BJJ Position: Closed Guard

The signature position of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The closed guard position is definitively a secret weapon of Brazilian jiu jitsu which has been proven over and over again by various BJJ players over time. This position can be successfully used both in BJJ and in self defence situations. Of course, certain adjustments need to be made.

Even though closed guard is considered a neutral position, by making small adjustments you can turn closed guard into advantageous position in no time. The clear examples of this are the “Clamp” and the “Top Lock” position.

The major advantage that the bottom player has over the top player in closed guard is that his hips are placed on top or above of the opponents hips. This becomes more evident with closed guard sweeps as the majority of them will land you in the full mount position.

It is imperative, when playing the closed guard that you concentrate on attacking the opponent’s posture and balance so that you can gain mechanical and tactical advantage which will turn this neutral position into a dominant one.

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The Art of the Arm Lock: Roger Gracie’s Masterclass on Finishing the Straight Armbar from Closed Guard

Closed Guard Game

The closed guard is a fundamental position in grappling that occurs when one practitioner has their legs wrapped around their opponent’s waist while both are on the ground. The person on the bottom is said to “have” closed guard, while the person on top is “in” closed guard.

This position offers the bottom practitioner various offensive and defensive opportunities. Let’s examine the key aspects of the closed guard:

  1. Control: A primary objective in closed guard is to maintain control over your opponent, limiting their movement and preventing them from posturing up or passing your guard. This can be achieved through a combination of grips, such as collar and sleeve grips, and breaking your opponent’s posture by pulling them down with your legs, arms, or a combination of both. Controlling your opponent’s arms and head can also help neutralize their offensive options.
  2. Offense: The closed guard provides several offensive options, including sweeps, submissions, and transitions to other positions. Some common submissions from closed guard are the armbar, triangle choke, and omoplata. The choice of attack will depend on your opponent’s reactions, posture, and the specific grips you have established. In addition to submissions, the closed guard also offers opportunities for sweeps, such as the scissor sweep and hip bump sweep, which can reverse the position and put you on top.
  3. Defense: The closed guard serves as a strong defensive position, as it offers various methods to control your opponent and neutralize their attacks. To maintain a solid closed guard, it’s essential to keep your legs engaged, maintain grips, and break your opponent’s posture. Additionally, being aware of potential guard passes and having a plan to counter them is crucial for maintaining your closed guard.
  4. Transition: The closed guard can be used as a launching point for transitioning to other guard variations, such as open guard, butterfly guard, or even more advanced guards like De La Riva or X-guard. Transitioning between different guard positions can create opportunities for submissions, sweeps, and back takes, making you a more versatile and unpredictable grappler.

 

In summary, the closed guard is a foundational position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes control, offense, defense, and the ability to transition to other positions. By focusing on these aspects, you can develop a strong closed guard game that will serve as a cornerstone for your overall grappling skills. Remember, the closed guard offers you numerous options; the key is to stay active, be aware of your opponent’s movements, and adapt your strategy accordingly.