On of the funniest man in Jiu-Jitsu is Renato Laranja who is actually also a legit BJJ black belt. In this video he shows, mixed with comedy, some game changing concepts on the importance of proper posture when in your opponent’s guard. He emphasises the use of hips much more than arms. For him, proper posture will keep you safe from submissions and sweeps.
He calls this posture the Steve Urkel, named after Steve Urkel, the fictional character from the ultra popular American ABC/CBS sitcom Family Matters, who has an uber-nerd who also had an unusual posture.
From Henry Akins, a Rickson Gracie black belt about posture in guard:
“In order to open the guard from the knees you must first develop the ability to maintain posture without using your hands. If you’re relying on your hands to help maintain your posture you can’t use them to help you break, therefore you’re forced to stand to open.”
“This is the first drill all students should be taught from inside the guard because it’s the foundation for helping you open the guard, whether from the knees or standing and also your first line of defense. Every attack from the guard requires the person to first break your posture. Kimura, Cross Collar Choke, Triangle, Arm Bar, Guillotine are all neutralized with this one skill.”
