1 Overview
The three-second rule in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition is often misunderstood. Many competitors believe that holding a position for three seconds guarantees points, but this is not entirely accurate. The rule states that for certain positions, such as mount and back control, you must maintain the position for three seconds to be awarded points. However, for other positions like guard passes and sweeps, points are awarded immediately upon establishing the position, without the need for a three-second hold. This misconception can lead to frustration when competitors fail to score points despite seemingly controlling their opponent.
The confusion arises because referees may take a moment to signal points, especially in fast-paced matches. This delay can make it appear as though a three-second rule applies universally. Additionally, in some rule sets, advantages are given for near-misses or brief controls, further muddying the waters. Understanding the specific rules of your competition is crucial to avoid leaving points on the table.
In this article, we will dissect the three-second rule, clarify when it applies, and explain why you might not be getting points despite your efforts. We will focus on the closed guard, a foundational position where many competitors struggle to score due to technical errors and misunderstandings of the rules. By mastering the closed guard and its scoring nuances, you can ensure that your hard work translates into points on the scoreboard.
2 What this guard is for
The closed guard is a fundamental position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where you use your legs to wrap around your opponent's torso, controlling their posture and distance. Its primary purpose is to neutralize your opponent's offense while setting up your own attacks, such as sweeps and submissions. By breaking your opponent's posture and keeping them close, you limit their ability to strike or pass your guard, creating opportunities to transition to more dominant positions.
In competition, the closed guard is not just a defensive position; it is a launching pad for offense. From here, you can execute sweeps to reverse the position and gain top control, which awards points. You can also attack with submissions like armbars, triangle chokes, and omoplatas. The guard allows you to control the pace of the match and force your opponent to react to your movements.
However, simply having your legs wrapped around your opponent is not enough. To be effective, you must actively control their posture, keep your hips mobile, and constantly threaten with attacks. A passive closed guard allows your opponent to posture up, open your legs, and pass, putting you in a defensive cycle. Therefore, understanding the purpose of the closed guard is the first step toward using it to score points and win matches.
3 Setting it up correctly
Setting up the closed guard correctly begins before you even wrap your legs around your opponent. It starts with establishing strong grips and breaking their posture. As they attempt to pass, you should secure a grip on their collar or sleeves, then use your legs to pull them into your closed guard. The key is to not allow them to settle in a comfortable posture; immediately pull them down and keep their head close to your chest.
Once your legs are locked, your hips should be active, not flat on the mat. You need to angle your hips to create leverage and prevent your opponent from stacking you. Your feet should be crossed at the ankles, but avoid crossing too high, as this can make you vulnerable to leg locks in some rule sets. Keep your knees pulled toward your chest to maintain a tight guard.
Grip fighting is crucial. Control one sleeve and the collar, or both sleeves, to limit your opponent's ability to posture and pass. Use your legs to break their posture by pulling your knees to your chest and extending your hips. If they try to stand, use your grips to pull them back down or transition to an open guard. Remember, the closed guard is a dynamic position; you must constantly adjust to maintain control and set up your attacks.
4 Key positions and transitions
From the closed guard, there are several key positions and transitions that can lead to points. One of the most common is the hip bump sweep, where you sit up, post on one hand, and use your hips to knock your opponent forward, then roll them over. This sweep, when executed correctly, puts you in mount, which is worth points. Another is the scissor sweep, where you use your legs to off-balance your opponent and sweep them to the side, landing in mount or side control.
Transitions to submissions are also vital. The armbar from closed guard is a classic attack. You break your opponent's posture, isolate an arm, and pivot your hips to extend the arm, forcing a tap. The triangle choke is another high-percentage submission, where you trap one arm and one head, then lock your legs in a figure-four to cut off blood flow. The omoplata is a shoulder lock that can be used as a sweep or submission.
Additionally, you can transition to open guards like the spider guard or butterfly guard if your opponent stands up or breaks your closed guard. These transitions require quick hip movement and grip adjustments. Understanding these key positions and transitions allows you to flow seamlessly from defense to offense, keeping your opponent guessing and accumulating points. Always remember to maintain control throughout the transition to avoid giving your opponent an opportunity to pass.
5 Common mistakes that open you up
One of the most common mistakes in the closed guard is lying flat on your back with your hips pinned to the mat. This allows your opponent to posture up easily, stack you, and pass your guard. Without hip movement, you cannot generate the leverage needed to sweep or submit. Always keep your hips mobile, bridging and angling to disrupt your opponent's balance.
Another mistake is allowing your opponent to posture up. If they can straighten their back and lift their head, they can open your guard and initiate a pass. To prevent this, you must constantly break their posture by pulling them down with your grips and legs. Use your legs to pull your knees to your chest and your grips to control their head and arms. If they do posture up, immediately transition to an open guard rather than holding onto a losing closed guard.
Neglecting hip movement is a third mistake. Many practitioners focus solely on grips and forget that the hips drive the guard. Your hips should be active, creating angles and generating power for sweeps. If your hips are static, your opponent can easily control you. Drill hip escapes and bridging to develop the habit of constant motion. By avoiding these mistakes, you will maintain a strong closed guard that is difficult to pass and ripe with scoring opportunities.
6 Drills to build it
To develop a strong closed guard, incorporate specific drills into your training. The hip escape to armbar drill is excellent for building hip mobility and coordination. Start with your partner in your closed guard. Break their posture, then perform a hip escape to create an angle. Swing your leg over their head and pivot your hips to simulate an armbar. Repeat on both sides. This drill teaches you to combine hip movement with submission setups, a crucial skill for scoring.
Another effective drill is the posture-breaking drill. With your partner in your closed guard, focus solely on breaking their posture. They will try to posture up, and you must use your grips and legs to pull them back down. This drill improves your grip strength and timing, and reinforces the importance of controlling your opponent's posture. Do it for timed rounds, switching roles.
The scissor sweep drill is also valuable. From closed guard, practice the scissor sweep motion without actually sweeping your partner. Focus on the hip movement and leg positioning. Then, with a compliant partner, execute the full sweep, ensuring you land in mount. This drill builds the muscle memory for one of the most fundamental sweeps from closed guard. Always drill with a partner under supervision, and prioritize safety by avoiding jerky movements and communicating with your partner.
7 Frequently asked questions
Q: Why am I not getting points for my closed guard? A: In most rule sets, the closed guard itself does not award points. Points are given for sweeps, submissions, and positional advancements like passing the guard or mounting. If you are not sweeping or submitting, you will not score. Ensure you are actively attacking and transitioning to scoring positions.
Q: How long do I need to hold a position for points? A: It depends on the position. Mount and back control require a three-second hold. Guard passes and sweeps are awarded immediately upon establishment. Always check your specific competition rules, as they can vary.
Q: What if my opponent stands up in my closed guard? A: If your opponent stands, your closed guard is broken. You should immediately transition to an open guard, such as spider guard or butterfly guard, to maintain control and look for sweeps. Do not hold onto a closed guard that is no longer closed; you will waste energy and likely get passed.
Q: Can I submit someone from closed guard? A: Yes, the closed guard offers many submission opportunities, including armbars, triangle chokes, and omoplatas. However, these require precise technique and timing. Drill them regularly with a partner under supervision to develop proficiency.
Q: Is the closed guard effective in self-defense? A: This article focuses on sport BJJ competition. In a real fight, the closed guard can be risky due to strikes. Always prioritize safety and train under supervision. Do not attempt to use BJJ techniques outside of supervised training.