BJJ Graph

Squid Guard

Jun 15, 20258 min read

Squid Guard

bjjstateguardopen_guardlapelsquid

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • State ID: S015
  • Position Name: Squid Guard
  • Alternative Names: Lapel Squid Guard, Squid Control, Lapel Wrap Guard

State Properties

  • Point Value: 0 points (IBJJF scoring system)
  • Position Type: Offensive - categorizes strategic role
  • Risk Level: Medium - vulnerability assessment
  • Energy Cost: Medium - physical demand to maintain position
  • Time Sustainability: Medium - how long position can be held

Success Probability Data

  • Position Retention Rate: Beginner 35%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
  • Advancement Probability: 50% chance to improve position
  • Submission Probability: 35% direct submission threat from this position
  • Position Loss Probability: 40% chance opponent escapes/reverses

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Description

Must include detailed physical positioning that enables clear spatial understanding and visualization:

You are on your back with your opponent kneeling or standing in your guard, with their lapel wrapped around your leg creating a “squid-like” entanglement. One leg threads through their lapel while controlling the end of the lapel with your hand. Your other leg typically controls distance or their opposite arm. The lapel wrap creates a unique control mechanism that prevents normal guard passing while exposing them to various sweeps and submission opportunities. Your hips remain mobile to adjust angles and maintain optimal control through the lapel connection.

Template: “You lie on your back with opponent’s lapel wrapped around your leg creating squid-like control. One leg threaded through lapel, hand controls lapel end. Opponent kneeling with lapel trapped. Unique lapel entanglement prevents normal passing.”

Defensive Responses (Available Counter-Actions)

When opponent has this position:

  • Lapel Break: Breaking the lapel grip to neutralize control → Open Guard Top (Success Rate: 45%)
  • Distance Creation: Creating space to escape lapel entanglement → Standing Position (Success Rate: 40%)
  • Pressure Forward: Driving forward to collapse guard structure → Guard Pass (Success Rate: 35%)
  • Lapel Defense: Preventing lapel from being wrapped initially → Open Guard Top (Success Rate: 50%)

Format: [[Technique Name]] → [[Resulting State]] (Success Rate: X%)

Offensive Transitions (Available Actions)

From this position:

  • Squid Sweep: Using lapel control to off-balance and sweep → Top Position (Success Rate: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70%)
  • Triangle Setup: Converting lapel control to triangle entry → Triangle Control (Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 40%, Advanced 60%)
  • Omoplata Entry: Using lapel to set up omoplata shoulder lock → Omoplata Control (Success Rate: Beginner 20%, Intermediate 35%, Advanced 55%)
  • Back Take: Using lapel control to access back position → Back Control (Success Rate: Beginner 15%, Intermediate 30%, Advanced 50%)
  • Arm Drag: Using lapel grip for arm drag sweep → Top Position (Success Rate: Beginner 25%, Intermediate 45%, Advanced 65%)
  • Lapel Choke: Utilizing lapel for choking attack → Won by Submission (Success Rate: Beginner 10%, Intermediate 25%, Advanced 45%)

Format: [[Technique Name]] → [[Resulting State]] (Success Rate: Beginner X%, Intermediate Y%, Advanced Z%)

Decision Tree Logic

Structured decision-making logic:

If [opponent attempts to pass on lapel side]:
- Execute [[Squid Sweep]] → [[Top Position]] (Probability: 60%)

Else if [opponent leans forward with arm exposed]:
- Execute [[Triangle Setup]] → [[Triangle Control]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [opponent postures high]:
- Execute [[Omoplata Entry]] → [[Omoplata Control]] (Probability: 45%)

Else [opponent maintains defensive distance]:
- Execute [[Arm Drag]] → [[Top Position]] (Probability: 55%)

Educational & Commentary Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities for authentic technical analysis:

  • John Danaher: “The squid guard represents modern evolution in guard play, utilizing the gi as an additional limb for control. The key is understanding that the lapel wrap creates a dynamic connection that must be actively maintained and adjusted. The position offers unique angles for attacks that are difficult to defend using traditional methods.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “While primarily a gi technique, the squid guard principles can be adapted for no-gi using clothing or other grip variations. In competition, it’s excellent for controlling aggressive passers who rely on pressure, as the lapel connection disrupts their normal passing mechanics while creating immediate attacking opportunities.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “The squid guard fits perfectly with modern lapel guard concepts and rubber guard systems. It’s particularly effective when combined with other unconventional controls, creating a multi-dimensional attack system. The creativity required makes it ideal for practitioners who enjoy exploring innovative techniques and surprising opponents.”

Each insight should be 2-3 sentences providing specific technical or strategic guidance.

