Base Widening

bjj transition defense guard fundamental base

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

Transition ID: T210
Transition Name: Base Widening
Alternative Names: Base Extension, Widening Your Base, Stance Expansion

State Machine Properties

Starting State: Half Guard Bottom
Ending State: Half Guard Pass Position
Transition Type: Setup - defensive positioning

Transition Properties

Success Probability: Beginner 60%, Intermediate 75%, Advanced 90%
Execution Complexity: Low - fundamental defensive concept
Energy Cost: Low - minimal physical demand
Time Required: Instant - immediate adjustment
Risk Level: Low - safe defensive technique

Physical Requirements

Strength Requirements: Low - requires minimal force
Flexibility Requirements: Low - basic range of motion
Coordination Requirements: Low - simple body mechanics
Speed Requirements: Medium - must react quickly to threats

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

From a top position in guard, you sense the bottom player attempting to off-balance you with grips or leg positioning. Immediately, you lower your center of gravity by bending your knees slightly while simultaneously widening your stance by moving your knees or feet laterally apart. Your weight distributes evenly across both legs as you maintain an upright posture with your spine aligned. The wider base creates a stable triangle of support that makes you significantly more difficult to sweep, neutralizing the bottom player’s attacking leverage while you maintain top position control.

One-Sentence Summary: “From guard top position, you quickly widen your knee or foot placement while lowering your center of gravity, creating a stable base that prevents sweeps.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

Recognition: Identify sweep threat or off-balancing attempt from bottom player
Weight Distribution: Lower your center of gravity by bending knees slightly
Stance Expansion: Widen stance by moving knees or feet further apart laterally
Balance Check: Ensure weight is centered and distributed evenly between both legs
Posture Maintenance: Keep spine aligned and head up while maintaining wide base
Stabilization: Hold stable position while neutralizing bottom player’s sweep attempts

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

Grip Requirements: Hand placement varies based on guard type but maintain connection
Base/Foundation: Triangular stance with knees/feet wide creates stable platform
Timing Windows: Execute immediately upon sensing off-balancing pressure
Leverage Points: Low center of gravity combined with wide stance neutralizes sweeps
Common Adjustments: Adjust width dynamically based on direction of sweep threat

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

Setup Quality: Early recognition of sweep threat (+/-5%)
Timing Precision: Widening base before sweep initiates (+/-10%)
Opponent Fatigue: Reduced sweep power when tired (+/-5%)
Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding base mechanics (+/-15%)
Position Control: Quality of top position grips and pressure (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Bottom player responses with success rates:

Guard Opening: Attacking guard to force stance change → Open Guard (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: when base is too wide to maintain closed guard)
Sweep Switch: Changing sweep direction to attack new base angle → Sweep Attempt (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: if top player overcommits to one side)
Submission Attack: Threatening submission to force base change → Submission Setup (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: when top player is static)
Guard Change: Transitioning to different guard type → Half Guard Bottom (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: when top player’s base is too defensive)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [base width] is excessive and static:
- Execute [[Guard Opening]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [top player] overcommits to defending one sweep direction:
- Execute [[Sweep Switch]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [top player] has poor grips while widening base:
- Execute [[Submission Attack]] (Probability: 30%)

Else [optimal base width maintained]:
- Accept defensive position (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary from recognized authorities:

John Danaher: “Base widening is the most fundamental defensive concept in guard passing. A wide base creates a geometrically stable structure that resists lateral forces effectively. The key is understanding that base width must be balanced - too narrow makes you vulnerable to sweeps, too wide makes you vulnerable to guard opening and submissions. The optimal width changes dynamically based on the specific guard type and sweep threats being presented.”
Gordon Ryan: “In competition, I use base widening constantly when passing guard. The moment I feel any sweep attempt, my base automatically widens to prevent it. However, I never let my base become so wide that I lose mobility or connection. The base needs to be wide enough to be stable but narrow enough to maintain offensive pressure and passing opportunities.”
Eddie Bravo: “Base widening is crucial in the 10th Planet system because many of our guards specifically attack the opponent’s base. When passing lockdown, rubber guard, or electric chair positions, you have to widen your base immediately when you feel the sweep coming. The base width is what allows you to maintain control while dealing with these unorthodox guard positions.”

