Rubber Guard Bottom

The Rubber Guard from the bottom perspective represents one of the most innovative and systematically developed guard positions in modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Developed by Eddie Bravo specifically for no-gi grappling and MMA applications, this position fundamentally reimagines closed guard control by incorporating extreme flexibility and systematic progression through named positions. From bottom, the practitioner uses their leg to create a locked configuration that traps the opponent’s arm against their own chest while simultaneously controlling posture. This dual-threat control system creates unique submission opportunities unavailable from conventional guard positions. The position begins from closed guard, where the bottom player breaks the opponent’s posture and brings one leg high across the opponent’s back, securing the shin or foot with the same-side hand to create Mission Control, the foundational Rubber Guard position. From here, systematic progressions lead to New York (omoplata threat), Invisible Collar (choke setups), Zombie (gogoplata position), and numerous other variations, each with specific grip configurations and submission entries. The bottom player’s strategy centers on maintaining constant arm isolation while using the opponent’s defensive reactions to dictate which submission pathway to pursue. Understanding the Rubber Guard system requires accepting its physical prerequisites—exceptional hip flexibility is non-negotiable—but for practitioners who possess or develop this attribute, the position offers a comprehensive attacking system that creates unique problems for conventionally trained opponents. The energy management aspect is critical: unlike traditional closed guard where pressure can be sustained for extended periods, Rubber Guard’s elevated leg position demands intelligent application of pressure in bursts rather than constant maximum tension. The bottom player must also manage the inherent vulnerability to stacking pressure by maintaining proper shoulder positioning and using hip mobility to adjust angles. When executed properly with systematic understanding of the position’s nuances, Rubber Guard from bottom provides exceptional control, neutralizes striking in MMA contexts, and creates high-percentage submission opportunities through its unique mechanical configurations.

Position Definition

• Closed guard base maintained with one leg elevated high across opponent’s back, shin positioned near or above shoulder line with foot secured by same-side hand creating locked configuration
• Opponent’s near-side arm trapped against practitioner’s chest through leg pressure, preventing posture recovery and limiting posting ability while maintaining constant breaking pressure

Prerequisites

• Exceptional hip and hamstring flexibility to achieve high leg position
• Strong closed guard fundamentals with understanding of posture control
• Knowledge of specialized grip configurations and 10th Planet position naming system

Key Defensive Principles

• Establish and maintain strong posture control through leg pressure on trapped arm
• Create high guard position using extreme hip flexibility and proper bridging mechanics
• Use leg positioning to isolate and control opponent’s arm while preventing posture recovery
• Maintain proper shoulder and neck alignment to prevent injury during leg elevation
• Apply systematic progression through named positions rather than random technique selection
• Coordinate grip configurations systematically for optimal control and submission entries
• Manage energy expenditure through efficient tension application rather than constant maximum pressure

Available Escapes

Triangle Setup → Triangle Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 40%
• Advanced: 60%

Omoplata to Back → Omoplata Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 55%

Triangle to Armbar → Armbar Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 55%

Hip Bump Sweep → Mount

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 25%
• Intermediate: 40%
• Advanced: 60%

Omoplata Sweep → Side Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 55%

Transition to Omoplata → Back Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 15%
• Intermediate: 30%
• Advanced: 50%

Switch to Triangle → Triangle Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 20%
• Intermediate: 35%
• Advanced: 55%

Rolling Armbar → Armbar Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 15%
• Intermediate: 30%
• Advanced: 50%

Rolling Omoplata → Omoplata Control

Success Rates:

• Beginner: 15%
• Intermediate: 28%
• Advanced: 48%

Opponent Counters

• Posture Recovery → Closed Guard (Opponent Success: 40%)
• Guard Opening Sequence → Combat Base (Opponent Success: 35%)
• Guard Pass → Side Control (Opponent Success: 25%)
• Position Change → Open Guard (Opponent Success: 30%)

Counter-Attacks

• Triangle Setup → Triangle Control
  • Opponent attempts to pull trapped arm free creating space between arm and chest
• Omoplata to Back → Omoplata Control
  • Opponent drives forward to smash or applies stacking pressure
• Hip Bump Sweep → Mount
  • Opponent sits back to break leg grip or create distance

Decision Making from This Position

If opponent establishes strong posture and begins pulling trapped arm free:

• Execute Triangle Setup → Triangle Control (Probability: 60%)
• Execute Omoplata to Back → Omoplata Control (Probability: 50%)

If opponent drives forward with pressure attempting to smash or stack:

• Execute Transition to Omoplata → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
• Execute Hip Bump Sweep → Mount (Probability: 45%)

If opponent sits back and attempts to break open the guard:

• Execute Triangle to Armbar → Armbar Control (Probability: 55%)
• Execute Omoplata Sweep → Side Control (Probability: 50%)

If opponent successfully breaks leg grip but remains in guard:

• Execute Re-Guard → Closed Guard (Probability: 70%)
• Execute Guard Replacement → Open Guard (Probability: 60%)

Common Defensive Mistakes

1. Insufficient flexibility attempting position too early in development

• ❌ Consequence: Inability to achieve proper leg height, loss of control, potential injury to hip or hamstring, failure to isolate opponent’s arm effectively
• ✅ Correction: Develop flexibility systematically through dedicated stretching program before implementing Rubber Guard in live training. Use progressive resistance drills starting from static holds and gradually increasing range of motion over weeks or months

