BJJ Graph

Spider Guard Variations | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202512 min read

Spider Guard Variations

bjjtransitionguardspidervariations

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T278
  • Transition Name: Spider Guard Variations
  • Alternative Names: Spider Guard Attacks, Spider Guard System, Spider Guard Combinations

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70%
  • Execution Complexity: High - requires grip strength and coordination
  • Energy Cost: High - maintaining spider guard grips is demanding
  • Time Required: Medium - variations flow based on opponent reaction
  • Risk Level: Medium - grip dependency creates vulnerability

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: High for grip strength and leg extension
  • Flexibility Requirements: High for hip mobility and leg positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for managing multiple grip and leg combinations
  • Speed Requirements: Medium for transitioning between variations

Visual Execution Sequence

From spider guard bottom, you maintain control of opponent’s sleeves with strong grips while positioning your feet on their biceps, creating extension and off-balancing. As the opponent reacts to your initial control, you flow between different spider guard configurations: transitioning from double spider to one leg spider allows triangle attacks, adding a lasso on one side creates sweeping opportunities, combining collar grips with spider enhances control and submission options. Each variation creates different problems for the opponent - double spider creates distance and sweep opportunities, one leg spider opens triangles and omoplatas, spider-lasso combination prevents standing, and collar-spider creates submission chains. The key is recognizing which variation to employ based on the opponent’s posture, grip fighting responses, and base positioning, constantly flowing between configurations to maintain offensive pressure.

One-Sentence Summary: “From spider guard, flow between double spider, one leg spider, spider-lasso, and spider-collar configurations based on opponent’s reactions, creating sweeps, triangles, and submissions.”

Execution Steps

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish fundamental spider guard with sleeve grips and feet on biceps
  2. Initial Configuration: Begin with double spider guard to assess opponent’s reactions and posture
  3. Opponent Assessment: Read opponent’s base, posture, and grip fighting to determine best variation
  4. Variation Selection: Choose appropriate spider variation based on opponent’s position and weaknesses
  5. Execution: Implement selected variation with proper grips, leg positioning, and off-balancing
  6. Consolidation: Complete the attack (sweep, submission) or flow to next variation if defended

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Strength: Spider guard demands exceptional grip endurance - weak grips fail quickly
  • Leg Extension Pressure: Active foot pressure on biceps is essential, not passive placement
  • Hip Positioning: Hips must be mobile and positioned correctly for each variation
  • Timing Windows: Transitions between variations must occur during opponent’s reactions
  • Variation Recognition: Understanding when to use which variation based on opponent’s structure

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Grip Strength Endurance: Maintaining strong grips throughout exchanges (+/-15%)
  • Hip Flexibility: Range of motion for various leg configurations (+/-10%)
  • Opponent’s Gi Quality: Worn gi sleeves make grips less effective (+/-5%)
  • Variation Knowledge: Understanding full variation toolkit (+/-15%)
  • Timing Recognition: Identifying correct moment to switch variations (+/-10%)

Common Counters and Decision Logic

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Stand Up Tall: Break spider guard by standing upright → Standing Guard Top (Success Rate: 60%, Conditions: if grips are weak)
  • Strip Grips: Systematically remove sleeve grips → Open Guard Top (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: patient grip fighting)
  • Smash Pass: Drive forward aggressively to flatten guard → Guard Pass (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: if legs don’t maintain extension)
  • Backstep: Circle away from spider hooks → Open Guard Top (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: if variation is static)

Decision Logic

If [opponent stands upright with high posture]:
- Execute [[Spider Guard Sweep]] using bicep extension (Probability: 65%)

Else if [opponent maintains low posture]:
- Transition to [[Spider-Lasso Combination]] for enhanced control (Probability: 60%)

Else if [opponent attempts to strip one grip]:
- Execute [[Triangle Setup]] from one leg spider (Probability: 55%)

