Match strategy: takedown or guard pull: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Competition craft · 10 minute lesson Pro

Choosing how to start, building a lead and managing the clock.

Watch it on YouTubeSearch: Bjj competition game plan takedown vs guard pull. Videos by other coaches.

The first decision of any match is where to fight. A takedown scores two points and puts you on top. A guard pull gives up the points but moves the fight to a place you may know better. If you cannot take them down and cannot pull safely, you are in a stand-up fight you do not want.

Decide before you walk on. Know your best position, your best finish and what you do when you are behind. A simple plan, well drilled, beats a complicated plan on the day.

Key points

Takedown if you are good on your feet. Pull guard only if you have a reliable sweep or submission game.
Pulling guard without grips or a plan gives up two points.
Score first if you can. A lead lets you control the pace.
If ahead, hold dominant positions and avoid risk. If behind, take a calculated risk with time left.
Break the match into stages: grips, first position, finish.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Pulling guard without a plan. Pull only if you have a clear set-up and next move.
Changing the plan mid-match. Trust the plan unless something is clearly failing.
Taking big risks at the start. Take risks late, when you have to. Early risks cost easy points.

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 Competition craft 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.