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Open GuardBottom
IntermediateX-Guard Entry
Taught by:Andre GalvaoCraig JonesGordon RyanJohn DanaherKeenan CorneliusLachlan GilesMarcelo GarciaMikey MusumeciNathan MerkleRob Biernacki
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About This Technique
X-Guard Entry Technique
Position:
- From: Open Guard
Japanese Name:
- Not commonly used in Japanese terminology
Execution: Performing the X-Guard entry requires shifting from an open guard position and establishing control over your opponent while ensuring mobility and balance. Here's how you can transition:
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Start in the Open Guard:
- Begin while seated on the mat with your opponent standing.
- Maintain grips on your opponent (wrist, sleeve, or collar) and control using your feet on their hips or biceps to control distance.
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Establish De La Riva:
- Hook one of your legs (right leg for this example) behind the opponent's knee (De La Riva hook) while keeping your other foot pressing on their opposite hip, ensuring a secure grip and distance management.
-
Off-Balance with a Push-Pull:
- Pull with your grips while pushing with your feet on the opponent's hip and knee, destabilizing their base.
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Transition Underneath:
- As your opponent's balance is compromised, swiftly move your left leg underneath the opponent's stance, aiming to swing your hips underneath their body.
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Form the X-Guard:
- Transition your initial De La Riva hook into a hook placed behind their far inner thigh with your right leg.
- Simultaneously, place your left leg across their torso, bringing your foot to hook on the back of their other inner thigh, forming the X with your legs.
- Use your free hand to grasp or control their opposite leg at the ankle to limit their mobility.
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Perfect the Position:
- Adjust your hips closer to your opponent while maintaining your hook's integrity on the thighs.
- Keep your grips on the opponent, helping ensure they cannot escape or try to pass your X-Guard easily.
Key Details
- Maintain Control: Constant control of grips and hooks is key to stopping your opponent from regaining base or escaping the X-Guard.
- Balance and Timing: Smooth transitioning with proper timing and balance will minimize the risk of counter-moves from the opponent.
- Practice Variations: Experiment with different grips and hooks to understand which combination gives you the best control.
Additional Tactics
- Sweep Options: The X-Guard offers numerous sweeping opportunities depending on your opponent's reactions and balance adjustments.
- Defensive Options: Remain aware of your opponent's attempts to thwart the guard; practice options to regain the X-Guard if they manage to disrupt your position.
This X-Guard entry sets the foundation for numerous sweeping and submission opportunities in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, providing a versatile platform for further strategic development. It's essential to practice this entry with a partner to refine transitions and enhance your guard game.
How to Execute
# X-Guard Entry from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in open guard with your opponent standing in front of you. Your feet should be actively engaged with your opponent, using hooks or placing them on their hips to maintain distance and control.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Establish grips on your opponent’s ankles or pant legs to control their movements and help facilitate the transition into X-Guard.
## Steps
1. **Create Space**: Use your grips and foot placement to create space between you and your opponent. This often involves pushing against their hips or thighs with your feet.
2. **Establish De La Riva Hook**: On one side, use your outside leg to wrap around your opponent’s leg, establishing a De La Riva hook. Your other foot should remain active, either pushing on the hip or maintaining a butterfly hook.
3. **Off-Balance Your Opponent**: Use your grips to pull forward and slightly off-balance your opponent. This forward momentum will help in transitioning to the X-Guard.
4. **Enter X-Guard**: Slide your inside leg under your opponent’s hips while maintaining the De La Riva hook with your outside leg. As you do this, use your grips to pull yourself closer to your opponent, sliding your body underneath them.
5. **Position Your Legs**: Once underneath, position both of your legs to form the X-Guard. Your inside leg should hook behind your opponent’s far leg, while your outside leg should hook across their hip, creating the “X” position with your legs.
6. **Control and Stabilize**: Adjust your grips as needed to maintain balance and control. Typically, one hand will control the far leg, while the other may grip the near leg or ankle, ensuring you have the leverage to control their balance.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Ensure that your hooks are tight and active to maintain control over your opponent’s legs.
- Your grips should be strong and used to manipulate your opponent’s balance effectively.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Avoid leaving too much space between you and your opponent during the transition, as this can lead to them stepping away or regaining dominant positioning.
- Do not neglect the importance of off-balancing your opponent; without it, entering X-Guard can become difficult and less effective.
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