Blue belt · Guard · Core
Guard retention: frames & hip escape
The skill of keeping your legs between you and them while they try to pass. Blue belts are expected to be hard to pass, and this is how.
Step by step
- Keep a frame up: a hand on their head, shoulder or biceps, or a shin between you.
- When they start passing to one side, hip escape (shrimp) away and turn onto your side.
- Bring your knee back inside, between you and them; put your feet back on their hips or biceps.
- If they get past your knees, turn to face them and keep your near elbow glued to your knee.
- Reset to seated or butterfly guard.
Details that make it work
- Shins and forearms are shields. Keep your knees pointed at them.
- Keep moving: the passer wants you flat and still.
Common mistakes
- Lying flat on your back with your arms out.
- Pushing with straight arms that get pinned or dragged.
Drill it
Guard retention game: partner passes at 50%, you reset. 3 × 2 min.
If it fails, or what comes next
- Butterfly (hook) sweep Sweep · Butterfly
- Shin-to-shin to single-leg X Entry · Seated guard
- Technical stand-up Escape · Seated guard
- Wrestle-up from seated guard Sweep · Seated guard
Set it up from
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