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

Error: Widening base too late after sweep has already been initiated
Why It Fails: Momentum of sweep is already established and difficult to stop
Correction: Anticipate sweep threats and widen base proactively
Recognition: Being swept despite attempting to widen base during the sweep
Error: Making base so wide that mobility and guard connection are lost
Why It Fails: Bottom player can open guard, attack submissions, or escape
Correction: Widen base enough for stability but maintain tactical connection
Recognition: Bottom player easily opens guard or escapes while you have wide base
Error: Widening base without lowering center of gravity
Why It Fails: High center of gravity still allows sweeps despite wider stance
Correction: Combine base widening with knee bend to lower center of gravity
Recognition: Still feeling unstable despite widened stance
Error: Widening base uniformly without considering sweep direction
Why It Fails: Wastes energy and may not address actual threat vector
Correction: Widen base primarily in direction of sweep threat
Recognition: Getting swept in unexpected direction while focusing on wrong side
Error: Maintaining static wide base without adapting to guard changes
Why It Fails: Different guards require different base widths and positions
Correction: Adjust base width dynamically as bottom player changes guards
Recognition: Being swept or submitted because base wasn’t adapted to new guard

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

Optimal Conditions: Immediately upon feeling off-balancing pressure from bottom player
Avoid When: Already committed to a guard pass and need to maintain momentum
Setup Sequences: First defensive reaction to any sweep threat from guard
Follow-up Windows: Must maintain wide base until sweep threat is neutralized

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

Technical Skills: Basic understanding of top position in guard
Physical Preparation: Leg strength for maintaining stable stance
Positional Understanding: Recognition of sweep mechanics and base principles
Experience Level: Beginner-friendly, one of first defensive concepts taught

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

Mechanical Understanding: “What creates stability when widening your base?”
- A) Only the width of your stance
- B) The combination of wide stance and low center of gravity
- C) Gripping strength alone
- D) Forward pressure on the opponent
- Answer: B
Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to widen your base?”
- A) After the sweep has already started
- B) Only when you feel yourself falling
- C) Immediately upon sensing off-balancing pressure
- D) When the bottom player asks you to
- Answer: C
Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake when widening base?”
- A) Widening too late after sweep momentum is established
- B) Widening too quickly
- C) Using hands instead of legs
- D) Looking at the ceiling
- Answer: A
Setup Requirements: “Which element must accompany base widening for maximum effectiveness?”
- A) Pulling the opponent closer
- B) Lowering your center of gravity
- C) Crossing your feet
- D) Closing your eyes
- Answer: B
Adaptation: “How should you adjust if base becomes too wide?”
- A) Keep it wide indefinitely
- B) Stand up completely
- C) Narrow it slightly while maintaining connection and pressure
- D) Switch to bottom position
- Answer: C

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

Gi Specific: Use collar and sleeve grips to help distribute weight while widening base
No-Gi Specific: Rely more on body positioning and underhooks for connection
Self-Defense: Exaggerated base width may be needed against untrained opponents’ wild movements
Competition: Subtle base adjustments to avoid telegraphing defensive reactions
Size Differential: Larger players can use wider base; smaller players need quicker, more dynamic adjustments

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

Solo Practice: Practice widening stance and lowering center of gravity without partner
Cooperative Drilling: Partner applies light sweep pressure while you practice base widening
Resistant Practice: Partner attempts actual sweeps while you defend with base widening
Sparring Integration: Implement base widening reflexively during live rolling
Troubleshooting: Identify situations where base widening alone isn’t sufficient

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

Movement Verbs: Widen, expand, lower, distribute, stabilize, anchor
Spatial References: Lateral movement, downward pressure, triangular base
Pressure Dynamics: Weight distribution, center of gravity, balance points
Momentum Descriptions: Instant adjustment, immediate stabilization

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

Setup Cues: “Feel that sweep coming and widen immediately”
Execution Guidance: “Get your knees apart and drop your hips”
Adaptation Prompts: “Stay dynamic, don’t let your base get too static”
Completion Confirmation: “Good base, now you’re stable”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

Starting Position: Guard top with neutral stance
Transition Points: Recognition of threat, knee/foot widening, center of gravity lowering
Ending Position: Guard top with wide stable base
Alternative Outcomes: Base too wide leading to guard opening, base too narrow leading to sweep

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

Force Vectors: Downward force from lowered center of gravity, lateral stability from wide stance
Leverage Ratios: Wider base creates longer moment arm resisting rotational forces
Range of Motion: Hip abduction and knee flexion working together
Power Generation: Minimal power needed, primarily about structural stability

LLM Context Block

Purpose: This section contains structured decision-making logic for AI opponents, narrative generation, and game engine processing.

