guard retention and transitions

guard retention and positional advancement. strategic setups to keep control, create sweeping opportunities, and transition between guard variations.

Flow outline

  1. De La Riva

    • If it shows up, set De La Riva guard by hooking the inside of opponent's leg with your foot while controlling the far sleeve. Use position to off-balance and set up sweeps or transitions to X Guard

  2. Closed Guard

    • Key detail: keep closed guard with legs locked around opponent's waist. control posture with collar and sleeve grips to set up armbars, triangles, and sweeps while limiting opponent's passing options

  3. Full Spider

    • From here, set full spider guard with both feet on opponent's biceps while controlling sleeves. use to create distance, disrupt balance, and transition to sweeps or submissions like omoplata

  4. Half Lasso Half Spider

    • From here, Combine lasso guard on one side with spider guard on the other. hybrid position creates multiple control points to off-balance opponent and transition to sweeps or back takes

  5. Half Lasso And De La Riva

    • Utilize lasso guard on one arm while maintaining De La Riva hook on the opposite leg. combination superior control to set up sweeps and back takes against standing opponents

  6. X Guard

    • Once set, most of the time set x guard by wrapping both legs around opponent's standing leg while controlling their posture. use position to elevate and sweep opponent to mount or back control

  7. Shin On Shin

    • position your shin against opponent's shin while controlling their sleeves. use to prevent passes and transition to single x or x guard for sweeping opportunities

  8. Overhead Sweep

    • If they frame, execute overhead sweep from seated guard by controlling opponent's sleeves and using hip movement to roll them over your head. follow up to set top position

  9. Half Guard

    • From here, keep Half Guard by trapping one of opponent's legs between yours. Use underhooks and frames to regain full guard, sweep, or transition to deep half variations. Switch if it stalls

  10. Sitting

    • From here, quick note: assume seated guard position with opponent standing. use open guard to control distance, set up grips, and transition to various guard variations based on opponent's reactions

  11. Half Butterfly

    • Quick note: set Half Butterfly Guard with one butterfly hook while maintaining upper body control. Use to elevate opponent and transition to sweeps or full butterfly guard. Angle matters

  12. Lasso

    • Secure Lasso Guard by wrapping your leg around opponent's arm while controlling their posture. Use to off-balance and create openings for sweeps or back takes

  13. Half Spider

    • Once set, usually keep half spider guard with one foot on opponent's bicep while controlling the corresponding sleeve. use to create angles and transition to full spider or sweeps

  14. Single X

    • set Single X Guard by wrapping one leg around opponent's standing leg while controlling their posture. Use position to elevate and sweep to top position or transition to X Guard

  15. Elbow Bar

    • From here, usually secure elbow bar submission by isolating opponent's arm and applying pressure against the joint. transition from guard positions when opponent overcommits to passing attempts

  16. Triangle

    • Usually Execute triangle choke by trapping opponent's head and arm between your legs. Set up from various guard positions when opponent leaves space during passing attempts. Timing beats strength

  17. Omoplata

    • Secure omoplata submission by wrapping your leg around opponent's shoulder and applying shoulder lock pressure. Transition from spider guard variations when opponent postures up. Angle matters

  18. Armbar

    • If they frame, execute armbar submission by isolating opponent's arm and applying hyperextension pressure. set up from closed guard when opponent posts their arm during posture breaks

Branch conditions