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Are you ready to take your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) game to the next level by entering BJJ guard? This is a crucial move for any BJJ practitioner, but it requires a lot of preparation and practice to execute it effectively. Entering guard position is not just about being physically strong and flexible; it also requires mental preparation and strategic thinking. In this article, I will guide you through the steps you need to take to prepare yourself for entering guard position in BJJ. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced BJJ practitioner, these tips will help you improve your technique and increase your chances of success in the guard position. So, let's get started! Before Entering BJJ Guard Entering the guard position is a critical part of any martial art, and preparing for it is an essential step in any training regimen. Before entering guard, an individual should be properly warmed up and stretched out. A proper warm-up will help reduce the risk of injury while stretching will allow the body to move more freely and efficiently. Once warmed up, begin by practicing the basic guard positions. Learn how to establish a proper base and use good posture to prevent your opponent from pushing you over. Practice bridging, shrimping, and other movements to maintain control of the position and keep your opponent away. Practice transitioning between different guard positions and entering and exiting guard. In addition to physical preparation, individuals should familiarize themselves with guard strategies. Learn how to control distance, prevent your opponent from passing your guard, and set up sweeps and submissions. Be aware of the common mistakes made in guard so you can avoid them and succeed in your jiu-jitsu journey. Individuals can maximize their potential in any martial art by adequately preparing for the guard position. With the proper preparation, an individual can enter the guard position confidently and successfully. Once the physical preparation is complete, developing a mental strategy for guard is important. Before entering any guard position, the individual should have a plan of attack in mind. Visualize common scenarios and think of strategies for each one. Consider how your opponent might try to pass your guard and be prepared to counter their attempts. Also, learn to recognize when you are in a vulnerable position and how to work out of it if necessary. With a good mental game plan, an individual can be prepared for any guard situation. By adequately preparing for the guard position, individuals can gain confidence in their jiu-jitsu game and make significant strides in their martial arts journey. Once the physical and mental preparation is complete, it is time to put that knowledge to use. Practice entering guard against a partner or dummy. Focus on proper body positioning and movement as you enter the position. Learn to recognize when your opponent has control of the situation and how to regain control if necessary. Also, be aware of how your opponent is likely to move so that you can react accordingly. With enough practice, an individual can become comfortable and confident entering guard. Entering guard is critical to any martial art, and proper preparation is vital for success. Individuals can be ready to enter guard confidently and successfully through physical and mental preparation. Learn to recognize common mistakes and develop strategies for dealing with them. With enough practice, entering guard can become a valuable and effective part of any jiu-jitsu game. Preparing To Enter BJJ Guard Entering the guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can effectively gain control over your opponent and work towards submitting them. However, successfully entering the guard requires preparation and a strategic approach. Below are some tips to consider when preparing to enter the guard position: 1. Understand Your Opponent's Body Type: It's essential to consider your opponent's body type when preparing to enter the guard position. For example, if your opponent is more prominent, pulling them close and controlling their movements may be more challenging. In this case, you may need more leverage and technique to get the desired grip and positioning. 2. Consider Your Own Body Type: It's also important to consider your body type when preparing to enter the guard position. You may need to adjust your approach to the grip and positioning if you have shorter arms. Alternatively, if you have a broader build, you may need to focus on using your legs and hips to control your opponent's movements. 3. Focus on Grip Control: Grip control is crucial in establishing and maintaining the guard position. Depending on your preference, you can use different types of grip control, such as overhooks, underhooks, and sleeve grips. It's important to have a strong grip to dictate your opponent's movements and create opportunities for sweeps and submissions. 4. Be Aware of Your Training Partner's Reactions: Your training partner's reactions can play a crucial role in entering the guard position successfully. If your opponent is anticipating your moves, they may be able to defend against them before you can execute them. It's important to be aware of their movements and adjust your approach accordingly. 5. Practice Different Guard Techniques: There are various guard positions, such as closed guard, butterfly guard, and spider guard, to name a few. Practicing different techniques to become well-rounded and effective in the guard position is essential. You'll be better equipped to enter the guard position and control your opponent by practicing and refining your techniques. In summary, preparing to enter the guard position requires consideration of both your own body type and your opponent's, a strong focus on grip control, awareness of your training partner's reactions, and practice of different guard techniques. By incorporating these tips into your training, you'll be well on your way to becoming a skilled guard passer in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

