How To NOT Get Your Guard Passed | Gi & Nogi BJJ

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to prevent your guard from being passed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), both in gi and no-gi situations. Understanding these techniques can significantly enhance your defensive skills on the mat, allowing you to maintain control and create opportunities for attacks rather than just defending.

Step 1: Early Open Guard Defense

• Maintain a strong open guard position to create distance and control.
• Use your legs to frame against your opponent’s body; keep your feet active and ready to push away.
• Engage your grips effectively, either on their sleeves, collar, or pants, to disrupt their balance.

Step 2: Early Half Guard Defense

• If you find yourself in half guard, keep your underhook strong to maintain control.
• Position your knee against their hip to block their movement.
• Use your free leg to create space, pushing against their body or mat to regain your guard.

Step 3: Late Defense Techniques

• Recognize when your guard is being passed and switch to late-stage defenses.

Step 3.1: Retention Using Arms

• Use your arms to control your opponent’s body and prevent them from fully passing.
• Maintain a connection with your opponent; keep your hands on their hips or shoulders to inhibit their movement.

Step 3.2: Turning Inward

• When your guard is nearly passed, turn your body inward toward your opponent.
• This helps regain a better angle for your guard and can lead to recovery back into a more advantageous position.

Step 3.3: Turning Outward (Turtle Position)

• If turned outward, shift into a turtle position.
• This position can allow you to defend against being flattened and creates options for escapes or counters.

Step 3.4: Transitioning to Another Attack

• If you sense the guard is being passed but you still have some control, look for immediate transitions into sweeps or submissions.
• Use your opponent’s momentum against them to create openings for attacks.

Conclusion

By practicing these techniques, you can effectively prevent your guard from being passed, improving your overall game in BJJ. Remember to focus on maintaining frames, keeping your grips tight, and being proactive with your movements. Consider drilling these strategies with a partner to build muscle memory and confidence. For further learning, explore the additional resources mentioned in the video description, such as specific courses and instructional materials.