Blue belt · Control · Core
Closed guard: break posture & control
The first job in closed guard: pull them down and control them so they can't stand up or posture. Every closed guard attack starts from broken posture.
Step by step
- Keep your ankles locked high on their back, not around their butt.
- Pull your knees toward your chest to bring their weight forward.
- Control the head (hand behind the neck) or clamp an arm across your chest (overhook).
- Use a two-on-one or wrist control to stop them posting on your hips or chest.
- Angle off to one side (hip out a little) to set up attacks.
Details that make it work
- No gi means no collar to hold. Use overhooks, collar ties and head control.
- Once their posture breaks, they can't punch, pass, or stand easily.
Common mistakes
- Holding closed guard with low, passive legs.
- Letting them sit upright with their hands on your hips.
Drill it
Posture game: partner tries to posture up, you break it down. 3 × 1 min.
If it fails, or what comes next
- Hip bump sweep Sweep · Closed guard
- Kimura from closed guard Submission · Closed guard
- Triangle choke Submission · Closed guard
- Armbar from closed guard Submission · Closed guard
- Guillotine from guard Submission · Closed guard
Set it up from
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