What is a Lapel Guard? Lapel guard is a highly effective guard used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) that involves using your opponent's gi lapel for control and leverage. It's a relatively new technique that has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to the innovative style of some of BJJ's top competitors, such as Keenan Cornelius and the Miyaos. The lapel guard BJJ is an open guard initiated when you grab your opponent's collar and feed it behind their back. This lapel placement creates a hinge point that allows you to control your opponent's upper body and manipulate their movements and positioning to your advantage. Its ability to control larger opponents and create various opportunities for submission and sweeps makes it a valuable addition to any grappler's arsenal. However, it should be used cautiously and only by those with a solid foundation in fundamental BJJ techniques. Benefits of the Lapel Guard This BJJ guard is a popular technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that has numerous benefits for practitioners of all levels. This article will explore the advantages of utilizing this guard in your BJJ game. One of the most significant benefits of the lapel guard is its ability to assist in controlling larger opponents. As mentioned, the lapel guard relies on leverage and technique rather than brute strength to control your opponent's upper body. This means that even smaller grapplers can effectively use this technique to manipulate their opponent's movements and positioning. Another advantage of this guard is its versatility. The lapel guard allows various sweeps, scrambles, and submissions by manipulating your opponent's movements and positioning. This variety of options keeps your opponent guessing and forces them to constantly defend against different attacks, which can tire them out physically and mentally. In addition, this guard also opens up a plethora of submission options. From chokes to joint locks, the lapel guard allows for an arsenal of submission attacks, which can virtually come from any angle. This means that you can effectively attack your opponent from a position of strength, and the more you master this technique, the more multifaceted your attack strategy will be. The lapel guard is a valuable technique that can help practitioners of all levels to enhance their BJJ game. With its ability to control larger opponents, versatility, and potential for submissions, the lapel guard is a technique that every BJJ practitioner should consider incorporating into their training regimen. Setting Up the Lapel Guard Setting up the lapel guard is an essential aspect of your BJJ game, and it can be a highly effective tool to control your opponent and even secure submission finishes. The lapel guard relies on using your opponent's lapel as a grip to control their upper body movements and set up sweeps and submissions.  The first step in setting up the lapel guard is getting a good grip on your opponent's lapel. Depending on your preference and body type, there are a few ways to grip the lapel. For example, if you have longer arms, you may prefer to grip the lapel further down toward your opponent's hip. On the other hand, if you have shorter arms, you may choose to engage higher up towards your opponent's chest. Once you've established a grip on the lapel, you can start manipulating your opponent's movement and positioning. One approach is to use your opposite hand to grab your opponent's wrist or sleeve while using your lapel grip to control their collar. This creates a strong control over their upper body, allowing you to dictate their movements and create openings for sweeps and submissions. Another way to set up the lapel guard is to use your opponent's movements to your advantage. For example, if your opponent stands up while you're on your back, you can use your lapel grip to pull them towards you, forcing them to maintain their balance as they adjust their weight. This creates an opportunity for you to attack with a sweep or submission. In addition, it's essential to be aware of your training partner's reactions and adjust your lapel grip accordingly. If you notice that your opponent is defending your lapel grip by tucking their chin or flaring their elbow out, you can change your grip to control their movements differently. Setting up the lapel guard requires a combination of technique, strategy, and awareness. By establishing a solid lapel grip, manipulating your opponent's movement, and adapting to their reactions, you can effectively use the lapel guard to control your opponent and create opportunities for sweeps and submissions. Submissions from the Lapel Guard Position The