Else [opponent remains mid-range engaged]:
- Flow between variations to create opportunities (Probability: 50%)

Expert Insights

John Danaher: “Spider guard represents one of the most technically demanding guard systems because it requires simultaneous management of multiple control points - two sleeve grips, two leg positions, hip positioning, and constant off-balancing. The variations exist because no single spider configuration solves all passing attempts. You must understand that spider guard is fundamentally about creating extension and off-balancing through leg pressure on the biceps combined with sleeve control. Each variation adjusts which legs are extending, which grips are prioritized, and what attacks become available. The sophisticated spider guard player doesn’t play ‘a’ spider guard - they flow between all variations based on the opponent’s structure.”

Gordon Ryan: “I don’t use spider guard much in no-gi for obvious reasons, but in gi competition it’s incredibly effective when executed with the right variations. The key insight is that double spider creates distance and sweep opportunities but is difficult to maintain against good grip fighters. The solution is using one leg spider variations to threaten triangles and omoplatas while the opponent is defending the spider sweep. The spider-lasso combination is particularly powerful because it prevents the opponent from standing while maintaining offensive threats. The modern meta-game requires knowing all spider variations and chaining them together rather than committing to one configuration.”

Eddie Bravo: “Spider guard is primarily a gi-specific system that doesn’t translate well to 10th Planet no-gi methodology, but it’s worth understanding for gi competitors. The variation I find most interesting is combining spider with rubber guard elements when the opponent drives forward - using the spider extension to create distance and then transitioning to high guard or rubber guard control. The biggest weakness of spider guard is grip dependency, which is why I prefer guard systems that don’t rely on fabric control. However, for gi players, the spider-to-triangle variation is extremely high percentage and worth developing.”

Common Errors

Error: Maintaining double spider too long without variation

  • Why It Fails: Static double spider allows opponent to methodically strip grips and develop passing strategies without facing changing problems
  • Correction: Use double spider as entry point, then flow to one leg spider, spider-lasso, or collar-spider based on opponent’s reaction within 5-8 seconds
  • Recognition: If opponent appears comfortable working their grip strips and passing attempts, you’re staying in one configuration too long

Error: Passive leg extension without active bicep pressure

  • Why It Fails: Simply placing feet on biceps without pushing creates weak control that opponent can easily overcome or ignore during passing attempts
  • Correction: Actively extend legs to push opponent’s arms away from your body. The leg pressure should make their arms feel heavy and difficult to control
  • Recognition: If opponent easily brings their arms toward your body despite your spider guard, your leg extension is too passive

Error: Neglecting hip mobility and positioning

  • Why It Fails: Spider guard variations require constant hip adjustment - static hips prevent smooth transitions between variations and compromise attack angles
  • Correction: Keep hips mobile and elevated off mat, adjusting angle based on which variation you’re using. Hips should follow your attacks
  • Recognition: Difficulty transitioning between variations or executing attacks indicates poor hip mobility

Error: Weak or incorrect sleeve grips

  • Why It Fails: Spider guard entirely depends on sleeve grip control - weak grips or gripping the wrong part of the sleeve makes the entire system fail
  • Correction: Grip deep in the sleeve, near the cuff, with four fingers inside and thumb outside. Maintain constant grip tension without death-gripping
  • Recognition: Opponent easily strips your grips or controls your wrists indicates grip problems

Error: Failing to recognize which variation is appropriate

  • Why It Fails: Each spider variation solves different passing attempts - using the wrong variation for the opponent’s structure wastes energy and creates vulnerability
  • Correction: If opponent stands tall, use double spider sweeps; if low posture, use spider-lasso; if defending sweeps, threaten triangles from one leg spider
  • Recognition: Repeatedly failing attacks from same variation while opponent maintains same posture indicates mismatched variation selection

Timing Considerations

When to attempt these variations:

