Reverse X-Guard Bottom is an advanced open guard position where the bottom practitioner controls the opponent using an inverted X-Guard configuration with hooks on the same side. The practitioner places both legs on the same side of the opponent’s body, with one hook behind the knee and the other controlling the hip or thigh, creating a powerful off-balancing platform. This position excels at generating sweeps through controlled elevation and rotation of the opponent’s base.
Developed as a counter to modern passing systems and standing guards, Reverse X-Guard Bottom provides exceptional control over the opponent’s posture and weight distribution. The position is particularly effective against opponents attempting to disengage or stand up from traditional guard positions. By inverting the standard X-Guard configuration, the bottom player gains leverage advantages for sweeps while maintaining options to transition to other leg entanglement positions or back takes.
The position requires high technical proficiency, hip mobility, and timing to execute effectively. Success depends on maintaining constant pressure with the hooks while using grip control to manipulate the opponent’s upper body. Practitioners must understand the relationship between hook placement, angle creation, and sweep mechanics to maximize effectiveness. Reverse X-Guard Bottom serves as a hub position within modern guard systems, offering pathways to multiple advanced positions and submissions.
Position Definition
- Both legs positioned on the same side of opponent’s body, with primary hook behind opponent’s knee and secondary hook controlling hip or thigh area, creating asymmetric leverage platform
- Bottom practitioner’s upper body angled away from opponent’s trapped leg with shoulders and hips inverted relative to standard guard positioning, maintaining off-balancing pressure
- Opponent standing or in combat base position with one leg controlled by hook system, weight distribution compromised by inverted hook configuration
- Bottom practitioner’s grips controlling opponent’s sleeve, collar, or belt to manipulate upper body posture and prevent defensive base widening
- Constant elevating pressure applied through both hooks, forcing opponent to react to off-balancing attempts while bottom player maintains active hip movement
Prerequisites
- Opponent in standing position or combat base attempting to pass or disengage
- Bottom practitioner has established initial hook behind opponent’s knee
- Sufficient space created to invert body position and establish second hook
- Grip control established on opponent’s upper body (sleeve, collar, or belt)
- Hip mobility and flexibility to maintain inverted positioning
Key Defensive Principles
- Maintain constant elevating pressure with primary hook behind knee, preventing opponent from establishing stable base
- Use secondary hook on hip or thigh to control rotational movement and create sweeping angles
- Keep upper body angled away from controlled leg, creating leverage advantage through body positioning
- Coordinate hook pressure with grip control to manipulate opponent’s posture and weight distribution
- Stay active with hip movement, constantly adjusting angles to prevent opponent from establishing counter-pressure
- Use inverted positioning to create unique sweeping angles unavailable from standard guard positions
- Transition fluidly between Reverse X-Guard variations and related leg entanglement positions based on opponent reactions
Available Escapes
Reverse X-Guard Sweep → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Elevation Sweep to Mount → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Reverse X to Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Transition to Standard X-Guard → X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Reverse X to Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Reverse X to Ashi Garami Entry → Ashi Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Technical Stand Up → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent maintains standing posture with weight evenly distributed:
- Execute Elevation Sweep → Mount (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Reverse X-Guard Sweep to Top → Mount (Probability: 70%)
If opponent drops weight and attempts to smash through hooks:
- Execute Transition to Deep Half Guard → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Inversion to Back → Back Control (Probability: 55%)
If opponent steps back or attempts to disengage controlled leg:
- Execute Follow to Single Leg X → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Transition to Ashi Garami → Ashi Garami (Probability: 65%)
If opponent backsteps or attempts to pass around controlled leg:
- Execute Inversion to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Granby Roll to Guard Recovery → Open Guard (Probability: 55%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Leg Lock Path via Ashi Garami
Reverse X-Guard Bottom → Ashi Garami → Heel Hook
Back Attack Path
Reverse X-Guard Bottom → Back Take Inversion → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Top Position to Submission Path
Reverse X-Guard Bottom → Elevation Sweep → Mount → Armbar from Mount
Single Leg X to Submission Path
Reverse X-Guard Bottom → Single Leg X-Guard → Single Leg X Sweep → Kneebar from Top
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 40% | 35% | 15% |
| Intermediate | 60% | 55% | 30% |
| Advanced | 75% | 70% | 45% |
Average Time in Position: 30-60 seconds
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Reverse X-Guard Bottom represents an evolution in guard systems, utilizing inverted hook configurations to create biomechanical advantages unavailable from traditional guards. The critical factor is understanding that both hooks must work in concert to control the opponent’s base—the primary hook behind the knee prevents backward movement and establishes vertical control, while the secondary hook on the hip controls rotation and lateral stability. The positioning creates a kinetic chain where elevating pressure through the hooks directly transfers force into off-balancing the opponent. Practitioners must recognize that this is fundamentally a transitional hub position within modern guard systems. Success comes not from remaining static in Reverse X-Guard, but from using it as a platform to access multiple positions based on opponent reactions. The inverted body angle creates unique leverage advantages for sweeps, but also requires superior hip mobility and core strength to maintain. Study the relationship between hook angle, grip placement, and opponent’s center of gravity to maximize effectiveness.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, Reverse X-Guard Bottom is one of my go-to positions when opponents try to stand and disengage from standard guard systems. The beauty of this position is that it gives you incredible control over one leg while setting up multiple high-percentage sweeps and back takes. When I establish Reverse X, I’m immediately thinking about elevation sweeps or transitioning to Single Leg X if they try to pull away. The key is being aggressive with your hooks—you can’t just hold the position, you need to constantly be lifting and off-balancing them. Against high-level opponents, I often use Reverse X as a transitional position rather than a destination. If they defend the sweep well, I’m already moving to Ashi Garami or inverting to take the back. The position works exceptionally well in no-gi because you can maintain connection through the hooks even without gi grips. My advice is to drill the entries religiously because getting to Reverse X cleanly from standing guards or De La Riva is what separates good guard players from great ones. Once you’re there, stay active and trust your sweep mechanics.
Eddie Bravo
Reverse X-Guard is a sick position that fits perfectly into the 10th Planet system because it’s all about creating angles and attacking from unconventional positions. We’ve integrated Reverse X as a key component of our no-gi guard game, especially when transitioning between different leg entanglement positions. The inverted configuration lets you create unique sweeping angles that opponents don’t expect, and it sets up perfectly for our lockdown entries and back attacks. What I love about Reverse X is how it forces your opponent to deal with constant elevation pressure while you’re already thinking three steps ahead. From Reverse X, you can flow to Honey Hole, hit technical stand-ups, or invert for back takes—it’s a total system position. The key is understanding that your hips are your engine in this position. You need to be constantly moving, creating angles, and making your opponent react. Don’t get stuck holding static Reverse X; use it as a launching pad for attacks. We drill Reverse X entries from butterfly, seated guard, and even from bottom half as part of our guard recovery sequences. Master this position and your sweep game becomes incredibly dynamic and hard to defend.