lapel guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a powerful and versatile position that can control, sweep and submit an opponent. Using lapel grips can make it difficult for your opponent to posture up, creating opportunities for you to launch attacks from various angles. The submission is one of the most effective attacking options from the lapel guard position. One submission technique commonly used from the lapel guard is the Lapel Choke. This choke involves wrapping the lapel around your opponent's neck and using it to apply pressure from a seated position. To execute the lapel choke: Control one end of your opponent's lapel and feed it under their opposite arm to the other hand. Secure the lapel with your other hand and feed it under the same arm. Pull on the lapel to create pressure on your opponent's neck, using your legs and hips to create leverage. Another submission from the lapel guard is the Triangle Choke. This submission is executed by securing the opponent's lapel while trapping their head and arm between your legs, creating a triangle. Once in position, use the lapel to tighten the hold as you apply pressure on your opponent's neck with your legs while pulling their arm across your body. The Lapel Armbar is also a common submission from the lapel guard position. This technique begins by trapping your opponent's arm with the lapel while using your other leg to control their body. From here, you can pivot on your hips to bring the arm across your body and secure the armbar. The lapel guard position offers BJJ practitioners a wide range of submission options. Whether you prefer to set up chokes, armbars, or other techniques, the lapel guard can help you control and submit your opponent from various angles. Remember always to maintain control of the lapel, use your legs to create leverage, and remain patient as you set up your submissions from this powerful position. Practicing the lapel guard can improve your overall BJJ skills. The intricate and detailed movements required to execute the lapel guard require high skill and practice. As you continue to train and master this technique, you will improve your ability to move fluidly on the ground, enhance your defensive awareness, and sharpen your ability to execute different attacks and submissions. If you're looking for a place to learn this popular guard, among many others, visit us at Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu! Our expert instructors would love to meet you. Click here to sign up for a free week with us!

When engaging in combat sports such as judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and MMA, it's,essential to know the different types of guard pass variations you can use. Guards are a form of defense that allows you to maintain control over your opponent while striking or attempting submissions. Various defensive strategies are available for any type of fight, from the more familiar closed guard to the lesser-known variations, such as the lasso guard. So if you're looking for an edge in the ring, read on to learn about all the different types of guards and their advantages and disadvantages! What Is A Guard Pass? A guard is a defensive position used in combat sports such as judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu, and MMA. The purpose of the guard is to maintain control over your opponent while also striking or attempting submissions. Several different types of guards can be used depending on the situation. The closed guard is probably the most common type and involves the fighter wrapping their legs around their opponent's waist or torso and using their arms and body to control them from inside their guard. Other popular guards include the half-guard, open guard, X-guard, butterfly guard, spider guard, lasso guard, and De La Riva Guard. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on what type of fight you're in. For example, an open guard may be more effective for stand-up fighting, whereas a closed guard may give you better submission opportunities on the ground. The guard is a fundamental part of any combat sport and can be used in many ways depending on the situation. Knowing how to use the various types of guards effectively can make or break a fight! Now let's look at the different kinds of guards available and how they can be used to your advantage. Different Types of Guards Various types of guards can be used in combat sports. Each guard type has advantages and disadvantages, depending on the situation. Closed Guard Closed guard is one of the most common guards used in combat sports. It involves the fighter wrapping their legs around their opponent's waist or torso and using their arms and body to control them from inside their guard. This type of guard can be used for various techniques, such as sweeps, submissions, and transitions into other positions. One key advantage to using the closed guard is that it allows the fighter to maintain more control over their opponent than with other guards. This is because they have both arms free while the legs are wrapped around the opponent's body. This type of guard can also be used to set up various submission holds and sweeps that are difficult to defend against without proper knowledge and technique. The downside to using the closed guard is that it requires a great deal of coordination between the fighter's arms and legs to maintain control over their