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BJJ Guard Types Explained - Complete Guide | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202526 min read

BJJ Guard Types Explained: Complete Guide to All Guards

The guard is the defining position of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu - the art of fighting effectively from your back. Unlike most martial arts that consider the bottom position disadvantageous, BJJ has developed dozens of sophisticated guard positions where the bottom player can control, sweep, and submit their opponent.

This comprehensive guide explains every major guard type, when to use each position, and how guards fit into your overall BJJ game.

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What is Guard in BJJ?

Guard is any bottom position in BJJ where you use your legs to control your opponent, preventing them from establishing a dominant top position while creating opportunities for sweeps (reversals) and submissions.

Core Guard Principles

  1. Hip Mobility - Active hip movement prevents opponent’s passing
  2. Distance Management - Control space between you and opponent
  3. Off-balancing - Disrupt opponent’s balance and posture
  4. Frame Creation - Use legs and arms to create defensive structure
  5. Grip Fighting - Control opponent’s grips and establish your own

Guard vs. Bad Positions

Guard positions (you have control):

  • Your legs actively control opponent
  • You can sweep or submit
  • Points: 0 (neutral position)

Bad bottom positions (opponent controls you):

  • Opponent has passed your legs
  • Side control, mount, back control
  • Points: Opponent scores 3-4 points

The goal: Maintain guard to prevent the pass, then sweep to top position or submit from bottom.

Guard Classification System

Guards are organized into four main families based on leg connection and control mechanisms:

Family 1: Closed Guards

Definition: Legs wrapped around opponent (ankles locked or connected)

Characteristics:

  • Maximum hip control
  • Simplified distance management
  • Best for beginners
  • Limited mobility

Examples: Closed Guard Bottom, Rubber Guard, Williams Guard

Family 2: Open Guards

Definition: Legs not connected, using hooks and frames for distance control

Characteristics:

  • Dynamic movement
  • Multiple connection points (hooks, grips, frames)
  • Distance-based control
  • Requires better timing

Examples: Spider Guard, De La Riva Guard, Butterfly Guard, Lasso Guard

Family 3: Half Guards

Definition: One of opponent’s legs trapped between yours

Characteristics:

  • Defensive recovery position
  • Most common in competition (65% of matches)
  • Strong sweeping potential
  • Limited submission options (compared to full guard)

Examples: Half Guard Bottom, Knee Shield Half Guard, Lockdown Guard, Deep Half Guard

Family 4: Leg Entanglement Guards

Definition: Focus on controlling opponent’s legs for sweeps and leg attacks

Characteristics:

  • Modern competition meta
  • No-gi dominance
  • Leg lock offense/defense
  • Requires systematic understanding

Examples: X-Guard, Single Leg X Guard, 50-50 Guard, Ashi Garami

Closed Guard Family

Closed Guard Bottom

Closed Guard Bottom - The fundamental guard

Mechanics: Legs wrapped around opponent’s waist, ankles locked behind their back

When to Use:

  • Beginning BJJ training
  • Against larger/stronger opponents
  • When you need maximum control
  • In self-defense scenarios

Success Rates:

  • Position Retention: Beginner 60%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 80%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
  • Submission Success: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 60%

Primary Attacks:

  • Triangle Choke Front - Legs around neck and arm (Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%)
  • Armbar Control - Classic arm hyperextension (Success: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%)
  • Omoplata - Leg-based shoulder lock (Success: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 65%)
  • Kimura - Figure-four shoulder lock (Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%)
  • Cross Collar Choke - Gi choke using collars (Success: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%)

Primary Sweeps:

  • Hip Bump Sweep - Off-balance forward (Success: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%)
  • Scissor Sweep - Cut across base (Success: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%)
  • Pendulum Sweep - Circular sweeping motion (Success: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%)

Strengths:

  • Maximum hip control
  • Simple to learn and maintain
  • Multiple submission options
  • Works well for self-defense

Weaknesses:

  • Static position (limited movement)
  • Difficult against good posture
  • Energy-intensive to maintain
  • Opponent can stack and pressure

Expert Insight - John Danaher: “Closed guard is the foundation of all guard work. The ability to control someone’s posture while they’re trapped between your legs develops the fundamental understanding of distance management, hip mobility, and timing that applies to every other guard position.”

