One crucial aspect of advancing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is mastering the use of different guards. Essentially, a guard is a position where your legs create a barrier to block your opponent from passing. Beyond its defensive role, the guard can also be a powerful offensive position, allowing you to employ sweeps, submissions, and transitions to gain an advantage. Today, we will take a look at the process of transitioning between different guards.
Closed And Half Guard
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll cover the fundamental guards: closed, half, and open guard. These are considered essential in grappling and form the foundation of your training. For a visual demonstration, check out Bernardo Faria's video on BJJ Fanatics, which covers both the closed and half guards.
The closed guard is typically the first guard you’ll learn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this position, you wrap your legs around your opponent’s torso to control them. The key strategy in closed guard is to maintain tightness and manage your opponent’s posture.
Controlling your opponent’s posture is crucial in the closed guard. If there’s any space, your opponent might be able to escape or launch counterattacks (particularly in MMA or self-defense scenarios). Therefore, keeping your guard tight and staying close is vital to prevent them from standing up or striking.
The closed guard is typically the first guard you’ll learn in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this position, you wrap your legs around your opponent’s torso to control them. The key strategy in closed guard is to maintain tightness and manage your opponent’s posture.
Controlling your opponent’s posture is crucial in the closed guard. If there’s any space, your opponent might be able to escape or launch counterattacks (particularly in MMA or self-defense scenarios). Therefore, keeping your guard tight and staying close is vital to prevent them from standing up or striking.
One of the most effective transitions from the closed guard is to the half guard. In half guard, you hook one of your legs around your opponent's, meaning you no longer have full control of the outside, as one of their legs is free. Instead, you focus on controlling the leg that remains inside, creating frames with your arms to maintain good posture.
Beginners often prefer returning to the closed guard because it feels more secure and straightforward compared to the half guard. If you want to switch back to the closed guard from half guard, start by framing against your opponent. Use one arm to control near their shoulder and the other near their wrist. This will help you create enough space to pull your leg out and reestablish the closed guard.
In the demonstration above by Dan “TrumpetDan” Lukehart, he suggests using your far knee to block near the opponent’s hip to gain more space. Following these tips with proper technique will help you transition back to the closed guard efficiently.
Beginners often prefer returning to the closed guard because it feels more secure and straightforward compared to the half guard. If you want to switch back to the closed guard from half guard, start by framing against your opponent. Use one arm to control near their shoulder and the other near their wrist. This will help you create enough space to pull your leg out and reestablish the closed guard.
In the demonstration above by Dan “TrumpetDan” Lukehart, he suggests using your far knee to block near the opponent’s hip to gain more space. Following these tips with proper technique will help you transition back to the closed guard efficiently.
Closed And Half Guard To Open Guard
The third option is transitioning to an open guard, which is ideal for those who enjoy a more dynamic and fluid style of grappling. Open guard is versatile and can be effectively utilized in both gi and no-gi situations. It’s a great progression once you’ve become comfortable with the closed and half guards.
In the video above, Coach Chris Stearns demonstrates the fundamental techniques for moving from closed guard to open guard. Pay attention to how he maintains his grips throughout the transition. Proper body positioning is also crucial to avoid relying on explosive movements, making the transition smoother and more controlled.
In the video above, Coach Chris Stearns demonstrates the fundamental techniques for moving from closed guard to open guard. Pay attention to how he maintains his grips throughout the transition. Proper body positioning is also crucial to avoid relying on explosive movements, making the transition smoother and more controlled.
In this video, Coach Juan Romero demonstrates a straightforward transition from half guard to open guard (butterfly guard) and provides an effective drill for returning to half guard from butterfly.
Coach Romero emphasizes the importance of controlling the wrist from the start to prevent common submissions, like the D’arce choke. Next, he explains how to shift your hip out and set up butterfly hooks by placing the blade of your shins against your opponent’s thighs. To increase pressure and control, position your head under your opponent’s chin, which also helps keep their head turned to one side.
For transitioning back to half guard from butterfly guard, Romero advises blocking your opponent’s bicep to prevent a cross-face, a common counter that limits your movement. Then, drop to a hip and use your inside leg to wrap around your opponent’s leg.
Coach Romero emphasizes the importance of controlling the wrist from the start to prevent common submissions, like the D’arce choke. Next, he explains how to shift your hip out and set up butterfly hooks by placing the blade of your shins against your opponent’s thighs. To increase pressure and control, position your head under your opponent’s chin, which also helps keep their head turned to one side.
For transitioning back to half guard from butterfly guard, Romero advises blocking your opponent’s bicep to prevent a cross-face, a common counter that limits your movement. Then, drop to a hip and use your inside leg to wrap around your opponent’s leg.
Switch Guards On Your Own Terms
Mastering the chaining of different guards is crucial in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s essential to transition between guards on your own terms, rather than switching when you're on the verge of being passed. Instead, it’s better to reframe and reset your position before making a guard transition. Successful chaining of guards relies heavily on proper body positioning, so ensure you’re in the right position to effectively link your guards.
Framing And Kuzushi
A common mistake beginners make is overly focusing on guard chains. To transition smoothly between guards, you need to use your body as a wedge to off-balance your opponent and create space. This involves employing frames and kuzushi (off-balancing techniques). As a general rule, keep your frames active and capitalize on any opportunities your opponent provides to disrupt their balance.
Conclusion
Transitioning between guards demands consistent practice. It's advisable to drill these fundamental guard chains with a partner several times a week. Begin by practicing the movements without resistance, and gradually introduce resistance as your proficiency improves.