opponent. Furthermore, if an opponent manages to break out of this type of guard, they may gain an advantageous position, leading to a swift finish or victory. Open Guard Open guard is a grappling position where the fighter has their legs open and spread out, with one foot planted between their opponent's legs. This position allows the fighter to control their opponent's posture and range of motion while providing them more mobility. Open guard can be used to set up sweeps, submissions, and other takedowns, depending on how skilled the fighter is at utilizing it. One of the significant advantages of using open guard is that it allows for more strikes than most other positions, as there is usually not as much contact between fighters when they are in this position. Additionally, it provides access to various submission attempts that may not be available when using a closed guard. However, due to its lack of control over your opponent, open guard can make it difficult to defend against strikes or submissions from your opponent if they have enough strength or skills. Additionally, inexperienced fighters may struggle with maintaining this position for long periods as it requires a lot of energy and technique to do so correctly. Nevertheless, open guard remains integral to any grappler's arsenal and can provide them numerous opportunities to gain an advantage over their opponents. Open guard is an excellent tool for grapplers of all levels, as it provides mobility and access to various submissions that can be used to gain an advantage over their opponents. In the next section, we'll look at the definition of open guard and how it can help you become a more successful grappler. Half Guard Half guard is a grappling position where one combatant has both legs of the other fighter trapped between their legs. As its name suggests, this technique involves only half of the opponent's body being controlled by the fighter in this position. Half-guard can be used to control an opponent while setting up submissions or sweeps, and it is also a great way to protect yourself from potential attacks when your opponent is on top. One advantage of half-guard is that it can be used to transition into more dominant positions such as side control or mount. It also requires less energy than open guard and provides more control over your opponent's posture and range of motion, making submission attempts much more straightforward. However, half-guard does have some disadvantages as well. For one, it can be difficult to maintain against an experienced grappler who can use their strength and weight to impose their will upon you in this position. Additionally, since only one leg is trapped between yours, you may be vulnerable to strikes if they free their other leg. Half-guard is a powerful tool for those looking to control their opponents while setting up submissions or sweeps. With practice and experience, however, fighters can learn how to overcome its disadvantages and make it an effective weapon on the mat. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced grappler, Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu is the perfect place to learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques of guard passes. From open guard to half-guard, our instructors have decades of experience in teaching these positions and can help guide you through the process of becoming a more well-rounded fighter. Sign up now for a free week of classes at Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu and experience the power of guard passes firsthand!

For those interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the first question they usually have is why they would choose this option over the other different grappling arts available. The answer lies in the guard, the one aspect of BJJ that makes it stand out from other grappling arts. The guard is when a person uses all four limbs to prevent their opponent from advancing their position while threatening sweeps and attacks. To guard pass is one of the most challenging components of BJJ, and it's easy to see why BJJ is so popular among grapplers after hearing these details. Understanding all the guards an opponent can play is the key to successfully passing guard. It is similar to playing a game of chess; if the player knows the moves their opponent can make, they are better equipped to make the right plays. It may seem daunting, but it is more beneficial to learn passing positions instead of memorizing a specific guard pass for each guard. This article provides helpful guard pass variations that can be incorporated into a player's strategy. An Overview Of BJJ  Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art focusing mainly on grappling and ground fighting. The Gracie family developed the art in Brazil in the early 1900s, and it has since become one of the most popular martial arts in the world. BJJ emphasizes using technique and leverage to overcome an opponent rather than relying on strength or size. It utilizes joint locks, chokes, throws, and sweeps to control an opponent and ultimately submit them. BJJ is a great way to learn self-defense, build confidence, and get in shape. What It Means To Pass Guard  To pass guard is a technique used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where an opponent moves from a defensive position on the ground to a more dominant position. It involves breaking the opponent's guard, the defensive position of the legs surrounding the opponent's upper body. The practitioner can control the opponent's body and gain a dominant position by passing the guard. This technique is essential for practitioners of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as it allows them to attack their opponents and win matches.  