crossing your ankles too high or too low can lead to injuries or ineffective control. The ankles should be placed just above the opponent's tailbone, with your knees pinched. Another mistake is not using your legs enough; the closed guard is a leg-driven position, so you must actively use your legs to control and attack.
Finally, many practitioners make the mistake of being too predictable. If you only go for the same sweep or submission, your opponent will anticipate and counter. You need to mix up your attacks and keep your opponent guessing. Also, avoid holding onto a failing technique for too long; if a sweep isn't working, transition to something else. In no-gi, sweat can make grips slippery, so you must adjust your game accordingly. Always train with a partner who is similarly skilled and who respects safety. If you feel pain or discomfort, tap immediately. Remember, the goal is to learn and improve, not to win every round. Training under supervision and with a focus on technique will help you avoid these common pitfalls.
6 Drills to build it
To develop a strong closed guard, specific drills are essential. One of the most effective is the hip bump sweep drill. Start with your partner in your closed guard. Break their posture, then when they posture up, execute a hip bump sweep by bridging your hips and rolling them over. This drill teaches timing, hip movement, and the importance of breaking posture. Practice this drill for several rounds, alternating roles with your partner. Another useful drill is the triangle choke setup. From closed guard, practice pulling your opponent's arm across, shooting your hips up, and locking the triangle. Focus on the details: controlling the arm, angling your hips, and locking your legs correctly. This drill can be done with a compliant partner to build muscle memory.
For no-gi specific training, the butterfly guard sweep drill is valuable. Although it's not closed guard, it teaches similar hip movement and off-balancing. Start with butterfly hooks, then lift your opponent and sweep them to the side. This drill enhances your ability to use your legs without grips. In the gi, the spider guard drill is excellent for transitioning from closed guard. From closed guard, open your guard and place your feet on your partner's biceps, controlling their sleeves. Then practice sweeping or transitioning to omoplata. This drill improves flexibility and grip strength. Always drill with a partner who provides moderate resistance, not full resistance initially, to allow you to learn the movements correctly.
Another drill is the closed guard posture break drill. Simply practice breaking your partner's posture from closed guard using different grips. In the gi, use collar and sleeve grips; in no-gi, use wrist control and overhooks. Your partner should try to posture up while you work to keep them down. This drill builds grip strength and leg endurance. Finally, the armbar drill from closed guard is fundamental. From closed guard, practice swinging your leg over your partner's head and extending their arm for the armbar. Focus on hip placement and knee squeeze. These drills should be done under the supervision of an instructor, and always with a partner who understands the importance of safety. Tap early and often when practicing submissions. Consistent drilling will ingrain these movements, making them automatic during sparring.
7 Frequently asked questions
Q: Is the closed guard effective in no-gi? A: Yes, the closed guard can be effective in no-gi, but it requires adjustments. Without grips, you must rely more on overhooks, underhooks, and wrist control. The lack of friction means your opponent can slip out more easily, so you need to be more active with your hips and constantly threaten submissions. Many no-gi practitioners prefer open guards like butterfly or half guard, but the closed guard remains a viable option, especially for those with a strong squeeze.
Q: How often should I train gi vs no-gi? A: The ideal ratio depends on your goals. If you compete in gi, focus more on gi training. If you compete in no-gi, focus on no-gi. For self-defense, both have merits, but no-gi might be more applicable in a street situation where clothing can be grabbed or not. However, we do not advocate for self-defense application without proper training. For overall development, a balanced approach is often recommended, such as 50/50 or 60/40. Listen to your body and avoid overtraining.
Q: Can I train closed guard if I have knee issues? A: The closed guard can be tough on the knees, especially if you have existing injuries. The position requires flexibility and pressure on the knees. If you have knee issues, consult with a medical professional before training. You can modify by not locking your ankles tightly or by using an open guard instead. Always prioritize safety and tap if you feel pain. Training under the guidance of a qualified instructor who can adapt techniques to your needs is essential.
Q: What are the best submissions from closed guard? A: The most common submissions from closed guard are the armbar, triangle choke, omoplata, and kimura. In the gi, you can also use collar chokes like the cross choke. The key is to set them up by breaking posture and creating angles. Practice these submissions with a partner, focusing on control and safety. Remember that submissions should only be applied in training, never outside.