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Open GuardBottom
ExpertInverted Guard Attacks
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Taught by:Nathan Merkle
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About This Technique
Technique: Inverted Guard Attacks
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the inverted guard opens up a variety of offensive options by changing the traditional perspective of attack. This adaptive guard allows practitioners to seamlessly transition into submissions or sweeps from beneath their opponent.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Phase 1: Establishing the Inverted Guard
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Starting Position:
- Position: Open Guard
- Obtain grips on your opponent's sleeves or pant legs to control their posture.
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Initiating the Inversion:
- With your arms extended, kick your feet upwards, creating momentum to rotate your body under your opponent.
- Utilize your grips for control and movement, as you move your head beneath your opponent’s stomach.
- Keep your knees close to your chest for protection and leverage.
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Locking the Position:
- As you invert, secure an optimal angle by adjusting your grips and posturing.
- Use one of your legs to hook around your opponent's near leg or hip, maintaining pressure and control.
Phase 2: Attacking from Inverted Guard
2.1. Controlling and Off-Balancing
- Gripping the Legs:
- If possible, secure a deep grip on your opponent's pants to stabilize their balance.
- Off-Balancing:
- Utilize leverage from your hooks and grips to disrupt your opponent's center of gravity, forcing them to adjust.
2.2. Submission Attacks
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Triangle Choke
- Release One Hook: Use the leg not hooked to initiate the attack by pushing against their far hip.
- Throw the Leg Over: Thread your leg across their neck, catching the opposite side of their body with your knee.
- Lock the Triangle: Bring your free leg across, locking the ankle of the leg across the neck for the submission.
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Armbar
- Control the Arm: Once the posture is broken, isolate one of your opponent’s arms by wrapping a leg around it.
- Rotate and Extend: Spin your hips towards the controlled arm, pinching tight with your knees as you extend their limb.
Phase 3: Transitioning
- To a Better Position:
- If submissions fail or pressure is insufficient, use the inverted position to sweep your opponent, transitioning to side control or mount.
Training Tips
- Practice inverting with a focus on maintaining balance and control.
- Ensure your grips are secure but flexible, allowing for rapid transitions and movements.
- Drilling should involve both offensive and defensive scenarios to enhance adaptability.
Conclusion
The inverted guard brings a dynamic element to BJJ, allowing for an array of attack sequences that effectively utilize leverage and control. With dedicated practice, this technique broadens your guard game, enhancing your adaptability and threats from an otherwise defensive position.
How to Execute
Inverted Guard Attacks from Open Guard
Setup
- •
Initial Position Details
- •Start in the Open Guard position with your back on the mat, facing your opponent.
- •Your legs should be actively engaged, using your feet to create distance and manage space.
- •Keep your head slightly off the mat to maintain mobility and awareness.
- •
Grips and Controls Needed
- •Establish a sleeve grip on one of your opponent's arms. This helps in controlling their upper body and prevents them from easily passing your guard.
- •With your other hand, secure a grip on the opponent’s opposite pant leg or ankle. This grip is crucial for controlling their base and creating off-balancing opportunities.
- •Ensure your feet are actively pushing or hooking on your opponent's hips or legs to maintain control and set up the inversion.
Steps
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Initiate the Inversion
- •Tuck your chin and look towards your own hips to prepare for the inversion.
- •Use your grips to pull your opponent towards you slightly, creating space beneath them.
- •Begin to rotate onto your shoulders by swinging your legs up and over your body. Your aim is to align your body perpendicular to your opponent.
- •
Establish the Inverted Guard
- •As you rotate, ensure your head is turned to the side and your shoulders are on the mat.
- •Your hips should be elevated, with your legs coming over your head. Use your core to maintain balance and control.
- •Keep your grips tight to prevent your opponent from breaking free or moving away.
- •
Attack the Legs or Prepare for a Sweep
- •With your grips secured, look for opportunities to attack your opponent's legs. This can include setting up for leg locks, such as a kneebar or toe hold.
- •Alternatively, use your inversion to off-balance your opponent by extending your legs and pulling with your grips. Look to sweep them by shifting their weight and rolling them over.
- •
Transition to a Dominant Position
- •As your opponent falls or reacts to the inversion, use the momentum to transition into a more dominant position.
- •Common transitions include coming up into a top position like mount or passing directly to side control.
- •Maintain control of your opponent's limbs throughout the transition to secure your new position.
Key Points
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Important Details to Remember
- •Keep your grips tight and use them to control the opponent's posture and balance.
- •Maintain a strong core engagement throughout the inversion to avoid losing balance or position.
- •Use your legs actively to manage distance and control your opponent's movement.
- •
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Failing to secure strong grips before attempting the inversion, which can lead to losing control of your opponent.
- •Not tucking your chin or properly aligning your shoulders, which can result in a weak inversion and potential exposure to attacks.
- •Allowing your opponent to create too much space, which can lead to them easily passing your guard.
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