1 Overview
Guard pulling is often misunderstood as a passive or cowardly act, but in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it is a strategic choice that invites the opponent into your strongest domain: the bottom game. By pulling guard, you dictate the initial terms of engagement, forcing the opponent to deal with your preferred offensive systems. This approach is not about avoiding the fight; it is about fighting from a position where you have trained extensively to control, sweep, and submit. The bottom player in guard has a rich array of techniques to neutralize the top player's pressure and turn defense into offense.
In modern Jiu-Jitsu, guard pulling is a legitimate tactic used at the highest levels of sport competition. It allows the guard player to bypass the opponent's wrestling or takedown strengths and immediately implement their guard game. However, this strategy requires a deep understanding of distance management, grip fighting, and hip movement. Without these fundamentals, pulling guard can indeed become a cowardly retreat. But when executed with purpose and technical precision, it is a courageous entry into a complex battlefield where the guard player holds the advantage.
This article explores the open guard family, focusing on how to pull guard effectively and develop a robust bottom game. We will cover the purpose of the guard, setup mechanics, key positions, common pitfalls, and drills to sharpen your skills. Remember, all training should be done with a partner under the supervision of a qualified instructor, prioritizing safety and mutual progression.
2 What this guard is for
The open guard is a versatile family of positions where the bottom player uses their legs, arms, and hips to control distance and create offensive opportunities. Its primary purpose is to manage the space between you and your opponent, preventing them from establishing a dominant passing position while setting up sweeps and submissions. Unlike closed guard, which relies on locking the legs around the opponent, the open guard allows for greater mobility and adaptability, making it effective against opponents who are skilled at breaking closed guard.
In an open guard, you aim to keep at least three points of contact on your opponent—such as a foot on the hip, a hand controlling a sleeve, and another foot hooking the leg. This framework allows you to off-balance the opponent, break their posture, and transition to more dominant positions. The guard also serves as a platform for attacks like triangle chokes, armbars, and omoplatas, as well as sweeps that put you on top. By controlling the distance, you force the opponent to engage on your terms, neutralizing their pressure and speed.
Ultimately, the open guard is about creating dilemmas for the top player. Every grip and hook presents a threat, and the constant motion keeps them defensive. This guard is not a static position but a dynamic system that requires active maintenance. It is suitable for beginners who are learning distance management and for advanced practitioners who chain multiple attacks. Training this guard with a partner under supervision ensures you develop the sensitivity and timing needed to apply it safely and effectively.
3 Setting it up correctly
To pull guard correctly, you must first establish a strong grip on your opponent's sleeve or collar with one hand while using your other hand to control their posture or distance. As you pull, you simultaneously sit down and place your foot on their hip, creating a frame that prevents them from closing the distance. The key is to make the pull a controlled descent, not a fall. Your hips should remain mobile, and you should immediately look to insert a second point of contact, such as a hook or a second foot on the hip.
Timing is critical. Pull guard when your opponent is off-balance or when their weight is shifting backward. If you pull when they are driving forward, you risk getting smashed. Use a grip on their sleeve to pull them into you while you sit, and use your foot on their hip to keep them at bay. This creates a moment of confusion that allows you to establish your guard. Always keep your head off the mat and your shoulders slightly elevated to avoid being flattened.
After pulling, immediately work to break their posture and establish your preferred guard configuration. For example, you might transition to a collar-sleeve guard or a spider guard by adjusting your grips and hooks. The setup is not complete until you have at least three points of contact and your opponent's posture is compromised. Practice this with a partner who provides moderate resistance, focusing on smooth mechanics rather than speed. Remember, safety is paramount; communicate with your partner and tap if you feel discomfort.
4 Key positions and transitions
Once you have pulled guard, you enter a fluid system of positions. The primary positions include collar-sleeve guard, spider guard, lasso guard, and de la Riva guard. Each offers different control mechanisms and attack routes. Collar-sleeve guard uses a cross-collar grip and a sleeve grip to control posture and distance, setting up triangles and omoplatas. Spider guard involves feet on the biceps and sleeve grips, creating powerful sweeping opportunities. Lasso guard threads your leg around their arm, limiting their movement and opening up sweeps. De la Riva guard hooks your outside leg around their lead leg, allowing you to off-balance them and take the back.
