Craig Jones - Power Ride
Recommended for intermediate and advanced practitioners who want to up their game—especially in pinning and control.
Open guard is an exciting yet challenging position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It's like diving into open waters where anything can happen. Despite its dynamic nature, developing a strong open guard is both highly valuable and enjoyable.
1. Grips:
A common mistake is gripping excessively, desperately clinging to your opponent's gi as if your life depends on it. However, efficient gripping is the key. Learn to maintain control without expending unnecessary strength and energy. It's crucial to master the art of efficient gripping to optimize your open guard game.
2. Hip movement:
In the realm of BJJ, hips play a pivotal role. They are the engine that drives your movements and techniques. To navigate the ever-changing landscape of open guard effectively, focus on enhancing your hip mobility, flexibility, and agility. Embrace exercises and drills that encourage fluid hip movement. Developing strong hips will significantly enhance your overall BJJ game.
3. Be dangerous - sweeps
Merely defending in open guard will eventually lead to your opponent confidently advancing and passing your guard. Flip the script and make them hesitant. Your objective should be to unbalance them and launch effective counter-attacks after every failed attempt they make. Think of yourself as the water, constantly shifting and adapting, while they struggle to maintain their stability. Unbalance them, then unleash a wave of sweeps to turn the tables.
4. Practice entries and setups
Having a great guard won't amount to much if you can't find yourself in the desired positions frequently. Work on mastering the most common transitions and techniques to guide your opponent into your open guard. By refining your entries and setups, you'll create more opportunities to implement your open guard game.
5. Narrow to broad:
To solidify your open guard arsenal, focus on two or three sweeps that address different scenarios or attack angles. Dedicate ample time to practice and refine these sweeps until they become second nature. Once you've mastered them, gradually expand your repertoire to include additional techniques.
6. Fill in the gaps:
When you encounter specific problems or challenges during sparring or competitions, invest time in finding suitable solutions. Analyze the situations that give you trouble and seek ways to overcome them. This proactive approach will refine your open guard game and make you a more well-rounded practitioner.
7. Develop habits:
Overcoming laziness is a common hurdle in any endeavor, including open guard development. Cultivate habits that promote consistent training and discipline. Remember, laziness during practice will demand extra effort during intense sparring or competitions, compromising your mental bandwidth and wasting precious time. Build positive habits that will carry you through your open guard journey.
By following these tips and embodying the spirit of continuous improvement, you'll make significant strides in developing a formidable open guard game. Embrace the challenges, stay motivated, and let your open guard skills flourish.
