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Open Guard Retention

Overview

Section titled “Overview”

Core Mechanics and Concepts

Section titled “Core Mechanics and Concepts”

Alignment in open guard retention

Section titled “Alignment in open guard retention”

High leg and low leg

Section titled “High leg and low leg”

Keep them in between your heels

Section titled “Keep them in between your heels”

Get on your side

Section titled “Get on your side”

Posture and position

Section titled “Posture and position”

Knee-elbow connection (space between hip and armpit)

Section titled “Knee-elbow connection (space between hip and armpit)”

Overextension and limb coiling

Section titled “Overextension and limb coiling”

Feet on biceps not hips. Students chase guard passers with their legs and get overextended.

Self framing (the kickstand)

Section titled “Self framing (the kickstand)”

Supporting your posture with your arms.

Preemptive frames

Section titled “Preemptive frames”

Inversion movement

Section titled “Inversion movement”

Don’t let your leg get pinned

Section titled “Don’t let your leg get pinned”

Layers of the guard

Section titled “Layers of the guard”

Core concepts summary

Section titled “Core concepts summary”

Quiz placeholder

Initial Phase

Section titled “Initial Phase”
  • Initial posture and crossovers

Around the Legs

Section titled “Around the Legs”

When they try to pass to the outside:

  • Use the leg they’re pushing if you can (gangorra)
  • Use the other leg if you can’t (high pummel)
  • Use your hands if you can’t do either

This is the most common thing beginners face. It’s very hard and needs to be drilled relatively heavily.

  • Posture when opponent passes around
  • The high pummel
  • The gangorra
  • Leg drag retention
  • North south recovery

Under the Legs

Section titled “Under the Legs”
  • Posture against under the legs passing
  • Using frames and preventing grip upgrades
  • Preventing the stack
  • Shoulder walk and pummel
  • The elbow push

Near Knee Through

Section titled “Near Knee Through”
  • Don’t accept these positions
  • Posture against near side knee through
  • Frame and pummel
  • Frame and off balance

Cross Knee Through

Section titled “Cross Knee Through”
  • Posture against cross knee through
  • Frame and high pummel
  • The knee shield

Summary

Section titled “Summary”

Coaching Guide

Section titled “Coaching Guide”

Common entries and sequences

Section titled “Common entries and sequences”

Key drills

Section titled “Key drills”
  • Gangorra drill
  • High pummel drill
  • Pinned leg inversion recovery drill

Common problems and cues

Section titled “Common problems and cues”
Section titled “Recommended games”

Resources

Section titled “Resources”