What Makes A Good Guard Pass  A good guard pass requires a combination of technique and timing to execute it best. First, the guard passer must identify the right moment to pass the guard and use the correct approach. The guard passer should understand the guard they are attempting to pass and the methods available to them. They should also have a good sense of balance and body positioning to maintain control of the guard while passing. They should also be able to move quickly and efficiently to ensure they can pass the guard before their opponent can react. Finally, the guard passer should be aware of their opponent's movements and be able to adjust their technique accordingly. By combining all of these elements, a guard passer can successfully pass the guard and take control of the match. Double Under  The double under BJJ position is a technique used in BJJ that involves one person controlling their opponent from the back. The person controlling their opponent will have their arms wrapped around their opponent's torso, with their hands clasped together and their elbows tucked in. They will also have their legs wrapped around their opponent's hips, with their feet interlocked. This position allows the person controlling their opponent to control their opponent's movements and to apply various submissions. This is one of the most effective ways to control an opponent and to set up multiple techniques. Knee Cut  The knee-cut BJJ position is a fundamental technique used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a guard position in which the practitioner sits on their opponent's chest, controlling them with their legs. The practitioner then uses their legs to cut off the opponent's knee, creating a strong and stable base that makes it difficult for the opponent to escape. The knee-cut BJJ position is an essential part of the guard game, allowing the practitioner to control their opponent while setting up attacks and sweeps. Over Under  The over-under BJJ position is a grappling technique used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a dominant position where one fighter has their body over the other, with one arm under and the other over the opponent's torso. This position allows the fighter to control the opponent's movements while also having the ability to transition into a variety of submissions. The fighter on top can also use their weight and leverage to keep the opponent pinned down, making it difficult for them to escape. The over-under position is a powerful tool in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and can be used in various scenarios. Knee Staple  The knee staple BJJ position is a powerful grappling technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It involves one practitioner trapping their opponent's legs between their own while maintaining a dominant position. The practitioner will then use their arms to control their opponent's arms while using their legs to control their opponent's legs. This position is difficult to escape, as the practitioner can maintain control while the opponent needs to generate more power to break out of the hold. It is a very effective technique for dominating the match and can be used to set up various submissions. If you're interested in learning more about guard pass variations, or any other aspect of Jiu Jitsu, come visit us at Granite Bay Jiu Jitsu. We are currently offering a free week of classes for new members who want to try Jiu Jitsu. If you've been thinking about trying BJJ, you have nothing to lose! Meet us on the mat and see if Jiu Jitsu is a fit for you. 

In the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), guard passing is one of the most essential tasks every practitioner needs to learn. It’s so important that it would be incredibly difficult for you to progress in BJJ without learning how to pass an opponent's guard. Guard passing is commonly referred to as the most difficult task in BJJ, primarily because it’s a multistage process. You don’t just have to master different guard passing techniques. You also need to exploit your opponent’s weakness and present them with difficulties, allowing you to gain control of the match and pass your opponent’s guard. Common Principles for BJJ Guard Passing To help improve your BJJ guard passing skills, you need to keep yourself familiar with different principles that will help you progress in this combat sport and compete with opponents with advanced guard retention capabilities. Here are some of the best tips to help you improve your BJJ guard passing: Hone Fundamental Basic Positions As you progress in BJJ guard passing or the sport as a whole, you may forget about mastering basic positions. This is because you become too focused on honing more advanced guard passing and other BJJ techniques. However, in order to truly excel in BJJ, you must have a good grasp of all the fundamental basic positions. This helps you maintain a dominant position during matches. In proper BJJ guard passing, you should not give your opponent an opportunity to reacquire his guard immediately. You will only