Jiu Jitsu is a dynamic martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground fighting techniques. Whether you’re a beginner in Jiu Jitsu or a seasoned practitioner, mastering the closed guard is an essential skill to have in your toolkit. In this blog post, we will explore the closed guard position and provide beginners with valuable insights on how to make the most of this fundamental technique in Jiu Jitsu.
Understanding the Closed Guard:
The closed guard is a position where the person on their back wraps their legs around the opponent’s waist, using their legs and hips to control and neutralize the attacker. As a beginner, the closed guard allows you to execute a variety of defensive and offensive moves, giving you an advantageous position during a fight.
Closed Guard Techniques for Beginner Jiu Jitsu:
1. Proper Body Positioning: Maintaining a strong, active closed guard starts with the correct body positioning. Beginners should focus on keeping their back flat on the ground, while squeezing their knees together around the opponent’s abdomen. This provides stability and control.
2. Hand Placement: Effective hand placement is another crucial aspect of the closed guard. Beginners should focus on securing a solid grip on their opponent’s wrists or sleeves, preventing them from posturing up or gaining significant leverage. This grip also allows beginners to control their opponent’s movements and set up attacks.
3. Breaking the Opponent’s Posture: To effectively utilize your closed guard, it is essential to break your opponent’s posture. Beginners can achieve this by pulling down on their opponent’s head while maintaining a strong leg control. This limits the amount of force and power your opponent can generate, making it easier to transition into attacks.
4. Beginner Attack Options: As a beginner, it’s important to start working on a few fundamental attacks from the closed guard. For beginner Jiu Jitsu, some techniques to focus on include the basic armbar, triangle choke, and the Kimura lock. These attacks are versatile, effective, and can be readily incorporated into your closed guard game.
5. Proper Breathing and Defense: While engaging in the closed guard, maintaining controlled breathing is crucial. Beginners should remember to breathe consistently and not hold their breath, as this can lead to fatigue and decreased performance. Additionally, it’s important to develop a solid defense, protecting yourself from your opponent’s attacks and maintaining your position.
As a beginner in Jiu Jitsu, understanding and mastering the closed guard position will provide you with a solid foundation for further progression in the sport. By focusing on body positioning, hand placement, breaking your opponent’s posture, and executing fundamental attacks, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled closed guard player and advance from beginner jiu jitsu. Practice these techniques regularly, and with time, you’ll start to develop a strong closed guard game that will serve you well in your Jiu Jitsu journey.
