Photo by Daria Kochetkova Photography. IG: Tebezvonu.
Brazilian jiu jitsu has a variety of guards but one every beginner has heard of is open guard. Open guard is perhaps not the easiest to come into as a beginner as it doesn’t dictate certified points of contact by default. Still there are some concepts and ideas that could help shape your game on a whole new level.
Three points of contact is the minimum you want.
Sleeve + Ankle + Foot on hip = 3 points.
Two sleeves + Foot on hip = 3 points.
Sleeve + Collar + DLR hook = 3 points.
That’s the idea. Get and maintain those points of contact. If one gets removed look to establish a new one so that you always have 3.
In this video, BJJ black belt Jon Thomas discusses the importance of grip fighting off your back for setting up your guard and offense.
For most people grip fighting is something you do when you are wrestling or standing up but this is equally important when you are playing guard. By learning to effectively defend and control off your back, you will be able to establish an initial attack grip.
