As a lot of you know, I operate a school full time.
When I get asked, “What’s the difference between Jiu-jitsu and other grappling arts like Wrestling”, I always answer with something along the lines of “Jiu-jitsu doesn’t stop when you get on the ground”.
Of course, I’m talking about the pin in wrestling and the Ippon in Judo. If you get thrown or taken down in jiu-jitsu, the match isn’t over; we have to continue. So Jiu-jitsu is essentially an answer to “what’s next?”
Now, it’s not lost on me that Wrestling and Judo have a lot of ground techniques but I will say that Jiu-jitsu, especially as its evolved now, seems to have developed its own distinct ground technique, particularly when it comes to fighting off your back.
With that min mind, when I think about one specific position that embodies the essence of jiu-jitsu, I think about the Closed Guard position… For better or worse.
It’s a powerful position and it allows you to be offensive even when you’re on your back.
The closed guard is THE position I tell all of my students they need to get good at. It’s especially advantageous in competition. And though you wouldn’t want to “pull guard” in a street fight, if you’re ever attacked and end up on your back, it’s a good place to be until you can get into a more dominant position.
Now, why do I like love the closed guard?
It’s simple.
Because the closed guard allows me the most control over an opponent.
If you read this article on aspects of control, you’ll recall that there are three main ways to control an opponent: You can control their mobility (legs), stability (posture) or utility (the use of their hands). With the closed guard, you, by default, are controlling their mobility by wrapping your legs around them while still having the use of both hands to break posture, grip fight, etc.
Another reason is because it’s almost the same as the mount, just inverted.
Danaher talks about how the real power of the closed guard position is found in the fact that your hips are higher than your opponent’s hips which allows you leverage to attack.
And when you do attack, because of this height over your opponent’s hips, you’ll likely fall into a mount when you sweep correctly from this position (ie: Sit up sweep, scissor sweep, etc)
And last reason I love this guard over others?
Because no one can pass your guard without first opening your guard. In other words, it’s like having two guards in one.
So let’s simplify it.
Below I’m going to give you some tips on how you can dominate from the closed guard position just by adding a few small foundational and fundamental principles.
First, I’ll start off with some basics on retention and control of the position. In other words, your first job is to NOT get your guard broken.
You want to first establish the position and make sure you’re able to keep it secure so that no one can pass.
The next thing we’re going to do is find ways to remove your opponent’s connection so you can off-balance more effectively.
After, we’re going to chat a bit about how to manipulate the posture and elbow position.
Let’s dive in!
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