Guard

The guards have been broken into four groups to ensure we are teaching a program that includes a complete range of guards. Types of guard explained below with some examples but not limited to these examples:

Clamp Based Guard

• A guard is clamp-based if you are tethering yourself to your opponent and hindering your opponent’s movement. Clamp-based guards are used to trap and slow down your opponent, putting them in un-athletic situations. Clamp-based guards can be risky because they may allow your opponent to lift you up or pressure you with weight.
  • Closed, 1/2, Deep 1/2, Octopus, 1/2 Octopus, K, Lapel, Collar & Sleeve

Frame Based Guard

• A guard is frame-based if you’re using your limbs to keep your opponent at a comfortable distance. Frame-based guards are generally effective in stalling aggressive or stronger opponents.
  • Spider, Knee Shield, Z

Hook Based Guard

• A guard is hook-based if you track and check your opponent’s movements by “hooking” them with your arms or legs. The hooks are normally shallow. Hook-based guards normally don’t immobilise your opponent, but rather allow you track your opponent’s movements and respond reactively. Hooks are often used to elevate your opponent’s body in dynamic ways.
  • Butterfly, Shin-to-Shin

Hybrid Based Guard

• A guard is a hybrid if it combines two or more of the mechanisms described above. Many modern guards are hybrid guards.
  • X-Guard, Single Leg X, Reverse X, de la Riva, Reverse de la Riva

Starting

• Offence & Defence – Stance, Hand-Fighting, Takedowns, Throws, Guard
  • Stance includes footwork, level changes, posture, movement, angles, etc.
  • Hand-Fighting includes grips, breaking grips, pummelling, etc.
  • Takedowns & Throws include any wrestling and/or judo type takedowns, i.e. entries & setups, double legs, single legs, snap downs, trips, hip throws, etc. Elevated type takedowns & throws need to be done, taught and used with caution, please consider the risks and your demographic when teaching elevated takedowns.
  • Guard includes attacking and defending the guard pull and jumping guard (Jumping guard need to be taught with caution, must jump above the hips/waist)

Transitions & Controls

• Transitions
  • Moving within positions (i.e. Reverse Side Control – Short Base or Low Mount – High Mount)
  • Moving from one position/pin to another (i.e. Side Control – Mount or Mount – Back Control)
• Controls
  • Things like, Grips (Gi and NoGi), Hooks, Using the Lapels/Gi, Types of Pressure, Angle, Seat Belt, etc. whatever makes it possible to keep an opponent in a position, pin or sub.