X-Guard
X-guard is an underneath guard where you sit below the opponent's standing leg with your shins crossed in an X behind their knee and hip. From there you control their base and sweep them in almost any direction.
Browse X-Guard flowcharts in ExploreControlling the base
Because you are under the opponent and holding the standing leg, small movements of your legs translate into big off-balances. Most X-guard sweeps are about taking away the post they would use to recover, then finishing on top or coming up into a leg entanglement.
Entries and connections
X-guard is usually entered from single-leg X, De La Riva, or butterfly when the passer stands, so it lives inside a larger seated and open-guard system. Mapping those entries and the passer's reactions keeps the position from feeling like a one-off trick.
Frequently asked questions
What is X-guard in BJJ?
An open guard played from underneath a standing opponent, with your legs crossed in an X around their lead leg. It gives strong control of their base for sweeps.
How do you get to X-guard?
Most commonly from single-leg X, De La Riva, or butterfly guard when the opponent stands up to pass. You shift under their lead leg and build the X with your shins.
Is X-guard good for smaller grapplers?
Yes. It uses leverage and the opponent's own base against them rather than strength, which is why many smaller and leg-lock-oriented players favor it.
Map your own X-Guard game
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