aliases:
  - Turtle Position
  - Turtle (Bottom)

Turtle Guard

Turtle Guard is a defensive position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where the practitioner tucks into a compact posture on their hands and knees, protecting themselves against attacks and stalling the opponent's offensive progress. The posture is characterized by tight elbows, a rounded back, and knees close to the chest, making it difficult for the opponent to access grips or openings.

Key Concepts of Turtle Guard

Compact Defense

The primary goal is to minimize openings for the opponent by keeping the elbows, knees, and neck protected.

Frames and Structure

Using strong frames and posture to prevent the opponent from breaking down your defense or applying pressure.

Connections and Movement

Staying connected to the opponent while being ready to move dynamically to counter attacks or escape.

Fundamentals/Base Stability

Maintaining a solid base to avoid getting rolled, dragged, or flattened.

Objectives of Turtle Guard

Defend Against Attacks

Protect your neck, arms, and legs from submission attempts like Rear Naked Choke, Kimura, or Darce Choke.
Prevent your opponent from gaining dominant control like Back Control or Side Control.

Set Up Escapes

Transition to Closed Guard, Open Guard, or Half Guard by creating space and repositioning.
Use rolls (e.g., Granby Roll, Sit-Out) to escape or reverse the position.

Counterattack Opportunities

Reversal to top positions through rolls, sweeps, or scrambles.
Create offensive openings by baiting the opponent to overcommit to their attacks.

Techniques for Turtle Guard

Blocking Hooks

Use your elbows and knees to block the opponent’s hooks when they attempt to take Back Control.
Maintain tight elbows to prevent arm isolation.

Grip Fighting

Break grips on your lapel, belt, or wrists to stop the opponent from setting up attacks.
Control their wrists or hands to disrupt their momentum.

Dynamic Movement

Use rolls, Forward Shrimp, and Hip Heist to create space or reverse positions.
Move in response to their weight shifts to counterbalance and escape.

Reestablishing Guard

Shrimp back to Closed Guard or Open Guard when the opponent loosens their control.

Common Mistakes in Turtle Guard

Leaving Openings

Allowing space between your elbows and knees can lead to hooks or submission setups.

Static Defense

Staying too passive in Turtle Guard can give the opponent time to pressure and break your posture.

Ignoring Grip Fighting

Allowing the opponent to establish dominant grips can lead to quick transitions or submissions.

Excessive Curling

Curling too tightly can limit your mobility and make it harder to escape or counterattack.

Turtle Guard is a position of last resort or temporary defense. While it offers protection, staying in this position for too long can expose you to pressure and attacks. Successful use of Turtle Guard requires awareness, timing, and dynamic movement to escape or counterattack effectively.

Advancing Turtle Guard

Transitions from Turtle Guard

Transition to Closed Guard by rolling or shrimping into position.
Transition to Open Guard or Butterfly Guard by creating space and repositioning.
Roll into Deep Half Guard to set up sweeps or escapes.
Transition to Standing Back Control by escaping and controlling the opponent's posture.

Submissions from Turtle Guard

Kimura from a sit-out or grip counter.
Guillotine by catching the opponent’s neck during a scramble.
Triangle Choke by baiting the opponent into overcommitting and trapping an arm.
Armbar by isolating an arm as you roll into a better angle.

Sweeps from Turtle Guard

Execute a Shoulder Roll Sweep to reverse the opponent’s pressure and come to the top position.
Use a Granby Roll to disrupt their balance and escape to guard or a top position.
Sweep to Side Control using a forward roll to reverse their momentum.

Takedowns from Turtle Guard

Duck Under into a Single-Leg Takedown after breaking their grip.
Snap-Down to Front Headlock by controlling their neck during a scramble.
Body Lock Takedown from a reversal when engaging with their pressure.
Ankle Pick if their base becomes overextended during pressure exchanges.