Sports Realm

There are a lot of suggestions out there telling you how to defend your guard. Some of these are: do not allow the other fighter to get a hold of your knees, find an angle, or drive your legs to the ground. However, there is one suggestion that I often see novices failing to do. Head control is critical in retaining guard.

You see, as an opponent passes their head will generally go to one side and they will move their hips to the same side to reach side control. If they are smart they will control your legs and/or hips to prevent you from hip escaping away. However, if you are able to take control of his advance, you won’t even let him pass at all.

As your opponent starts passing to the right, push his head in that same direction. This is going to make a bit of a gap between the two of you, enabling you to prevent him from getting side control. This does not have to be a hard shove, but you should make sure it is firm by putting your hand to his cheek or your arm to his neck.

When you shove his head, shrimp out toward the left. You’ll use your hips and legs way more than your arms; pushing his head is more about controlling his position to allow you to escape. Once you get enough room, find your center and get your opponent in your guard again. Depending on his progress and control over your hips/legs, you may need to hip escape more than once. Make sure you are prepared for his moves and react properly.

Keep in mind that mastering these jiu jitsu moves is going to require practice. You will need to be patient so when the time comes you will be able to use them. Keep practicing, master them, and you’ll have another weapon as you progress in your BJJ training.

Draculino holds a 4th degree black belt in jiu jitsu, has been a world champion several times, and trains people who have become champions in BJJ, MMA, and grappling. If you are interested in reading more about him, visit his jiu jitsu training site or visit the jiu jitsu forum.