When you’re the top player in a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu match, it’s usually going to be you who’s going to control the pace of the bout. However, if the bottom player knows what he’s doing, he’s going to pressure you into engagement… Which means that he’ll get favorable grips and control sometimes as well. For instance, he may establish the De La Riva Guard – after which he’ll go for the Sit-Up Guard and the various setups from there.
That’s why it’s vitally important for you to learn how to counter the Sit-Up guard. Bruno Malfacine demonstrates.

BEATING THE SIT-UP GUARD

Before the opponent gets up to the Sit-Up guard, you want to establish grips on their pants. Then, if they do get up, you’re supposed to switch one of your grips to the back of their neck (grabbing their collar); whereas your second grip will stay on their pants.
From there, you need to drop their leg to the ground (if it’s propped up against your leg) and step over it.

Once you’ve done that, you need to get rid of their second point of control: their other leg. Bruno Malfacine shows that you’ll do this by pushing into the opponent and flaring out your foot; stepping deep into the side their leg is. This will make it extremely difficult for them to move both their leg and their hips.
Then, you’ll shift your own hips and transfer your weight in such a manner that you drop down to your hand and position your head next to the opponent’s, as you go for a Knee Slice Pass. Once at the end of that pass, simply lift up their arm and get into Side Control.

Watch the video below for more details on this Sit-Up Guard counter:

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