“It’s all in the hips” is a sentence you’ll hear more than once on your road to BJJ black belt (and beyond). And it’s a true one, to say the least; your hips’ ability to move efficiently will make or break your ability to both attack and defend in Jiu-Jitsu. However, nowhere is their importance as clear as it is in the case of your Guard Retention… Which won’t be nearly as good as it could be if you have tight hips.
So what are you supposed to do when you have tight hips? You’ve guessed it – you ought to stretch them.
Here are some of Nick “Chewy” Albin‘s favorite hip stretches.
SIMPLE STRETCHES FOR TIGHT HIPS
Chewy explains that you should aim to do these stretches after every training session. He, personally, does them at least once per day; and sometimes also does them after a shower.
Also, notice how each and every one of these stretches will improve your Guard Retention in one of the following two ways. They can either enable you to keep your knees tight to your ribcage (that is, tight to your elbows – forming a solid frame); or they’ll help you circle that leg across and retrieve your guard as the opponent starts to pass it on the other side.
Check out these stretches and start doing them as soon as possible. And most importantly, stay consistent with them!
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