What Is the Guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
The guard is one of the most foundational concepts in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and submission grappling. Unlike most combat sports where being on your back is a disadvantage, BJJ turns the bottom position into a weapon. When a fighter plays guard, they use their legs and hips to control, sweep, and submit an opponent — often from what looks like an inferior position.
Understanding the major guard types is essential for anyone beginning their BJJ journey or trying to better follow grappling competitions.
Closed Guard
The closed guard is the first guard position most beginners learn. The bottom player locks their ankles behind the opponent's back, trapping them in close range. From here, the guard player can:
- Attack with triangle chokes and armbars
- Attempt sweeps to reverse position
- Control posture to prevent the top player from creating space
The closed guard is powerful because it limits the top player's options, but at higher levels it can become a neutral or even disadvantageous position if the top player breaks posture and works their guard pass.
Open Guard Variations
When the ankles are uncrossed, the guard becomes "open." There are many open guard styles, each with its own logic and strengths:
Spider Guard
The bottom player places their feet on the opponent's biceps or hips while gripping the sleeves (in gi) or wrists. Spider guard excels at maintaining distance, breaking grips, and setting up sweeps and triangle chokes.
De La Riva Guard
One leg hooks around the outside of the opponent's lead leg while the same-side hand grips the ankle. This position is a launching pad for berimbolo entries, back takes, and off-balancing sweeps.
Butterfly Guard
Both feet are placed on the inside of the opponent's thighs (like butterfly wings). The butterfly guard is a dynamic sweeping position and transitions well to back takes and leg lock entries.
Half Guard
In half guard, the bottom player controls one of the top player's legs between their own two legs. It's a versatile middle ground that can be used defensively to stall a pass, or offensively to attack sweeps and back takes. The "deep half" variation is a specialized system used by high-level competitors to generate sweeps and takedown entries.
Rubber Guard
Made famous in MMA contexts, the rubber guard requires exceptional hip flexibility. The bottom player uses one leg raised high on the opponent's back to control posture and create submission setups. It's unorthodox but effective for flexible practitioners.
Why Guard Matters in MMA
In mixed martial arts, having an active guard can be the difference between getting ground-and-pounded into a stoppage and surviving to regain your feet — or even finishing the fight with a submission. Fighters like those who trained extensively in BJJ have demonstrated that an active guard from the bottom can neutralize even elite wrestlers.
How to Start Developing Your Guard
- Master closed guard basics before moving to open guard systems
- Drill shrimping and hip escapes daily — hip mobility is the engine of all guard work
- Pick one open guard system and drill it consistently before adding others
- Roll with partners who actively try to pass — passive drilling only goes so far
Final Thoughts
The guard is what makes BJJ unique among combat sports. It transforms the bottom position from a liability into a launchpad. Whether you're a white belt stepping on the mats for the first time or a fan watching a grappling event, understanding guard positions will deepen your appreciation for the chess match happening on the ground.