squid guard
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About This Technique
Squid Guard Technique: Detailed Guide
The Squid Guard is a modern, dynamic guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that employs the use of the lapel to create leverage and control. This technique is particularly powerful against opponents in the standing or nearly standing positions.
Japanese Name:
N/A
Positions:
- Open Guard
- Standing
Instructions:
Step 1: Establish the Open Guard
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Start on your back: Begin in a standard open guard with your opponent kneeling or standing in front of you.
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Engage the lapel: Use one hand to pull your opponent’s lapel out from their belt. This creates slack and versatility in its use.
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Get a firm lapel grip: Securely hold onto your opponent’s loose lapel with both hands momentarily to adjust its length if necessary.
Step 2: Positioning the Squid Guard
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Wrap the lapel around your leg: Feed their lapel under the thigh of your right leg (or left if you're on the opposite side), then switch the lapel grip to your opposite hand through under, around, and over your leg.
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Create a loop: You should now have a loop with the lapel around your leg, enabling you to keep it tight against your opponent.
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Hook the foot: Your free leg will hook behind your opponent's closest and inner standing ankle, ensuring you maintain control and leverage.
Step 3: Control and Sweep
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Anchor yourself: Use the foot of your wrapped leg to push against your opponent’s hip, maintaining distance while increasing leverage.
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Control the opposing side: Use your free hand to grip either the opponent's opposite collar or sleeve to control the opposite side of your opponent’s body.
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Execute the sweep: Once control is established, extend your hip and leg stylized in a scissor motion, sweeping their leg back while pushing with the lapel foot.
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Complete the transition: As your opponent falls, use the leverage of the lapel to assist in shifting your body onto them either ending in a dominant position like side control or mount.
Key Points:
- Lap Safety: Be cautious with the grip pressure as holding the lapel too tight or incorrectly could be risky or penalizable in some competitions.
- Dynamic Adjustments: The Squid Guard can transition into sweeps like "One Leg X" or setups for submissions based on your opponent's reactions.
- Drill: Repeated practice with a cooperative partner will aid in understanding the flow and controlling the lapel correctly.
Recommended Practice:
- Reverse Drills: Start from the sweep position and map backward, this could help in understanding feel and reversals.
- Lapel Handling: Practice lapel control drills to enhance the quick deployment and manipulation of a Squid Guard position.
Final Tips:
Getting comfortable with the lapel and your footwork is critical to mastering the Squid Guard's effectiveness. Staying relaxed, fluid, and mindful of the opponent’s reactions will help you grow more confident in this creative guard option.
How to Execute
# Squid Guard from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in an open guard position with your opponent standing or kneeling in front of you. Ensure you are on your back or slightly on your side, with your hips mobile and ready to adjust.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Establish a firm grip on one of your opponent's sleeves with your opposite hand. Use your free hand to grip their lapel on the same side as the sleeve you are controlling. Your legs should be active, with one foot on their hip and the other ready to hook or adjust to maintain control.
## Steps
1. **Establish the Lapel Grip**:
- With the hand that is not controlling the sleeve, reach under your opponent's leg on the same side as your sleeve grip.
- Grab their far-side lapel (the one that crosses their body) and pull it tight.
2. **Insert Your Leg for Control**:
- Use the foot that is on their hip to push and create distance. This will help you adjust your angle and facilitate the transition.
- Bring your other leg (the one on the ground or floating) to hook inside your opponent’s thigh.
3. **Wrap the Lapel Around Your Leg**:
- With the lapel grip, wrap the lapel around your thigh of the leg that is hooking inside their leg.
- Ensure the lapel is snug and secure to prevent them from easily removing it.
4. **Adjust and Tighten the Guard**:
- Use your foot that is still on their hip to pivot and adjust your angle, creating tension on the lapel.
- Pull your opponent’s sleeve across their body to off-balance them and tighten the control.
5. **Maintain Pressure and Control**:
- Keep your legs active, using them to control your opponent's posture and movement.
- Continuously adjust your grips as needed to maintain control and prepare for sweeps or submissions.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Always maintain tension on the lapel and sleeve to prevent your opponent from freeing themselves.
- Use your legs actively to adjust angles and keep your opponent off-balance.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Do not let the lapel become loose; a slack lapel reduces control and effectiveness.
- Avoid keeping your hips stationary; mobility is crucial for adjusting and maintaining control.
- Ensure your opponent's posture is broken; a standing opponent with good posture can easily counter the guard.
By following these steps and key points, you can effectively establish and use the squid guard to control your opponent and set up sweeps or submissions.