Techniques to Develop a Solid Foundation in the Basics
For the guard, as in all aspects of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the basics are paramount. Everything develops and builds from them. Just as a strong tree needs solid roots, a strong jiu-jitsu fighter needs a solid foundation in the basic techniques. But what are the basics of the guard? They are as follows:

1) Understanding when a position is lost and when to change to the next one
2) Knowing who has control
3) Being able to escape the hip
4) Learning the fundamental techniques such as the cross choke, the armlock and the basic sweeps

The fundamental techniques (and some more advanced ones) are presented later in this book, but let's examine the next three basics first.

Understanding When a Position Is Lost

If you recognize the moment when your position is lost, you can switch to a more advantageous position before your opponent can control you. For example, if you have your opponent in a closed guard, and he begins to break it, you need to realize your position is lost and switch to open guard. If you don't, he could gain control of your legs and easily pass your guard.

A lot of people erroneously think that keeping the guard closed at all cost is the best strategy; it isn't. If you keep your guard closed until the last second, breaking it only when he forces it open, then you're too late. If this happens, not only will your opponent have broken your closed guard, but he'll have superior posture and balance, and he will be in the right position to grab your pants and control your legs (1). It would be much better to realize that the position is lost, open your legs sooner and be able to place your feet in a better position-like one foot on your opponent's hip and the other on his biceps (2-3).

What Is Control and Who Has It?

Control is an extremely important aspect of the guard. As a general rule, remember: "Whoever controls the grip has the advantage in any position."  The person controlling the grips will most likely determine the next step and the next set of actions.

If you're in the closed guard and you allow your opponent to control your sleeves, then you're in his control-he can fend off any of your attacks or sweeps and can posture himself and start to break your guard open. Similarly, in the open guard, if your opponent grabs your gi pants at the ankle, effectively controlling your legs, he has a tremendous advantage and is in a great position to pass your guard (4). So, being able to fight for the grip control-and keeping it-is absolutely central to guard defense.

The grip is also important to positional control. A fighter with the grip advantage can control the takedown, the guard, the pass and any other position in jiu-jitsu. The fight for the grip is a battle that is fought all the time and is won, or lost, by knowledge, anticipation and quick thinking. For example, when two fighters have control of each other's arms, the fighter who has his elbow bent and closest to his body has control of the grip. (4) In this picture, Kid and Stefano control each other's sleeves; Kid using his left hand, Stefano using his right. Notice that Kid's elbow is bent and close to his side while Stefano's arm is fully extended. This gives Kid the flexibility to stretch his arm while Stefano's arm is already completely straight and cannot flex or adjust. Until Stefano is able to bend his arm and bring his elbow closer to his torso, Kid has control of the grip.

In a situation in which your opponent has broken your closed guard, the opponent not only controls your legs but can also proceed to press them down as he continues his pass. At this point, there will be another battle for positional and grip control. To regain the advantage, you need to sit up and move your hips back. This will take away some of his controlling advantage (5, 1). Here is another very important tip for your guard: Every time the opponent presses your legs down, you need to sit up!

There is a very important sequence of things you need to remember to have a good guard. It's not so important to be able to win every situation, holding on with all your strength until the last moment. Instead, you should be able to realize what is happening, identify who has control and understand when your position is lost. This way you can have time to relinquish your failing position and move to another option or counter ahead of your opponent. Again, in the situation we are examining, the simple sequence would be: If your opponent opens your guard, you cannot allow him to control your legs. If he controls both your legs, you cannot keep your back on the ground; in this case, you need to sit up and move your hips back.

It's easy to see the importance of grip control when looking at the traditional guard pass. If you allow your opponent to lock his hands around your leg and on your lapel (6), his job is almost complete. However, if you can block his wrist from reaching around your waist (7), you can maintain control and force him to find another option.

It is extremely important to know when the grips are lost and when to move to the next step. It is absolutely crucial that you always know the right time to change from one position to another.

Understanding Hip Movement

Hip movement might be the most important element in having a top-notch guard. Your hip placement is crucial in both defending your guard and using it as a launching pad for attacks. Where you place your hip in relation to your opponent's torso and hips can drastically impact not only your defense, but it can also effect your sweeps, submissions and replacing your guard. For these reasons, having a more active hip is an absolute must for improving and developing your guard.

Your hips are the link between the upper and lower body-they transmit power and connect movement. By bending your body at the hips, you can reintroduce a barrier and protect your body from your opponent's control (8-9). Or, if you straighten your body, you can push your opponent away and put more distance between him and you (10).

Your hip can also help control your opponent's weight. Using the hips correctly, you can deflect his weight from where he wants it to where you want it. By moving your hips to one side, you can divert your opponent's pressure or disrupt his balance and force him to choose between retreating, abandoning his progress and grips, or being reversed.

Just look at a situation in which your opponent is passing your guard to one side (8, 9, 11). If you remain static with your hips, he can pass your right and gain side control. However, if you make a slight technical adjustment-moving your hips in and then back to the center-you can foil the pressure of his pass (9) and block his path (11).

No matter what guard you're in, your hips should rarely be still. Whether the guard is closed or open, the hips must be constantly active. This is perhaps the hardest thing to teach and one of the most important things to know. With each hip movement, you open up new opportunities and possibilities. While there aren't any unbreakable rules in jiu-jitsu, this is close to it: Always keep your hips active and out of the center. The cross-choke (12) is an exception in being pretty much the only attack from the guard with centered hips. Generally, you should avoid having your back flat on the ground and your hips square in front of your opponent. Whenever you move your hips in and out or from one side to another, you open up new options for yourself.

In a static environment, it's relatively easy to teach someone a technique such as an armlock from the guard. The mechanics are pretty basic and most students, after a few repetitions, should get the hang of it. But moving the hip properly, in the right direction for an attack or defense, is a different story. It is something that can take years to teach a student-especially to the point in which he is fully aware of what he wants to do and where he needs to be.

There are several drills presented in this book that are specifically designed to develop and enhance your hip movement. If you practice them frequently, your guard will improve tremendously.

Did you know?

This story was excerpted from "The Essential Guard." The publisher is Invisible Cities Press, and they are located at 50 State St., Montpelier, VT 05602. For more information, go to www.invisiblecitiespress.com.

No matter what guard you are in-open, closed or half-you need to know these three keys:

• You must be able to replace your guard and keep your opponent from passing it.
• You should try to submit your opponent.
• You should try to sweep your opponent and reverse your position from top to bottom.

These three keys are fundamental to your guard. If you want to have an effective game, you will need each one of them.