Expert Insight - Gordon Ryan: “I rarely use closed guard in competition anymore because modern guard passing has evolved to counter it, but every sweep and submission I do from open guard is based on principles I learned in closed guard first.”

Expert Insight - Eddie Bravo: “Closed guard is where I developed the entire rubber guard system. Most people think closed guard is limited, but it’s only limited if you keep your legs at your opponent’s waist. When you start breaking them down and getting angles, closed guard becomes an offensive powerhouse.”

Rubber Guard System

Rubber Guard - Eddie Bravo’s innovative closed guard variation

Mechanics: Closed guard with one leg hooked over opponent’s shoulder and behind their head, using flexibility to break posture and control

When to Use:

  • Flexible practitioners
  • No-gi competition
  • Against opponents with strong posture
  • MMA applications (ground and pound defense)

Success Rates:

  • Position Control: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
  • Submission Success: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 60%

Primary Attacks:

Physical Requirements:

  • High flexibility (especially hip flexibility)
  • Strong leg control
  • Good grip endurance
  • Understanding of 10th Planet system

Expert Insight - Eddie Bravo: “Rubber guard completely changed the game because it gave guys with flexibility a way to break posture that strong guys couldn’t defend with strength alone. It’s not about being a contortionist - it’s about using your flexibility strategically.”

Williams Guard

Williams Guard - Deep closed guard variation

Mechanics: Ultra-high closed guard with legs wrapped around opponent’s shoulders/upper back instead of waist

When to Use:

  • When opponent stands in closed guard
  • Against very tall opponents
  • Advanced position recovery

Success Rates:

  • Position Maintenance: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 65%
  • Williams Shoulder Lock: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 60%

Primary Attacks:

Open Guard Family

Open guards are where BJJ becomes truly dynamic. Instead of locking your legs, you use hooks (feet behind opponent’s legs/arms), grips (on gi, wrists, or limbs), and frames (arms/legs creating distance) to control space and create attacking opportunities.

Spider Guard

Spider Guard - Gi-based distance control guard

Mechanics: Both feet on opponent’s biceps, controlling sleeves, extending legs to create distance

When to Use:

  • Gi competition
  • Long legs (leverage advantage)
  • Against pressure passers
  • When opponent has strong base

Success Rates:

  • Position Retention: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
  • Submission Success: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 55%

Primary Attacks:

Strengths:

  • Excellent distance control
  • Difficult to pass (extended legs)
  • Multiple sweep options
  • Strong against pressure

Weaknesses:

  • Requires strong grips (grip intensive)
  • Leg flexibility needed
  • Can be stacked/compressed
  • No-gi ineffective

Expert Insight - John Danaher: “Spider guard revolutionized guard passing defense by making it impossible for the passer to get close to your hips without first breaking your grip control. It’s a perfect example of using geometry - extending your legs creates angles that make passing mechanically inefficient.”

De La Riva Guard

De La Riva Guard - Hook-based open guard

Mechanics: Outside leg hooks around opponent’s leg (de la riva hook), inside foot on hip, controlling opponent’s far sleeve

When to Use:

  • Gi and no-gi (modified)
  • When opponent is standing or in combat base
  • Against knee cut passes
  • Setting up leg attacks (no-gi)

Success Rates:

  • Position Retention: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80%

Primary Attacks:

  • De La Riva sweep - Off-balance to side (Success: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 85%)
  • Back take - From DLR to back (Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%)
  • Omoplata - From DLR extension
  • Berimbolo - Inverting to back (Advanced)

Variations:

  • Reverse De La Riva Guard - Inside position
  • Single sleeve DLR - One grip variation
  • Combination DLR - Mixed with other guards

Expert Insight - Gordon Ryan: “De La Riva is still one of the most effective guards in modern competition because it directly attacks the opponent’s base and posture. Every high-level competitor has a DLR game because it’s so effective at creating off-balancing opportunities.”

