Modern Guard Flow

X-guard, single leg X, & de la riva. Transitions between them w/ clear sequences to sweep, take the back, & advance to mount or side control

Flow outline

  1. Game

    • From here, if it shows up, starting point for strategic guard engagement, focusing on establishing dominant control from bottom position

  2. Pull Guard

    • Once set, initial setup to bring opponent into your guard , creating opportunities to establish x-guard, single leg x, or de la riva positions. timing over strength

  3. X-Guard

    • If they frame, often a powerful control position that sets up tri-pod and standup sweeps, while creating opportunities to transition when opponent shifts weight

  4. Single Leg X-Guard

    • From here, a dynamic position that chains directly into forward sweep sequences, maintaining constant offensive pressure on opponent's base. don’t force it

  5. De La Riva

    • Key detail: a versatile guard that transitions into berimbolo and baby bolo sequences through proper hip positioning and leg entanglement setups

  6. Berimbolo

    • from here, an advanced inversion technique that systematically breaks opponent's posture to secure back control or transition to mount

  7. Baby Bolo

    • Once set, a simplified berimbolo variation that maintains back exposure while setting up immediate backtake opportunities. don’t force it

  8. Mount

    • If they frame, a dominant top position offering multiple submission pathways including ezekiel choke, americana, cross collar choke, and armbar setups

  9. Bull Fighter Grips

    • If they frame, when it happens, a grip fighting position that creates openings for knee cut, leg drag, pin leg and circle, 180 pass, and smash pass sequences

  10. Backtake

    • Secured back control position that transitions through handfighting sequences to establish submission grips and body lock setups

  11. Chairsit

    • Most of the time A transitional position from Mount that maintains control while creating opportunities to advance or reset attack sequence

  12. False Body Triangle

    • A deceptive control setup from back that lures opponent into exposing neck for Rear Naked Choke opportunities. Pay attention to posture

  13. Side Control

    • A stable top position that chains directly into Mount transitions through systematic pressure and weight distribution

Branch conditions