Guard Retention
Guard Retention is the skill and strategy of maintaining your Guard position and preventing an opponent from passing to a dominant position such as Side Control or Mount.
It is a fundamental defensive concept that relies on timing, proper Frames, Angles, and Hip Movement to counter the opponent's attempts to advance while maintaining opportunities for sweeps, submissions, or positional control.
Key Principles of Guard Retention
Frames and Barriers
- Use your legs, arms, and grips to create barriers that prevent the opponent from advancing past your hips.
- Common frames include your shins against their torso or hips and your hands on their shoulders or biceps.
Hip Movement
- Proper shrimping, Inversion, or Hip Switch is essential to create space and re-establish guard when an opponent tries to pass.
Angles
- Maintain angles that maximize your defensive options while minimizing the opponent’s ability to pressure or control your hips.
Connection and Control
- Keep strong Connections through grips on their sleeves, lapel, or pant legs, making it harder for the opponent to disengage or bypass your guard.
Common Concepts for Guard Retention
Keep the Opponent in Front of You
- Always work to face your opponent. If they manage to move to your side or back, immediately adjust your position to realign your guard.
Control the Distance
- Use Distance Management to keep the opponent within the optimal range where your guard is effective. Too close or too far can leave gaps for passes.
Hips Before Legs
- When recovering guard, prioritize repositioning your hips before focusing on reestablishing your legs. Your hips dictate your ability to move and recover.
Guard Layers
- Use Positional Layering by transitioning between different guard types (e.g., Open Guard, De La Riva, Butterfly Guard) as the opponent progresses through your defenses.
Movements for Guard Retention
- Create space by moving your hips away from the opponent to reset your guard.
- Roll onto your shoulders to recover guard when the opponent moves around your hips or to counter passes like the Toreando.
- Use alternating leg movements to prevent the opponent from pinning or controlling your legs.
- Roll laterally to escape pressure and reset guard when the opponent pressures forward.
- Stand up effectively if the opponent disengages or creates distance, allowing you to reset your position.
Strategies for Effective Guard Retention
Anticipate the Pass
- Recognize the opponent’s intention (e.g., Knee Cut, Over-Under Pass) and counter before they solidify their grips or positions.
Grips and Connection
- Maintain control through grips on the opponent’s gi, arms, or legs to disrupt their passing attempts.
Layered Defense
- Transition between guards like Closed Guard, Open Guard, Butterfly Guard, or Z Guard to adjust your defense based on their actions.
Use Frames Actively
- Push or block their shoulders, hips, or legs to disrupt their balance and pressure.
Drills to Improve Guard Retention
Leg Recovery Drills
- Partner tries to pass; you focus on recovering guard by pummeling your legs and maintaining frames.
Side-to-Side Recovery
- Partner passes to one side, and you recover guard by shrimping and Granby Rolling.
Continuous Guard Play
- Flow between different guard types while focusing on maintaining control and disrupting the opponent’s passing attempts.
Common Mistakes in Guard Retention
Lack of Hip Movement
- Failing to move your hips allows the opponent to pin or bypass your guard.
Neglecting Grips
- Losing connection with the opponent gives them the freedom to pass unimpeded.
Flat Back on the Mat
- Staying flat on your back reduces mobility and defensive options. Stay active and on your side when needed.
Overcommitting to a Single Guard
- Not transitioning to another guard when one is compromised can lead to your guard being passed.