Common Errors

For technical understanding and education:

  • Error Description: Not maintaining active control of the lapel end

  • Consequence: Opponent can easily break the lapel wrap and neutralize position

  • Correction: Keep constant tension and active grip on lapel throughout position

  • Error Description: Staying static without threatening attacks or transitions

  • Consequence: High energy cost without offensive progress or advancement

  • Correction: Constantly flow between different attack and transition options

  • Error Description: Poor leg positioning that allows easy lapel extraction

  • Consequence: Opponent can clear the lapel and pass guard normally

  • Correction: Maintain proper leg angle and pressure to secure lapel wrap

  • Error Description: Inadequate hip mobility and angle adjustment

  • Consequence: Reduces effectiveness of sweeps and submission setups

  • Correction: Stay mobile with active hip movement to maintain optimal angles

  • Error Description: Not controlling opponent’s free arm or distance

  • Consequence: Opponent can use free limbs to defend and counter-attack

  • Correction: Use free leg and grips to monitor opponent’s other limbs

Key Principles

3-5 fundamental concepts that govern success in this position:

  • Lapel wrap creates unique control mechanism unavailable in traditional guards
  • Active lapel management and constant tension essential for position maintenance
  • Hip mobility and angle adjustment maximize attack opportunities
  • Integration with other lapel guards multiplies effectiveness
  • Creativity and adaptability key to success with unconventional position

Prerequisites

Skills/positions that should be mastered before attempting this position:

  • Basic open guard concepts and lapel grip fighting
  • Understanding of lapel management and control principles
  • Hip mobility and flexibility for proper positioning
  • Experience with triangle and omoplata setups from guard
  • Basic knowledge of modern lapel guard systems

State Machine Integration Elements

State Invariants

Conditions that must remain true for this position to be maintained:

  • Lapel must remain wrapped around leg with secure connection
  • Active grip control on lapel end must be maintained
  • Opponent must be within guard range with lapel trapped
  • Hip positioning must allow for mobility and angle adjustment

Timing Considerations

When this position is most/least effective:

  • Most effective when opponent is aggressive in guard passing attempts
  • Less effective against opponents familiar with lapel guard defenses
  • Optimal when transitioning from other lapel-based positions
  • Vulnerable when lapel grip is compromised or broken

Training Scenarios

Practice situations for skill development:

  • Lapel grip fighting and control drills with progressive resistance
  • Flow sequences between squid guard and other lapel positions
  • Sweep and submission setup drilling from squid control
  • Escape and counter-attack scenarios for defensive understanding
  • Integration training with other modern guard systems

Documentation Elements

Descriptive Language

Rich, detailed descriptions for comprehensive documentation:

  • Control verbs emphasizing lapel management and entanglement
  • Flow descriptors showing seamless transitions between attacks
  • Creative language reflecting innovative nature of position
  • Technical terminology specific to lapel guard systems

Coaching Cues

Short, memorable phrases for instruction:

  • Technical reminders (“Active lapel, active hips”)
  • Strategic guidance (“Wrap and flow, don’t stay static”)
  • Motivational elements (“Creative control, multiple threats”)
  • Position cues (“Squid tentacles everywhere”)

Validation Checklist

Every position file must include:

  • All required properties with specific values
  • Detailed visual description (minimum 3 sentences)
  • At least 3 defensive responses with success rates
  • At least 3 offensive transitions with success rates
  • Decision tree with minimum 3 branching conditions
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 5 common errors with corrections
  • Clear state invariants
  • Training drill suggestions

Example Implementation

See Mount for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent data structure for state machine implementation
  • Probability data for statistical analysis and calculations
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert insights and error correction
  • Visual description quality for clear understanding
  • Structured decision logic for systematic analysis

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all position files to maintain consistency and completeness.

Decision Tree

If opponent attempts to pass on lapel side:

Else if opponent leans forward with arm exposed:

Else if opponent postures high:

Else (opponent maintains defensive distance):

Position Metrics

  • Success Rate: 55% retention/advance (competition data)
  • Average Time in Position: 20-45 seconds
  • Sweep Probability: 45%
  • Submission Probability: 35%
  • Energy Efficiency: Medium (moderate metabolic cost)

Optimal Paths

The highest-percentage offensive path from this position: Squid Guard → Squid Sweep → Top Position → Side Control → Mount → Won by Submission

Alternative high-percentage path: Squid Guard → Triangle Setup → Triangle Control → Triangle Choke Front → Won by Submission

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Application: Smooth transitions prevent injury to both practitioners
  • Lapel Management: Be mindful of lapel tension around neck area
  • Partner Communication: Ensure both practitioners understand lapel techniques
  • Gradual Learning: Progress slowly through lapel guard concepts

Computer Science Analogy

Squid guard functions as a “wrapper class” in the BJJ state machine, encapsulating traditional guard functionality while extending it with additional methods (lapel control) that provide new interfaces for accessing attack and transition behaviors not available in the base guard implementation.

Gi-Specific Considerations

  • Lapel Quality: Technique effectiveness depends on gi lapel durability
  • Grip Strength: Requires strong lapel gripping endurance
  • Gi Rules: Ensure techniques comply with competition lapel grip regulations
  • Maintenance: Requires active lapel management throughout position
  • Innovation: Represents cutting-edge gi-specific technique development

Graph View

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