Closed Guard Concept – Closing the Hip Distance

Today’s concept is very simple, when you have the Closed Guard, and you’re controlling the opponent’s posture, close the distance between the hips.

Ideally, you want your lower back or butt off of the ground while driving your feet downward. Physically speaking, your hamstrings are on top of your opponent’s thighs pressuring down with your hips up almost at the level of their belly button. This is used to help prevent the opponent’s initial leg opening attempts in order for them to pass.

This idea is also used when applying Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’s Stage 3 position, but in a different way. When you drive your knees up into the opponent’s chest you raise your butt/hips high up off of the mat. This position helps to create a barrier between you and the opponent using your bent legs. The downward pressure of your feet causes slightly more power when driving your knees forward.

Learn. Drill. Roll. TRANSFORM!