Execution Decision Logic

decision_tree:
  conditions:
    - name: "Threat Recognition Check"
      evaluation: "sweep_threat_detected == true"
      success_action: "proceed_to_base_adjustment"
      failure_action: "maintain_current_base"
      failure_probability: 0
 
    - name: "Timing Check"
      evaluation: "sweep_initiated == false"
      success_action: "proceed_to_width_adjustment"
      failure_action: "defensive_recovery"
      failure_probability: 25
 
    - name: "Balance Maintenance"
      evaluation: "center_of_gravity_lowered AND base_width_optimal"
      success_action: "accept_stable_position"
      failure_action: "continue_adjusting"
      failure_probability: 15
 
  final_calculation:
    base_probability: "success_probability[skill_level]"
    applied_modifiers:
      - setup_quality
      - timing_precision
      - opponent_fatigue
      - knowledge_test
      - position_control
    formula: "base_probability + sum(modifiers) - sum(counters)"

Common Troubleshooting Patterns

troubleshooting:
  - symptom: "Still getting swept despite widening base"
    likely_cause: "Timing too late or center of gravity too high"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you widening before or after sweep initiates?"
      - "Are you also lowering your hips when widening?"
      - "Is your weight evenly distributed on both legs?"
    solution: "React faster to sweep threats, combine base width with lowered center of gravity, maintain even weight distribution"
 
  - symptom: "Base feels too wide and immobile"
    likely_cause: "Excessive base width without tactical purpose"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Can you still move and pass guard effectively?"
      - "Has the guard opened because your base is too wide?"
      - "Are you able to maintain pressure on opponent?"
    solution: "Narrow base slightly to regain mobility while maintaining stability, adjust width dynamically based on threats"
 
  - symptom: "Bottom player keeps opening guard when base widens"
    likely_cause: "Base width incompatible with maintaining closed guard"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you in closed guard or open guard?"
      - "Is your base so wide that closed guard cannot be maintained?"
      - "Are you controlling the guard opening process?"
    solution: "Accept guard opening as tactical trade-off, transition to open guard passing strategies, control the opening timing"

Timing and Setup Guidance

timing_guidance:
  optimal_windows:
    - condition: "Bottom player establishes strong grip or hook for sweep"
      success_boost: "+10%"
      recognition_cues: ["Strong collar grip established", "Deep hook inserted", "Off-balancing pressure felt"]
 
    - condition: "Immediately before sweep initiation"
      success_boost: "+15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Bottom player shifting weight", "Hip movement detected", "Momentum building"]
 
    - condition: "During initial sweep attempt"
      success_boost: "+5%"
      recognition_cues: ["Balance being challenged", "Body tilting", "Feet losing contact"]
 
  avoid_windows:
    - condition: "After full sweep momentum established"
      success_penalty: "-25%"
      recognition_cues: ["Already significantly off-balance", "Sweep nearly complete", "Feet off ground"]
 
    - condition: "During active guard passing sequence"
      success_penalty: "-10%"
      recognition_cues: ["Committed to pass", "Opponent's guard already being controlled", "Passing momentum active"]
 
    - condition: "When base is already optimal for situation"
      success_penalty: "0%"
      recognition_cues: ["Already stable", "No sweep threat present", "Guard under control"]
 
setup_sequences:
  - sequence_name: "Preemptive Base Establishment"
    steps:
      - "Establish top position in guard"
      - "Immediately set wide stable base"
      - "Maintain base while assessing passing opportunities"
    success_boost: "+12%"
 
  - sequence_name: "Reactive Base Defense"
    steps:
      - "Recognize incoming sweep threat"
      - "Quickly widen base and lower center of gravity"
      - "Stabilize and reset passing strategy"
    success_boost: "+8%"

Narrative Generation Prompts

narrative_prompts:
  setup_phase:
    - "You feel the bottom player adjusting their grips, preparing a sweep attempt."
    - "Pressure builds against your base as they search for the angle to off-balance you."
    - "Your experience tells you a sweep is coming - time to establish your base."
 
  execution_phase:
    - "Instantly, you widen your stance and drop your hips lower, creating a stable platform."
    - "Your knees spread apart as your center of gravity sinks, anchoring you to the mat."
    - "The widened base creates a triangle of support that neutralizes their sweep attempt."
 
  completion_phase:
    - "Your stable base prevents the sweep as their attempted momentum meets immovable structure."
    - "With your base secure, you maintain top position and prepare your next passing attack."
    - "The sweep threat neutralized, you remain stable and in control from guard top."
 
  failure_phase:
    - "You widen too late and the sweep momentum carries you over despite your adjustment."
    - "Your base becomes too wide, allowing them to open the guard and create escape opportunities."
    - "Static and over-committed to your wide base, they exploit your immobility with a different attack."

