Guard retention and recovery: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Open guard · 9 minute lesson Pro

Keeping the passer off with frames, hip movement and re-guarding.

Watch it on YouTubeSearch: Bjj guard retention recovering guard tutorial. Videos by other coaches.

Every good guard player is also good at not getting passed. Guard retention is the set of frames, hip escapes and pummelling that recover guard before the pass lands.

The idea is to keep a frame between you and them: a forearm on the hip, a shin across the thigh, a foot on the hip. If you lose the frame, move your hips first and then rebuild.

Key points

Keep your knees and elbows close. Distance is for you to control.
Frame on the hip or bicep with a straight arm only when needed.
Hip escape to re-create the angle, not just to run away.
Turn into them as they cross, so your shin slides between you.
When flat, turn to your side and rebuild the knee shield.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Pushing with straight arms. Straight arms get passed under. Use bent frames with your elbows in.
Lying flat when passed. Turn on your side immediately and start shrimping.
Recovering without a plan. Know where your next guard comes from before you move.

The rest is in the app

The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Open guard module of Jiu-jitsu foundations.

Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.

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Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.