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Intermediatelasso guard
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About This Technique
Lasso Guard Technique
The lasso guard is a versatile and dynamic guard system in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that enables a practitioner to control and manipulate their opponent, setting up sweeps and submissions. It involves using one leg to 'lasso' or hook around the opponent's arm, creating opportunities for offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Position:
- Open Guard
Top/Bottom:
- Bottom
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Initial Setup:
- Begin in the Open Guard position with your opponent standing or in a combat base.
- You should have a sleeve grip on one of your opponent’s arms. Ideally, use your opposite hand to their sleeve for better control (cross-sleeve grip).
- Use your free foot to maintain a connection with their hip, creating distance and angles for execution.
-
Create Angle:
- Pivot your body to the side of the sleeve you are controlling by posting your free foot on their hip and angling your hips.
- Use your other foot to push off their knee if needed to adjust the angle.
-
Insert the Lasso:
- Using the formerly posted foot, thread it under your opponent’s arm (which you have a sleeve grip on) and wrap it around the back of their arm.
- Aim to have your knee on the inside and your foot hooking their lat or armpit region. Your shin should be pressed against their arm with tension that prevents them from easily removing it.
-
Establish the Lasso Control:
- Secure the sleeve grip tightly. Use your lasso leg to pull and off-balance your opponent by curling inwards.
- This control allows you to pull them forward or to the side as needed.
-
Apply Pressure and Explore Options:
- Utilize the lasso to sweep your opponent by pulling them over or tipping them backwards. The leg on their hip can switch to your opponent’s ankle to aid in a typical lasso sweep.
- Alternatively, transition into submissions like triangle chokes or armbars, using the control established by the lasso guard.
-
Transition and Follow-Up:
- Be prepared to move fluidly between techniques based on your opponent’s reactions.
- Utilize the lasso guard to transition into other guards like spider guard or De La Riva if the opportunity arises, maintaining constant offensive pressure.
Strategic Considerations
- The lasso guard is excellent for playing a defensive game while searching for openings. However, it's crucial to manage the distance and leverage your hips effectively.
- Always anticipate and counter your opponent’s attempts to remove the lasso leg using proper hip movement and pressure control.
How to Execute
# Lasso Guard from Open Guard Position
## Setup
1. **Initial Position Details**
- Start in the open guard position, with your back on the mat and your opponent standing or kneeling in front of you.
- Your legs should be active and engaged, ready to control your opponent's movements.
2. **Grips and Controls Needed**
- Establish a sleeve grip on your opponent's opposite side arm. For instance, if you're controlling their right arm, use your left hand to grip the sleeve.
- Use your other hand to grip your opponent's other sleeve or pants for additional control and balance.
## Steps
1. **Create Distance**
- Use your feet to push against your opponent's hips or thighs to create space and maintain distance.
2. **Insert the Lasso**
- With the sleeve grip secured, bring the same-side leg over your opponent’s gripping arm and thread it underneath, hooking it around their upper arm. Your calf should be flush against their tricep.
- Ensure your foot wraps around to the outside of their body, establishing a strong lasso.
3. **Establish Control**
- Use your other foot to keep your opponent's hip or opposite leg in check, preventing them from closing the distance or advancing their position.
- Adjust your grip on the sleeve to tighten your control, pulling their arm deeper into the lasso.
4. **Engage Your Hips**
- Engage your hips by slightly lifting them off the mat, using your core to maintain tension and control over your opponent's posture.
- Keep your lasso leg's knee flared outward to maximize control and prevent your opponent from freeing their arm.
5. **Adjust and Tighten**
- Re-adjust your grips and foot placements as necessary to maintain control and prepare for transitions or sweeps.
- Keep your opponent's posture broken down, using the lasso leg to manipulate their balance and base.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**
- Always keep your grips tight and maintain constant pressure with your lasso leg.
- Your lasso foot should remain active and engaged, using the hook to control your opponent’s movement.
- Keep your hips mobile to adjust and maintain the guard effectively.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**
- Avoid letting your lasso leg become loose, which can allow your opponent to regain control or pass your guard.
- Do not neglect the use of your other leg; it should actively control distance and balance.
- Be cautious of your opponent's attempts to strip grips; maintain strong, consistent sleeve grips throughout the maneuver.
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