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GuardFundamentalGiNo-Gi

Closed guard

Also called Full guard

The basic bottom guard with your legs locked around their waist. You break their posture with your legs and grips, then attack with sweeps and submissions.

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Key steps

  1. Lock your ankles behind their back and keep your knees tight to their ribs.
  2. Pull them forward with your knees and grips to break their posture.
  3. Control a sleeve, wrist or collar so they can't post a hand on your body.
  4. Angle your hips off to one side to open up sweeps and submissions.
  5. Open your legs only when you're ready to attack or switch to another guard.

Key details

  • Posture is their main defense, so keeping their head below their hips takes it away.
  • Lying flat gives them a still target; working on your side or at an angle opens your attacks.
  • A loose ankle lock gives them room to stand up and start opening the guard.