2. Poor shoulder positioning with head too far back or neck hyperextended

• ❌ Consequence: Excessive strain on cervical spine, vulnerability to stacking pressure, loss of posture control, difficulty maintaining leg grip, increased injury risk
• ✅ Correction: Keep chin tucked and shoulders rounded forward, maintaining C-curve in spine. Use opposite hand to pull opponent’s head down actively while keeping own head position neutral and protected

3. Inadequate closed guard foundation before learning Rubber Guard

• ❌ Consequence: Poor understanding of basic guard retention principles, inability to troubleshoot position effectively, missing fundamental posture control concepts
• ✅ Correction: Master closed guard fundamentals first including posture breaking, hip movement, and basic submissions before adding Rubber Guard complexity. Ensure solid understanding of guard retention mechanics

4. Overreliance on leg strength instead of proper positioning

• ❌ Consequence: Rapid fatigue, inability to maintain position long-term, opponent easily recovers posture, missed submission opportunities due to poor control
• ✅ Correction: Focus on structural positioning and leverage rather than muscular force. Use hip elevation and proper angles to create mechanical advantage. Apply pressure in bursts rather than constant maximum tension

5. Neglecting proper grip sequences and jumping randomly between positions

• ❌ Consequence: Telegraphed attacks, easy defenses for experienced opponents, loss of positional control, failure to progress through system effectively
• ✅ Correction: Learn systematic progression through named positions (Mission Control → New York → Invisible Collar). Understand specific grip requirements for each transition and follow logical sequences based on opponent’s reactions

6. Failing to control opponent’s free hand allowing defensive frames

• ❌ Consequence: Opponent creates space and recovers posture, escapes Rubber Guard entirely, prevents submission attempts, turns position into stalemate
• ✅ Correction: Actively manage opponent’s free hand with grips, overhooks, or positioning. Use opposite hand to control wrist, elbow, or head depending on specific sub-position being utilized

Training Drills for Defense

Rubber Guard Entry and Maintenance

Partner starts in closed guard with good posture. Practitioner works to break posture, achieve high leg position, and establish Rubber Guard control. Hold position for 30-60 seconds against progressive resistance. Partner gradually increases escape attempts from passive to active defense.

Duration: 5 rounds of 2 minutes

Position Flow Drill

Systematic progression through Rubber Guard variations: Closed Guard → Mission Control → New York → Invisible Collar → Zombie → Crackhead Control. Focus on proper grip sequences and transitions. Perform slowly emphasizing technique over speed.

Duration: 10 minutes continuous flow

Flexibility Development Program

Dedicated stretching routine focusing on hip flexors, hamstrings, and external hip rotation. Include butterfly stretch, seated forward fold, pigeon pose, and supine leg raises. Perform static holds progressing from 30 seconds to 2 minutes per stretch.

Duration: 15-20 minutes daily

Submission Chains from Rubber Guard

Start in established Rubber Guard position. Flow between triangle, omoplata, and gogoplata setups based on opponent’s defensive reactions. Partner provides specific defenses (pulling arm, driving forward, sitting back) to trigger appropriate submission chain.

Duration: 5 rounds of 3 minutes

Escape and Survival Paths

Classic Triangle Path

Closed Guard → Mission Control → Triangle Setup → Triangle Control → Triangle Choke

Omoplata to Back Path

Closed Guard → New York Control → Omoplata to Back → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke

Gogoplata Path

Closed Guard → Invisible Collar → Zombie → Gogoplata Control → Gogoplata

Triangle-Armbar Chain

Mission Control → Triangle Setup → Triangle to Armbar → Armbar Control → Armbar from Guard

Sweep to Mount Path

Mission Control → Hip Bump Sweep → Mount → Armbar from Mount

Success Rates and Statistics

Skill Level	Retention Rate	Advancement Probability	Submission Probability
Beginner	30%	30%	20%
Intermediate	50%	50%	35%
Advanced	70%	70%	55%

Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds in active control before transition or submission attempt

Related Positions and Techniques

• Mission Control - Primary sub-position within Rubber Guard system representing foundational control configuration
• New York Control - Advanced Rubber Guard variation emphasizing omoplata threat and enhanced arm isolation
• Invisible Collar - Submission setup position from Rubber Guard focusing on neck control without gi grips
• Zombie - Gogoplata setup position with shin positioned across throat for unique submission opportunity
• Crackhead Control - Variation emphasizing extreme arm isolation and shoulder pressure for advanced practitioners
• Closed Guard - Foundational position from which Rubber Guard is entered through posture breaking and leg elevation
• Triangle Control - Primary submission target from Rubber Guard with multiple entry pathways from different variations
• Omoplata Control - Secondary submission target particularly effective from New York position within Rubber Guard
• Gogoplata Control - Advanced submission target from Zombie position requiring extreme flexibility and precise positioning
• 10th Planet Rubber Guard System - Complete systematic framework providing comprehensive progression and submission chains from this position
• Rubber Guard to Triangle System - Specialized submission system focusing on triangle entries from various Rubber Guard configurations
• Rubber Guard to Omoplata System - Alternative submission system emphasizing shoulder lock entries and back-taking opportunities