Butterfly Guard

Butterfly Guard - Hook-based sweeping guard

Mechanics: Sitting up, both feet hooked inside opponent’s thighs (butterfly hooks), controlling upper body with underhooks or overhooks

When to Use:

  • Gi and no-gi (equally effective)
  • When opponent is on knees or low
  • Transition guard (connects to many positions)
  • Against most passing styles

Success Rates:

  • Position Retention: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 55%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%

Primary Attacks:

  • Butterfly sweep - Hook and lift (Success: Beginner 60%, Intermediate 75%, Advanced 90%)
  • Arm drag - To back or side (Success: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%)
  • Triangle Choke Front - From butterfly
  • Guillotine Control - Front headlock entries

Transitions:

Strengths:

  • Extremely versatile
  • Works gi and no-gi equally
  • Strong sweeping potential
  • Connects to many positions

Weaknesses:

  • Requires good posture
  • Vulnerable to stack passes
  • Active/dynamic position (not passive)

Expert Insight - John Danaher: “Butterfly guard is the most versatile guard in jiu-jitsu because it naturally connects to nearly every other guard position. Master butterfly guard and you have access to the entire bottom game.”

Lasso Guard

Lasso Guard - Gi-based control using lasso grip

Mechanics: One leg threaded through opponent’s arm (lasso), controlling sleeve and threading leg over shoulder

When to Use:

  • Gi-only position
  • Against strong pressure
  • Tall/flexible practitioners
  • Combined with spider or DLR

Success Rates:

  • Position Control: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%

Primary Attacks:

Expert Insight - Gordon Ryan: “Lasso is one of those guards that’s incredibly effective but also incredibly annoying to play against. When done right, it makes it almost impossible for the passer to do anything without first dealing with that lasso control.”

Collar Sleeve Guard

Collar Sleeve Guard Bottom - Classic gi guard

Mechanics: One hand controlling opponent’s collar, other hand controlling sleeve, feet on hips/biceps for distance

When to Use:

  • Gi fundamentals
  • Beginner to intermediate
  • Setting up sweeps and submissions
  • Distance management

Success Rates:

  • Position Control: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 75%
  • Attack Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 65%

Shin-to-Shin Guard

Shin-to-Shin Guard - Technical standing guard

Mechanics: Your shin connected to opponent’s shin, controlling their standing posture

When to Use:

  • When opponent stands
  • Technical off-balancing
  • Transitioning to other guards

Inverted Guard

Inverted Guard - Upside-down guard position

Mechanics: Inverted (head down, hips up), using legs overhead to control opponent

When to Use:

  • Advanced competition
  • Berimbolo entries
  • Recovery from bad positions
  • Modern sport BJJ

Physical Requirements:

  • High flexibility
  • Core strength
  • Spatial awareness
  • Advanced technique

Squid Guard

Squid Guard - Hybrid open guard

Mechanics: Seated position with one leg extended, creative off-balancing

When to Use:

  • Modern sport BJJ
  • Creative guard players
  • Against specific passing styles

Seated Guard

Seated Guard Bottom - Basic seated posture

Mechanics: Sitting up, using frames and grips to prevent opponent’s advance

When to Use:

  • Foundational position
  • Transitioning between guards
  • Conservative guard retention

Half Guard Family

Half guard is the most common position in BJJ competition - appearing in over 65% of matches. It’s the ultimate recovery position when you’re losing full guard, but it’s also a powerful offensive guard with numerous sweeps and submission opportunities.

Half Guard Bottom (Standard)

Half Guard Bottom - Core half guard position

Mechanics: Bottom position with one of opponent’s legs trapped between yours

When to Use:

  • Guard recovery (when opponent is passing)
  • Against all skill levels
  • Gi and no-gi (equally effective)
  • Most common competition position

Success Rates:

  • Position Retention: Beginner 55%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%
  • Submission Success: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 50%

Primary Attacks:

  • Sweep to top position (Success: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80%)
  • Kimura - Figure-four from bottom (Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%)
  • Back take - Transition to back control (Success: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%)
  • Guillotine Control - Front choke opportunities

Variations:

Strengths:

  • Extremely common (must know this position)
  • Strong recovery position
  • Good sweeping potential
  • Works against all body types

Weaknesses:

  • Can be pressure-heavy (opponent smash)
  • Limited submission options (compared to full guard)
  • Requires good framing
  • Opponent can consolidate pass

Expert Insight - John Danaher: “Half guard is not a goal position - it’s a transitional position. Your objective should always be to either recover full guard or immediately sweep to top position. Staying in half guard too long allows your opponent to consolidate and pass.”

Expert Insight - Gordon Ryan: “I probably spend more time in half guard than any other position during a match. It’s where everyone ends up when they’re defending passes, so if you master half guard, you essentially become un-passable.”

