Guard Work
I need to work on my closed guard. Often times, I find myself hanging tight onto my partner to keep control but I end up feeling stuck because of how tense I become. This disallows me from engaging with an attack or when I do engage, I easily telegraph it. I feel a bit lost when I have the closed guard.
Some things I’ll have to remember:
1. grips play an important role in maintaining control; use them grips.
2. keep them off balance.
3. don’t rush to attack. pressure them by compromising their base and see if their reactions will create an opportunity. Then strike.
4. the guard can be used as a means for control to get to a better position. don’t let yourself get pinned and overtaken just because you wanted to finish someone in the guard. If necessary, use it as a means for control, recoup, then transition.
Anyone else have any tips on playing the closed guard for someone who struggles with it?