X-Guard Bottom is a powerful open guard position where the bottom practitioner controls the opponent using their legs in an ‘X’ configuration around one of the opponent’s legs. The position is characterized by one leg hooking behind the opponent’s knee while the other controls the hip or belt line, creating a crossing pattern that gives the position its name. This configuration provides exceptional off-balancing control and sweep opportunities. The X-Guard emerged as a revolutionary position in modern BJJ, popularized by Marcelo Garcia who demonstrated its effectiveness at the highest levels of competition. The position offers a systematic approach to dealing with standing opponents and is particularly effective against knee slice passes and other pressure-based attacks. Unlike traditional guards, X-Guard creates mechanical advantages through leg control rather than grips, making it highly effective in both gi and no-gi contexts. From a strategic standpoint, X-Guard Bottom serves as both a sweeping platform and a transitional hub to other leg entanglement positions. The position’s power comes from controlling the opponent’s base while simultaneously threatening multiple sweeping directions. Advanced practitioners use X-Guard as part of an integrated guard system, flowing seamlessly between Single Leg X, Reverse X-Guard, and Deep Half variations based on opponent reactions.
Position Definition
- Bottom practitioner’s inside leg hooks deeply behind opponent’s near knee with foot positioned past the knee joint
- Bottom practitioner’s outside leg extends across opponent’s hip or belt line creating distance control barrier
- Opponent is standing or in combat base with one leg isolated and controlled by X-Guard configuration
- Bottom practitioner’s upper body is positioned perpendicular to opponent’s trapped leg with hips elevated
- Bottom practitioner maintains hand control on opponent’s trapped leg ankle or controls the free leg
Prerequisites
- Opponent is standing or in combat base position
- Bottom practitioner has isolated one of opponent’s legs
- Bottom practitioner’s inside leg has access to hook behind opponent’s knee
- Bottom practitioner has sufficient space to configure legs in X-pattern
- Opponent’s weight is distributed such that trapped leg can be off-balanced
Key Defensive Principles
- Maintain deep knee hook with inside leg to control opponent’s base and create off-balancing leverage
- Keep outside leg active and extended across opponent’s hip to control distance
- Elevate hips off mat to create tension in X-configuration and maintain active control
- Use upper body positioning perpendicular to opponent’s trapped leg to maximize sweeping angles
- Control opponent’s ankle or pants with hands to prevent escape
- Threaten multiple sweeping directions simultaneously to create defensive dilemmas
- Transition seamlessly between X-Guard variations based on opponent reactions
Available Escapes
X-Guard Sweep → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
X-Guard to Ashi Transition → Ashi Garami
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Standing to Single Leg X → Single Leg X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Technical Standup → Standing Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Butterfly Guard to X-Guard → Butterfly Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent maintains strong upright posture with both feet planted and good base:
- Execute X-Guard Sweep → Mount (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Technical Standup → Standing Position (Probability: 55%)
If opponent attempts to backstep or circle away from the X-Guard configuration:
- Execute Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 70%)
- Execute X-Guard to Ashi Transition → Ashi Garami (Probability: 60%)
If opponent sits back to break X-Guard or attempts to smash forward with knee pressure:
- Execute Butterfly Guard to X-Guard → Butterfly Guard (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 60%)
If opponent attempts to step over the outside leg while trapped leg remains controlled:
- Execute X-Guard to Ashi Transition → Ashi Garami (Probability: 75%)
- Execute Single Leg X Entry → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 65%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Shortest path to submission from X-Guard
X-Guard Bottom → Ashi Garami → Straight Ankle Lock
High-percentage sweep to submission path
X-Guard Bottom → Mount → Armbar from Mount
Leg entanglement specialist path
X-Guard Bottom → Single Leg X-Guard → Kneebar from Guard
Back attack path through sweep
X-Guard Bottom → Mount → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
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: 30-90 seconds
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
X-Guard represents a paradigm shift in guard theory, moving away from grip-based control to mechanical leg-based control systems. The position’s effectiveness stems from its ability to simultaneously destroy the opponent’s base while creating multiple directional sweeping threats. The inside leg hook functions as a powerful lever that controls the opponent’s hamstring and knee joint, while the outside leg creates a rigid barrier that prevents forward pressure. The key to mastering X-Guard lies in understanding that it is not a static position but rather a dynamic control system that flows between variations based on opponent reactions. Advanced practitioners develop the ability to maintain the essential mechanical properties of X-Guard - base destruction and directional threat - while transitioning seamlessly between X-Guard, Single Leg X, and leg entanglement positions. The position requires precise hip elevation and active leg tension to maintain control; passive execution leads to immediate failure as the opponent can simply pressure through the position.
Gordon Ryan
X-Guard is one of the most high-percentage sweeping positions in modern competition BJJ, particularly effective against standing opponents who are trying to establish distance for knee slice or toreando passes. In my competition experience, X-Guard serves as both an attacking platform and a transitional hub to leg entanglements, which is where the real finishing opportunities emerge. The key to making X-Guard work at the elite level is developing ruthless efficiency in your entries - you need to establish the position immediately and sweep before the opponent can set their defense. I particularly favor using X-Guard as a transitional position to Single Leg X and Ashi Garami, where the submission opportunities are far more abundant. The most common mistake I see is practitioners trying to hold X-Guard statically rather than flowing through it as part of a larger guard system. Against world-class opponents, you have a very narrow window to sweep from X-Guard before they start their pass, so your timing and explosive execution must be perfect. The position is especially powerful in no-gi where grip fighting is less of a factor and pure mechanical control dominates.
Eddie Bravo
X-Guard is a fundamental position in the 10th Planet system, and we’ve developed numerous creative entries and variations that work exceptionally well in no-gi contexts. The beauty of X-Guard is that it doesn’t rely on gi grips, making it equally effective whether you’re wearing a gi or not. We emphasize using X-Guard as an entry point to our leg lock game, particularly flowing to Honey Hole and saddle positions for heel hook attacks. The traditional X-Guard sweep is great, but we’ve found even more success using it as a transitional position that keeps opponents guessing and off-balance. One of our key innovations is combining X-Guard with rubber guard concepts, using the trapped leg control to set up unique submission opportunities. We also drill extensively on maintaining X-Guard against modern passing methods like the knee slice and leg drag, developing specific counter-reactions that flow into either sweeps or leg entanglements. The position requires constant movement and adjustment - you can’t just sit there and hold it statically. The key is building a systematic understanding of where to go based on how the opponent reacts, turning X-Guard into a hub position that connects to multiple offensive pathways.