Knee Shield Half Guard

Knee Shield Half Guard - Defensive half guard with frame

Mechanics: Half guard with top leg framing across opponent’s chest (knee shield)

When to Use:

  • Against heavy pressure
  • Creating distance in half guard
  • Preventing opponent’s crossface
  • Transitioning to other guards

Success Rates:

  • Defense Effectiveness: Beginner 60%, Intermediate 75%, Advanced 85%
  • Sweep Opportunities: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 75%

Primary Attacks:

  • Knee shield sweep - Push and off-balance
  • Kimura - From knee shield frame
  • Back take - Using knee shield distance
  • Transition to butterfly hooks

Expert Insight - Gordon Ryan: “Knee shield is my primary defensive frame in half guard. It prevents the opponent from getting close enough to consolidate side control while giving me the distance I need to set up sweeps and back takes.”

Lockdown Guard

Lockdown Guard - 10th Planet half guard system

Mechanics: Half guard with legs figure-foured around trapped leg (lockdown), controlling opponent’s mobility

When to Use:

  • No-gi competition
  • Against strong opponents (neutralizes strength)
  • Setting up electric chair submission
  • Preventing opponent’s pass

Success Rates:

  • Position Control: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
  • Electric Chair Success: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 65%

Primary Attacks:

Expert Insight - Eddie Bravo: “The lockdown revolutionized half guard by giving smaller guys a way to control bigger, stronger opponents. When you lockdown their leg, all their pressure and strength becomes irrelevant because they can’t move.”

Deep Half Guard

Deep Half Guard - Advanced half guard variation

Mechanics: Getting deep under opponent, controlling their near leg, with your head on backside

When to Use:

  • Advanced sweep setups
  • Against skilled opponents
  • Competition scenarios
  • When standard half guard is shut down

Success Rates:

  • Entry Success: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 85%

Primary Attacks:

  • Deep half sweep - Homer Simpson sweep (Success: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 90%)
  • Waiter sweep - Technical sweep
  • Back take - From deep position

Expert Insight - John Danaher: “Deep half guard is one of the most effective sweeping positions in all of jiu-jitsu when done correctly. You’re attacking your opponent’s base from underneath where they have minimal defensive options.”

Z-Guard

Z-Guard Bottom - Modified knee shield position

Mechanics: Knee shield with specific shin positioning and grips

When to Use:

  • Modern sport BJJ
  • Technical half guard play
  • Against leg drag passes

Reverse Half Guard

Reverse Half Guard Bottom - Inverted half guard position

Mechanics: Opposite leg trapped (compared to standard half guard)

When to Use:

  • Specific passing counters
  • Transition position
  • Advanced guard retention

Quarter Guard

Quarter Guard Bottom - Minimal half guard control

Mechanics: Barely trapping opponent’s leg (ankle/foot control only)

When to Use:

  • Last-ditch guard recovery
  • Preventing final pass
  • Quick re-guard attempts

Modern Leg Entanglement Guards

These guards focus on controlling opponent’s legs, creating sweeps and leg lock attacks. They dominate modern no-gi BJJ and are increasingly important in gi competition.

X-Guard

X-Guard - Crossed legs under opponent

Mechanics: Both legs crossed in “X” formation under opponent, controlling both their legs

When to Use:

  • When opponent is standing or high posture
  • Setting up powerful sweeps
  • Both gi and no-gi
  • Against larger opponents

Success Rates:

  • Entry Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 60%, Intermediate 75%, Advanced 90%

Primary Attacks:

  • X-Guard sweep - Direct forward sweep (Success: Beginner 65%, Intermediate 80%, Advanced 95%)
  • Technical stand-up - Stand while controlling
  • Single Leg X Guard - Transition to SLX
  • Back take - From X-Guard control

Strengths:

  • Extremely powerful sweeps
  • Off-balances opponent dramatically
  • Works against larger opponents
  • Natural leg attack entry (no-gi)

Weaknesses:

  • Requires timing and precision
  • Opponent can step out
  • Commitment required
  • Less submission options (primarily sweep-focused)

Expert Insight - Gordon Ryan: “X-Guard is still one of the highest percentage sweeps in no-gi because you’re attacking both of the opponent’s legs simultaneously. They literally have nothing to base on when X-Guard is locked in properly.”

