Fundamental Open Guard Posture Control

Now that you know some methods on how to break the opponent’s posture, let’s focus on controlling their posture. Over the next couple of weeks we’ll look at some bite-sized tips for you to digest on this important topic.

First, what exactly is posture? Think of it as being in the correct structure, or position, wherever you are during the match, as it relates to your opponent. For example, when in someone’s Closed Guard, typically you should have control of their upper body with at least one hand, and control of their hips with another hand. Keep your back straight and your head away from their hands. You can always tell when someone has very good postural awareness. Watching them perform is visually appealing. They seem to know where everything is at, and appear to be in total control.

When the opponent is close to you in any Open Guard position you should immediately begin breaking their posture and structures. Make them uncomfortable. Make them want to move and readjust their position. This helps to set up your attacks so much easier.

Breaking down your opponent’s structure also assists you with using pushing and pulling methods more effectively, which in turn helps to set up submission attacks.

The objective is to make the opponent bend over, often times over the top of you. Eliminate their straight back and solid base. Take them out of balance and force them on the defensive. Being curled up under someone’s body makes you more unpredictable. Think of someone who is good at using De La Riva Guard, or X Guard, or even Deep Half Guard. They can be a handful to deal with.

Finally, some easy methods of posture control to utilize:

· With the Gi = use cross-collar gripping

· With NoGi = use collar ties with wrist control

Learn. Drill. Roll. TRANSFORM!