Transitions between these guards are seamless when you maintain constant motion. For instance, from collar-sleeve, you might switch to spider guard if your opponent postures up, or transition to de la Riva if they step their leg forward. The key is to never stay static; always adjust your grips and hooks to follow their movements. As you transition, look for openings to sweep or submit. For example, a common transition is from spider guard to a triangle choke when the opponent tries to stack you.
Another critical transition is from open guard to a sweep that puts you on top. Sweeps like the scissor sweep, flower sweep, and tripod sweep are all viable from open guard. After sweeping, you must immediately stabilize the top position by securing side control or mount. Training these transitions with a partner helps you develop the timing and coordination needed to chain techniques. Always practice under supervision, and focus on technical precision over power.
5 Common mistakes that open you up
One of the most common mistakes in open guard is lying flat on your back with your hips pinned to the mat. This allows the top player to control your legs and pass easily. Instead, you must keep your hips mobile, often elevated, and use your frames to maintain distance. Another mistake is holding static grips without adjusting to the opponent's movements. Grips should be dynamic; if your opponent circles, you must re-grip or change your control points. Failing to do so leads to grip fatigue and lost control.
Neglecting to frame or off-balance is another pitfall. If you do not constantly threaten sweeps or submissions, the top player can settle into a passing rhythm. You must use your legs and arms to disrupt their base, keeping them defensive. Additionally, many practitioners pull guard without a clear plan, resulting in a passive bottom game. Always have a specific guard in mind and work to establish it immediately.
Finally, forgetting to protect your neck and arms can lead to submissions. For example, if you extend your arm carelessly while trying to establish a grip, you might expose it to an armlock. Always keep your elbows tight and your chin protected. By avoiding these mistakes, you transform your guard from a liability into a fortress. Practice with a partner who can point out these errors, and drill the corrections until they become second nature.
6 Drills to build it
The guard retention drill is fundamental for developing a strong open guard. Start with you in open guard and your partner in a standing or kneeling passing position. Your goal is to maintain three points of contact and prevent them from passing for a set time, such as two minutes. Focus on hip movement, grip adjustments, and framing. If they pass, reset and continue. This drill builds endurance, sensitivity, and the ability to react to pressure.
Another effective drill is the guard transition drill. Begin in one guard, such as collar-sleeve, and have your partner move in different directions. Your task is to transition to other guards (spider, lasso, de la Riva) while maintaining control. This drill enhances your ability to chain guards and adapt to changing circumstances. Perform it for multiple rounds, gradually increasing resistance.
For sweeping, practice the scissor sweep and flower sweep from open guard with a compliant partner. Focus on the mechanics of off-balancing and the follow-through to the top position. Then, incorporate these sweeps into live training with moderate resistance. Always warm up properly and drill with safety in mind. These drills should be done under the supervision of an instructor, and partners should communicate to ensure mutual safety. Consistent practice will make your guard a reliable weapon.
7 Frequently asked questions
Is pulling guard considered cowardly in Jiu-Jitsu? No, pulling guard is a strategic choice that plays to the strengths of the bottom player. It is widely used in sport Jiu-Jitsu and is not a sign of weakness but of technical preference. However, it must be done with purpose and skill to be effective.
What if my opponent refuses to engage when I pull guard? If your opponent backs away, you can use the opportunity to stand up or transition to a wrestling stance. In sport Jiu-Jitsu, stalling is penalized, so they must engage eventually. In training, communicate with your partner to ensure a productive roll.
Can I pull guard in a self-defense situation? This article focuses on sport and training contexts. In a real fight, pulling guard is generally not advisable due to the risk of strikes and multiple attackers. Always prioritize safety and avoid real fights. Training should be done in a controlled environment with a partner and under supervision.
How do I prevent my guard from being passed? Focus on maintaining three points of contact, keeping your hips mobile, and constantly off-balancing your opponent. Drill guard retention regularly and seek feedback from your instructor.
What is the best guard for a beginner? The closed guard is often recommended for beginners because it teaches fundamental control and posture breaking. Once comfortable, you can explore open guards. Always train with a partner and follow safety guidelines.