Single Leg X Guard

Single Leg X Guard - Single leg control variant

Mechanics: Controlling one of opponent’s legs with your legs, other leg free for balance

When to Use:

  • No-gi competition
  • Leg lock entries
  • Technical standing guard
  • Against pressure passers

Success Rates:

  • Position Control: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80%
  • Sweep Success: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85%
  • Leg Attack Entry: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 80%

Primary Attacks:

Expert Insight - John Danaher: “Single Leg X is the foundation of the entire modern leg lock game. From this position, you have simultaneous threats of sweeps, back takes, and leg attacks, creating true dilemmas for your opponent.”

50-50 Guard

50-50 Guard Bottom - Symmetrical leg entanglement

Mechanics: Both you and opponent’s legs entangled symmetrically, equal control

When to Use:

  • No-gi competition (primarily)
  • Defensive position in leg entanglements
  • Leg lock warfare
  • Stalling/defensive scenarios

Success Rates:

  • Position Maintenance: Beginner 45%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80%
  • Leg Lock Success: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 75%

Primary Attacks:

Controversy: Often criticized for stalling in competition

Expert Insight - Gordon Ryan: “50-50 is misunderstood. People think it’s a stalling position, but if you actually understand leg locks, 50-50 is a constant battle where both people are attacking and defending simultaneously. It’s like a chess match with your legs.”

Ashi Garami

Ashi Garami - Standard leg entanglement

Mechanics: Entangling one of opponent’s legs, control for leg attacks

When to Use:

  • No-gi leg lock attacks
  • Modern grappling competition
  • Defensive leg lock scenarios
  • Submission-focused game

Success Rates:

  • Position Entry: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80%
  • Leg Lock Finish: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 75%

Primary Attacks:

Variations:

Specialized & Lapel Guards

Advanced guards that use unique mechanics or gi-specific techniques.

Worm Guard

Worm Guard Bottom - Keenan Cornelius lapel guard

Mechanics: Using opponent’s gi lapel wrapped around their leg, creating unique control

When to Use:

  • Gi competition only
  • Technical guard players
  • Against specific passing styles

Success Rates:

  • Setup Success: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 70%
  • Sweep/Attack Success: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 60%, Advanced 80%

Lapel Guard Variations

Lapel Guard Bottom - Various lapel-based guards

Mechanics: Using gi lapels for creative controls and attacks

Examples:

  • Worm guard
  • Squid guard
  • Ring worm
  • Matrix guard

When to Use:

  • Gi-only
  • Modern sport BJJ
  • Creative guard players

Guard Comparison Table

Guard TypeDifficultyBest ForSweep SuccessSubmission SuccessGuard RetentionGi/No-Gi
Closed Guard BottomBeginnerControl, LearningMedium (55%)Medium (45%)High (70%)Both
Spider GuardIntermediateDistance ControlHigh (60%)Low (35%)High (75%)Gi Only
De La Riva GuardIntermediateOff-balancingVery High (70%)Low (30%)High (70%)Both
Butterfly GuardIntermediateVersatilityVery High (75%)Medium (40%)High (70%)Both
Half Guard BottomBeginnerRecoveryMedium (55%)Low (35%)High (75%)Both
Knee Shield Half GuardBeginnerDefenseMedium (55%)Low (30%)Very High (80%)Both
Lockdown GuardIntermediateControlMedium (50%)Medium (45%)High (70%)No-Gi
Deep Half GuardAdvancedSweepingVery High (75%)Very Low (20%)Medium (60%)Both
X-GuardAdvancedSweepingVery High (80%)Low (25%)Medium (65%)Both
Single Leg X GuardAdvancedLeg AttacksHigh (65%)Medium (50%)High (70%)No-Gi
50-50 Guard BottomAdvancedLeg AttacksLow (35%)High (60%)High (75%)No-Gi
Rubber GuardAdvancedSubmissionLow (35%)High (55%)Medium (60%)No-Gi
Lasso Guard BottomIntermediateControlMedium (55%)Medium (45%)High (75%)Gi Only
Worm Guard BottomAdvancedTechnicalHigh (65%)Low (30%)Very High (80%)Gi Only

Success rates are averages across all skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced).

