The closed guard is one of the most important positions in all of Jiu Jitsu. When I started Jiu Jitsu many years ago as a white belt, the closed guard is where I would go to beat others on the mats. I was able to succeed in building my Jiu Jitsu all based off of the closed guard. It was simple, but very efficient. Even for the most advanced students, the closed guard is still such a valuable position to use. There are some things you can do to make your closed guard even more successful.

1) Learn how to break posture –

To be able to play a good closed guard, you first have to learn how to break down an opponent’s posture. By getting your partner down, you will be able to use your closed guard to great effect. All of the Jiu Jitsu techniques from closed guard will become available once you get your partner down and close.

2) Be first, don’t let your opponent break and pass –

In Jiu Jitsu, you will find training partners who are very good at passing the guard. It is inevitable that you will run into them. But, there is something you can do, to prevent a pass to a dominant position. Don’t let your partner break the guard. If you feel that your guard is going to be broken, then open it yourself and go to another position that you feel comfortable in. That way you can control where the fight goes. It’s kind of the same principle of my “Pressure Passing System (click here to check the Instructional)”. I always try to be first and get on my over-under pass before my opponent gets his favorite guard.

3) Practice a few key submissions –

From the closed guard, you don’t have to have a hundred different techniques to be successful. Find three to five submissions that you like best, and practice, practice, practice. With drilling repetition and use in rolling, those few submissions will become so perfected and you will get the taps from your partners.

4) Practice a few key sweeps –

Just like the few submissions that you need to practice, have a few sweeps that you can employ as well. Closed guard isn’t only good for submissions off of your back. You can get on top with closed guard sweeps and be able to show another part of your game.

5) Learn how to pull guard correctly –

Besides being smart and aggressive with the closed guard, you need to know how to get to the position as well. The easiest way to get there is to pull guard. But just because it is the simplest way to get there, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t practice it. If you don’t practice correct pulling, you will never get your partners to your guard and won’t be able to work the position. Even worse, you can get your guard passed immediately. Learn the correct grips, and how to get your partners down.
For Jiu Jitsu, the closed guard will always have its place. Even when you move up the ranks, and gain new skills, this position will be there for you. From white belt to black belt, you can use the closed guard to do well in training or competition. I hope you found this article to be helpful and can use these tips while in training.
Check out one of the techniques from my next Instructional Series that will be all about Closed Guard. I hope you enjoy it. OSSSS

Quick Tip for this Sweep: Always make sure you go for it, before your opponent open your guard.
Also Check out:
Bernardo’s DVDs Instructional – Click Here

Bernardo’s Apps Instructional for Mobile – Click here