  • Optimal Conditions: When you have established strong sleeve grips and opponent is in mid-range posture
  • Avoid When: Opponent has stripped one or both sleeve grips, or when your grip strength is depleted
  • Setup Sequences: Often entered from collar-sleeve guard or after failed closed guard attempts
  • Follow-up Windows: Must transition between variations within 8-10 seconds before opponent solves current configuration

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Fundamental open guard control, strong spider guard basics, triangle entries
  • Physical Preparation: Exceptional grip strength and endurance, good hip flexibility, core strength for leg extension
  • Positional Understanding: Deep knowledge of spider guard mechanics, sweep principles, submission chains
  • Experience Level: Intermediate to advanced - spider guard variations require significant technical sophistication

Knowledge Assessment

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  1. What is the primary mechanical advantage of spider guard?

    • A) Collar control
    • B) Leg extension on biceps combined with sleeve grips creating off-balance
    • C) Ankle control
    • D) Closed guard structure
    • Answer: B

  2. When should you transition from double spider to one leg spider variation?

    • A) When opponent stands very tall
    • B) When opponent drives forward and defends sweeps, opening triangle attacks
    • C) When opponent posts hands on mat
    • D) Always use double spider
    • Answer: B

  3. What is the most common mistake in spider guard leg positioning?

    • A) Too much active pressure
    • B) Passive feet placement without active extension creating pressure
    • C) Feet too high on arms
    • D) Keeping one leg as hook
    • Answer: B

  4. Which spider variation is most effective against opponents trying to stand?

    • A) One leg spider with triangle threat
    • B) Spider-lasso combination preventing stand-up
    • C) Collar-spider
    • D) Pure double spider
    • Answer: B

  5. Why is variation important in spider guard rather than static configuration?

    • A) To confuse opponent
    • B) Each variation solves different passing attempts - static spider allows opponent to develop specific counters
    • C) Variations require less grip strength
    • D) To score more points
    • Answer: B

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Traditional spider guard with full sleeve control - highest control and attack variety
  • No-Gi Specific: Spider guard doesn’t translate to no-gi due to grip dependency - use butterfly or foot on hip instead
  • Self-Defense: Limited application - focus on distance management rather than spider variations
  • Competition: Extremely common in gi competition, requires full variation toolkit to remain unpredictable
  • Size Differential: Smaller practitioners can maximize leg extension advantage, larger practitioners may struggle with flexibility requirements

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  1. Foundational Drilling: Establish and maintain double spider guard against passive partner for grip endurance
  2. Variation Transitions: Flow between double spider, one leg spider, spider-lasso, and collar-spider with cooperative partner
  3. Specific Attack Drilling: From each variation, drill specific attacks (sweeps from double spider, triangles from one leg spider, etc.)
  4. Progressive Resistance Sparring: Start at 50% resistance, increase to 75% as variations become fluid
  5. Troubleshooting: Identify which variations you favor and deliberately develop weaker variations during positional sparring

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, spider guard sweeps score 2 points, submissions available from variations
  • No-Gi Competition: Not applicable - no sleeve grips available
  • Self-Defense: Limited application - better to use simpler guard systems
  • MMA Applications: Not recommended - spider guard requires grips not available in MMA

Historical Context

Spider guard became prominent in Brazilian competition in the 1990s and 2000s, with practitioners like Romulo Barral and Michael Langhi developing sophisticated variation systems. The position evolved from simple bicep control to a complex system of variations designed to counter specific passing styles. Modern spider guard emphasizes flowing between variations rather than maintaining static configurations.

Safety Considerations

  • Grip Injury Prevention: Spider guard stresses finger joints - tape fingers and don’t death-grip
  • Knee Stress: Full extension can stress knee joints - maintain slight bend to protect knees
  • Partner Safety: Leg kicks during transitions can injure partner - control leg movements
  • Gradual Progression: Build grip strength gradually to prevent overuse injuries

Position Integration

Common spider guard variation combinations:

Graph View

Backlinks