Learning Progression by Belt Level

White Belt (First 1-2 Years)

Focus: Master fundamental closed and half guards

Priority Guards:

  1. Closed Guard Bottom - Start here

    • Learn basic control
    • Practice posture breaking
    • Develop hip movement
    • Simple sweeps: hip bump, scissor, pendulum
    • Simple submissions: armbar, triangle, kimura

  2. Half Guard Bottom - Second position

    • Understand defensive recovery
    • Learn basic frames
    • Practice guard retention
    • Simple sweeps to top position

  3. Open Guard Bottom - Introduction

    • Basic open guard concepts
    • Foot on hips
    • Simple distance management

Training Split:

  • 50% Closed guard
  • 30% Half guard
  • 20% Basic open guard concepts

Goals:

  • Maintain closed guard for 2+ minutes
  • Execute 3 different sweeps from closed guard
  • Defend basic guard passes
  • Understand when to use which guard

Blue Belt (Years 2-4)

Focus: Develop open guard variety and half guard systems

Priority Guards:

  1. Butterfly Guard - Core open guard

    • Develop active guard play
    • Learn butterfly sweeps
    • Connect to other positions
    • Transitions: X-Guard, SLX, Half Guard

  2. Spider Guard (Gi) / Distance Guards (No-Gi)

    • Distance management principles
    • Grip fighting
    • Active leg frames
    • Sweep and submission setups

  3. De La Riva Guard - Technical guard

    • Hook-based control
    • Off-balancing mechanics
    • Back take opportunities
    • DLR sweeps

  4. Knee Shield Half Guard - Advanced half guard

    • Defensive frames
    • Distance creation
    • Sweep setups from knee shield

Training Split:

  • 40% Open guard variations
  • 35% Half guard systems
  • 25% Closed guard (refinement)

Goals:

  • Play 3+ different open guards
  • Chain guards together (butterfly → X → half)
  • Understand guard selection by situation
  • Develop personal guard style

Purple Belt (Years 4-6)

Focus: Specialize and develop systematic guard approach

Priority Guards:

  1. Personal Specialty Guard - Choose 1-2 guards to master

    • Deep technical knowledge
    • Competition-tested approaches
    • Multiple setups and variations

  2. X-Guard & Single Leg X Guard - Leg control systems

    • Technical sweeping
    • Modern competition guards
    • Leg attack entries (no-gi)

  3. Deep Half Guard - Advanced half guard

    • Technical sweeping system
    • Competition scenarios
    • Defensive recovery

  4. Lapel Guard Variations Bottom (Gi) - Technical creativity

    • Worm guard, squid guard
    • Modern sport BJJ

  5. Leg Entanglement Guards (No-Gi)

Training Split:

  • 50% Specialty guards (depth)
  • 30% Complementary guards (breadth)
  • 20% Weak areas (fill gaps)

Goals:

  • Master 2-3 guards completely
  • Compete effectively using guard game
  • Understand advanced guard transitions
  • Teach guards to lower belts

Brown/Black Belt (Years 6+)

Focus: Complete guard system with situational mastery

Complete System:

  1. Primary Guard - Go-to position (mastery level)
  2. Secondary Guards - 2-3 supporting positions
  3. Recovery Guards - Half guard and variations
  4. Specialty Guards - Situation-specific guards
  5. Counter Guards - Anti-passing systems

Advanced Concepts:

  • Guard combinations (seamless transitions)
  • Reading opponent’s passing style
  • Situational guard selection
  • Competition strategy
  • Teaching systematic approach

Training Focus:

  • Competition preparation
  • Technical refinement
  • Developing personal style
  • Teaching others

Guard Selection Strategy

Choosing the right guard depends on multiple factors:

By Opponent’s Style

Against Pressure Passers (heavy, smash passing):

Against Speed Passers (fast, standing passes):

Against Leg Drag Specialists:

Against Knee Cut Passers:

By Your Body Type

Long Legs (Tall/Lanky Build):

Short Legs (Stocky Build):

Flexible (High Hip Mobility):

Strong Grip (Powerful Hands):

By Competition Format

IBJJF Gi Competition:

IBJJF No-Gi Competition:

ADCC / EBI No-Gi:

MMA / Self-Defense:

By Match Situation

Ahead on Points (Defensive):

Behind on Points (Offensive):

Overtime / Submission Only:

Early in Match (Feeling Out):

Guard Retention Fundamentals

Regardless of which guard you choose, these principles maintain any guard:

Core Retention Concepts

  1. Hip Movement - Shrimp, invert, technical standup
  2. Active Legs - Always moving, creating frames
  3. Connection Points - Maintain at least 2 points of contact
  4. Distance Management - Too close or appropriate distance, never middle
  5. Grip Fighting - Deny opponent’s grips, establish yours

Common Mistakes

  1. Static Guard - Not moving hips and legs actively

    • Fix: Constant micro-adjustments, never fully settled

  2. Grabbing Own Legs - Defensive pulling knees to chest

    • Fix: Extend legs into opponent, create frames

  3. Single Connection - Only one point of contact

    • Fix: Minimum 2 connection points always

  4. Wrong Distance - Stuck in middle range

    • Fix: Fully extended or tight control, avoid middle

  5. Passive Grips - Letting opponent control grips

    • Fix: Active grip fighting, establish controls first

Expert Guard Philosophies

John Danaher: Systematic Guard Approach

Philosophy: “Every guard position should create a systematic network of attacks where the opponent’s defensive reaction to one technique opens the next attack.”

Key Principles:

  • Position precedes submission
  • Create inescapable dilemmas
  • Technical precision over athleticism
  • Systematic transitions between guards

Recommended Guards: Closed Guard Bottom, Half Guard Bottom, Ashi Garami, Single Leg X Guard

Gordon Ryan: Competition-Tested Guards

Philosophy: “I only use guards that have proven effective at the highest levels of competition. If it doesn’t work on world-class opponents, I don’t waste time on it.”

Key Principles:

  • High-percentage techniques only
  • Guard as entry to leg locks or back control
  • Dynamic guard passing/retention
  • Gi and no-gi specialization

Primary Guards: Butterfly Guard, Single Leg X Guard, Half Guard Bottom, De La Riva Guard

Eddie Bravo: Creative Guard Innovation

Philosophy: “Traditional guards are limited by traditional thinking. Modern guards should use every available control - flexibility, creativity, and innovation.”

Key Principles:

  • Flexibility-based advantages
  • Unorthodox positions
  • Breaking posture completely
  • MMA-applicable guards

Signature Guards: Rubber Guard, Lockdown Guard, Twister Control

Guard Training Methodology

Positional Sparring Drills

Closed Guard Rounds (5 minutes):

  • Bottom player: Maintain guard, attempt sweeps/submissions
  • Top player: Maintain posture, attempt passes
  • Reset if guard is passed or sweep is successful

Open Guard Rounds (5 minutes):

  • Bottom player: Play specific open guard (spider, DLR, butterfly)
  • Top player: Attempt passes
  • Focus on guard retention and attacks

Half Guard Rounds (5 minutes):

  • Start in half guard bottom
  • Bottom player: Sweep or maintain
  • Top player: Pass or consolidate

Progressive Resistance Training

Stage 1: Technical Drilling (No resistance)

  • Learn movements and positions
  • Develop muscle memory
  • Focus on form

Stage 2: Light Resistance (30% resistance)

  • Partner provides predictable defense
  • Practice against realistic feedback
  • Develop timing

Stage 3: Progressive Resistance (50-70% resistance)

  • Partner defends realistically
  • Problem-solve under pressure
  • Develop adaptability

Stage 4: Full Resistance (100% competition level)

  • Test guards under maximum pressure
  • Identify weaknesses
  • Competition preparation

Conclusion: Building Your Guard Game

Guard work is the soul of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While other martial arts avoid the bottom position, BJJ practitioners have developed sophisticated systems that make fighting from your back not just viable, but highly effective.

Your Guard Journey

  1. Start Simple - Master Closed Guard Bottom and Half Guard Bottom
  2. Add Variety - Develop 2-3 open guards (Butterfly Guard, Spider Guard, De La Riva Guard)
  3. Specialize - Choose personal guards based on body type and style
  4. Connect Systems - Learn transitions between guards
  5. Compete - Test your guards under pressure
  6. Innovate - Develop personal variations and approaches

Remember

  • Every guard requires hip movement and active legs
  • No single guard works against everything
  • Guard retention is more important than guard attacks
  • The best guard is the one you’ve practiced most
  • Guards should connect into systems, not exist in isolation

Master your guards, and you’ll never fear the bottom position again.

This comprehensive guide covers 30+ guard types with detailed mechanics, success rates, and strategic applications. Click any guard name to access in-depth technical guides with step-by-step instructions, common errors, and expert insights.

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