be able to prevent this by implementing basic positions such as mount, side-control, rear-mount, and several others. Once you master this, it will be easier for you to maintain a dominant position and put yourself in control of the match. To learn and maintain basic positions, the best thing you can do is to spend more time practicing positional spars. This allows you to hold basic positions even if you don’t exert too much energy, enabling you to improve your BJJ guard passing skills. Have at Least Two Go-To Methods When it comes to BJJ guard passing, there are different techniques you can try and be an expert on. Each player will have their own go-to methods that help them dominate their matches. But in order to maintain the dominant position, having a single method is not enough. Have at least two or more go-to methods to help you effectively open the closed guard. The thing about BJJ is that your opponent will try to assess what technique you are using. They will try their best to handle your techniques and render your moves useless. By having two or more guard passing techniques, you can surprise your opponent with what your next move will be. Proper Distance Management Proper distance management is critical in BJJ guard passing. In fact, it is a concept relevant to all combat sports. Depending on what technique you are planning to use, there is a recommended distance you should follow. This allows you to execute the technique properly, making it more likely that you’ll finish a pass. However, keep in mind that your opponent is trying their best to predict what you will do. This allows them to counter your attacks and prevent you from breaking down their defense. To avoid this, you will need to change your distance and do another tactic. There are two common ways on how to pass guard BJJ. One is by trying pressure passing, while the other is passing at a distance with speed. If pressure passing is not working, you can opt to surprise your opponent by passing at a distance. This could force them to defend themselves differently and change their guard style, allowing you to achieve side control and maintain a dominant position. Let Gravity Work on Your Side Remain in the dominant position by constantly applying pressure from beginning to end. Let gravity work for you and against your opponent.  With constant pressure, your opponent will be restricted from moving around and changing the terms of the match. To do this, you need to know how to apply pressure properly. Basically, it is about concentrating on a single point while restricting your opponent’s movement with your arms and legs. Make sure to do it at the correct timing as well, allowing you to get the kind of reaction you want from your opponent. The 3 Best BJJ Guard Pass Positions There are many guard passing positions in BJJ. You need to learn all about these positions in order for you to progress in this combat sport. Here are 3 of the most reliable guard passes everyone practicing BJJ should learn about: Leg Drag One of the most reliable BJJ guard positions is the leg drag. What’s good about this position is that aside from giving you a good opportunity to pass the side control of your opponent, it can also allow you to transition straight to the back. To achieve this position, you need to drag your opponent’s legs across your hips. You must make sure that your opponent’s knee will be in front of your hips, while their bottom legs are beneath your shin. Maintain the leg drag position by applying downward pressure on your opponent’s top leg. Make sure that you utilize this powerful grappling position properly. Avoid rushing this position so it will be effective. You must take your time to lock yourself into the leg drag position. You only need to advance to your guard pass technique once you secure your opponent’s leg. Knee Cut Knee cut is an easy BJJ guard pass position to master. However, in order to implement this properly, you need to keep your balance, which requires practice. Once you develop a sense of balance needed for the knee cut position, it will be easy for you to pass your opponent’s guard. When it comes to the knee cut position, your goal is to put your leg in between the legs of your opponent. You then need to use your leg to staple one of your opponent’s legs to the floor. Make sure that your opponent won’t be able to turn by keeping their shoulder pinned to the mat using the underhook technique. Double Under The double under position is highly uncomfortable for your opponent, allowing you to easily maintain a dominant position. The goal is to have the back of your opponent’s knees on your shoulders, while their hips are clasped by your hands. To do this, you need to place both forearms underneath your opponent’s leg. Afterwards, do the same thing using your shoulders. Once you do this, your opponent will be stacked on their shoulders and neck, allowing you to easily gain control. Where Can I Find Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Near Me? Want to learn more about Brazilian jiu-jitsu? Take our BJJ classes here at Granite Bay jiu-jitsu. Our instructors are jiu-jitsu black belts with over 15 years of teaching experience. We implement cutting-edge curriculums developed by one of the most respected organizations in BJJ, the Charles Gracie Association. Granite Bag jiu-jitsu is offering a 100% free 7-day free trial pass. Sign up with us today to get your free trial.