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Open GuardBottom
Intermediatex-guard
N/A
Taught by:Andre GalvaoCraig JonesGordon RyanJohn DanaherKeenan CorneliusLachlan GilesMarcelo GarciaMikey MusumeciNathan MerkleRob Biernacki
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About This Technique
X-Guard Technique Description
The X-Guard is a versatile and dynamic guard position that demands both strategy and balance. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to seamlessly transition to sweeps and submissions.
Position Used From:
- Open Guard: Typically set up when you are playing open guard and your opponent is standing or kneeling.
- Half Guard: Transition into an X-Guard when your opponent is attempting to pass.
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Setup
- Begin in Open Guard, with the opponent standing in front of you.
- Secure one of the opponent's legs, usually their right leg, by hooking underneath with your left leg while your right leg posts behind their knee.
- Use your right arm to grab their ankle for added control.
-
Positioning Yourself
- Insert your left foot inside their thigh, creating an 'X' shape with your two legs. Your right leg crosses beneath your left leg and hooks around their far leg, with your left knee behind their near knee.
- Maintain pressure on their thigh with your left foot to control their balance.
-
Maintain Control
- Keep your torso up and use your left hand to grab their heel or pants, ensuring they do not pull away.
- Your head should be under or close to their front knee, remaining tight to avoid potential strike counters.
-
Executing a Basic Sweep
- Free your right hand, post on their knee and push them forward while simultaneously lifting with both of your legs.
- With your left hand still holding, twist and pull, destabilizing their balance and forcing them to fall backwards.
- As they fall, maneuver on top for side control or mount.
-
Transition to Submission (Optional)
- Once you've swept and you land in a dominant position, consider transitioning to submissions such as an ankle lock, kimura, or armbar depending on the opponent's reaction.
Tips
- Constantly adjust during the setup to ensure the opponent's weight is distributed incorrectly, leading to successful sweeps.
- Always look for openings to incorporate submissions post-sweep for fluidity in transitions.
Summary
The X-Guard is a powerful tool in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, offering practitioners an array of options to destabilize opponents and capitalize on positional control. Patience and technique are key to executing this guard effectively.
How to Execute
# X-Guard from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details:**
- Start in an Open Guard position with your opponent standing or in a combat base.
- Ensure you have control over the distance and posture of your opponent.
- **Grips and Controls Needed:**
- Control one of your opponent's legs using a grip on their ankle or pant cuff.
- Use your other hand to grip behind their knee or on the gi at the knee level.
- Your foot on the controlled leg should be positioned on the inside of their thigh or knee.
- The other foot should be placed on their hip or thigh to manage distance.
## Steps
1. **Off-Balance Your Opponent:**
- Use your grips and feet to off-balance your opponent by pulling them forward slightly. This creates the space and opportunity for entry.
2. **Slide Underneath:**
- With the space created, slide your hips underneath your opponent’s base.
- Ideally, your head should be positioned near their ankle of the leg you are controlling.
3. **Control the Far Leg:**
- With your inside arm, reach and grab the far leg’s ankle while maintaining control of the near leg with your other hand.
4. **Insert Hooks:**
- Your inside leg hooks behind your opponent’s far knee (this becomes the underhooking leg).
- The outside leg should be placed across their hip or thigh, creating tension and control over their base.
5. **Secure Position:**
- Adjust your grips if needed. Ideally, maintain a grip on the far ankle and behind the near knee.
- Keep your knees tight to maintain control and prevent your opponent from stepping out of the position.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember:**
- Keep your hips elevated and close to your opponent’s center of gravity to maintain control.
- Your hooks should be active, constantly adjusting to your opponent’s movements.
- Use your grips effectively to manipulate your opponent's balance.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid:**
- Do not allow your opponent to establish a solid base by keeping them off-balance.
- Avoid leaving too much space between your hips and their leg, as this will weaken your control.
- Do not neglect grip and hook adjustments as the position evolves.
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