Image Generation Prompts

image_prompts:
  setup_position:
    prompt: "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard top position, practitioner with neutral stance and normal base width, bottom player beginning sweep attempt with grips established, both wearing blue and white gis, mat background, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Guard top", "Neutral stance", "Sweep threat", "Grip control"]
 
  mid_execution:
    prompt: "BJJ base widening in action, top practitioner with knees spread wide apart and hips lowered, bottom player attempting sweep with reduced effectiveness, dynamic defensive positioning, technical illustration"
    key_elements: ["Wide stance", "Low center of gravity", "Defensive stability", "Sweep resistance"]
 
  completion_position:
    prompt: "BJJ guard top with established wide base, practitioner stable and balanced with wide knee positioning, bottom player unable to execute sweep, control maintained, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Stable base", "Wide positioning", "Sweep negated", "Top control"]

Audio Narration Scripts

audio_scripts:
  instructional_narration:
    script: "From guard top, immediately recognize sweep threats through pressure and grip changes. Widen your stance by moving your knees or feet laterally while simultaneously lowering your center of gravity. Your wide base creates a stable triangle that prevents sweeps. Maintain even weight distribution across both legs while keeping your spine upright and posture strong."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Moderate"
    emphasis: ["recognize sweep threats", "widen your stance", "lower center of gravity", "stable triangle"]
 
  coaching_cues:
    script: "Feel that pressure? Widen now. Get those knees apart. Drop your hips low. Even weight on both legs. Stay balanced. Head up. That's it, solid base. Now you're stable and safe."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Energetic"
    emphasis: ["Widen now", "knees apart", "Drop your hips", "solid base", "stable"]
 
  competition_commentary:
    script: "Watch the defensive base adjustment here. Excellent recognition of the sweep threat. See how the knees immediately spread wider as the hips drop. Perfect weight distribution. The sweep attempt is completely neutralized by that solid base. Textbook defensive positioning."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Fast"
    emphasis: ["defensive base adjustment", "knees spread wider", "completely neutralized", "Textbook defensive positioning"]

Competition Applications

IBJJF Rules: Essential defensive technique at all belt levels, prevents negative score from being swept
No-Gi Competition: Critical for defending against leg entanglement sweeps and guards
Self-Defense: Wide stable base prevents takedowns and sweeps in street situations
MMA Applications: Base widening essential in MMA guard to defend against sweeps and create striking opportunities

Historical Context

Base widening is a fundamental concept that predates organized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, rooted in basic wrestling and grappling principles. The wide base creates a stable structure resistant to lateral forces, a concept that appears across all grappling arts. In BJJ, as guard systems evolved and became more sophisticated, base widening became an increasingly important defensive skill.

Safety Considerations

Controlled Application: Avoid excessive or sudden base widening that could strain groin or hip muscles
Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space when widening stance to avoid partner collisions
Partner Safety: Don’t drive knees into partner’s body when widening base
Gradual Progression: Build up flexibility and strength for wider bases over time

Position Integration

Common base widening applications:

Closed Guard Top → Base Widening → Guard Top Stable
Open Guard Top → Base Widening → Half Guard Pass Position
Half Guard Top → Base Widening → Half Guard Pass Position

Posture Recovery - Complementary defensive technique
Defensive Frame - Related defensive concept
Guard Passing Principles - Offensive context for base widening
Weight Distribution - Related fundamental concept

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

Notes for Developers

This transition represents a fundamental defensive concept rather than a traditional offensive technique. Base widening is a reactive adjustment that prevents sweeps and maintains top position. It’s essential for the game engine to recognize this as a high-priority defensive response when sweep threats are detected.

The success rate is intentionally high because base widening is a simple, reliable defensive concept that works well when properly timed. The main failure modes are timing-related (too late) or execution-related (too wide, not combining with center of gravity adjustment).

BJJ Graph

Explorer

Base Widening | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph