Closed Guard

Closed Guard

The Closed Guard is a common position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where one person is lying on their back with their legs wrapped around their opponent’s waist, controlling their upper body. It’s a position that allows the person on the bottom to defend themselves and look for opportunities to sweep or submit their opponent.

Here are the steps for establishing the Closed Guard position:

  1. Start by facing your opponent in a standing position.
  2. You can pull your opponent down to the ground or shoot for a takedown by lashing out with your legs and attempting to trip or sweep them off their feet.
  3. Once your opponent is on the ground, immediately wrap your legs around their waist and bring your feet together. This will give you a strong, stable base and help you control your opponent’s upper body.
  4. From the Closed Guard, you can control your opponent’s arms and upper body by using a variety of grips and techniques. Some common options include framing with your hands, gripping their sleeves or wrist, or hooking their arms with your legs.
  5. You can look for opportunities to sweep or submit your opponent from this position. You can also use the Closed Guard to defend yourself and prevent your opponent from passing your guard or establishing a dominant position.

Here are a few tips to remember when establishing the Closed Guard position:

  • Keep your posture tight and maintain a strong, stable base by keeping your feet together and your legs wrapped tightly around your opponent’s waist.
  • Use a variety of grips and techniques to control your opponent’s arms and upper body.
  • Practice establishing the Closed Guard from both sides to become proficient at entering the position from any position.
  • As with any technique, it’s essential to drill the Closed Guard with a training partner to develop good timing and muscle memory.

I hope these steps and tips help you master the Closed Guard position and improve your Jiu-Jitsu game. Remember to train safely and always listen to your instructor. Happy training!