Roger Gracie's Closed Guard is Extremely Complex - BJJ Study
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Attacking Closed Guard·Deep Dive JJ
Really glad I made this study on the Jiu Jitsu legend Roger Gracie. Hope you gain from watching it as much as I did whil…
Attacking Closed Guard
SubFamily攻撃的クローズドガード(Kōgekiteki Kurōzudo Gādo)
HybridTranslation: attacking closed guard
Overview
The Attacking Closed Guard subfamily covers closed guard configurations specifically set up for offensive attacks — sweeps, submissions, and transitions — rather than passive control. [1] Attacking closed guard positions use specific grip configurations (cross-grip, overhook) that create immediate sweep and submission threats. [1],[2] These positions represent the proactive, offensive use of the closed guard, where the guard player is actively working to finish or advance rather than simply holding the position. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The attacking closed guard concept evolved as BJJ developed a more systematic approach to the closed guard, distinguishing between defensive holding and offensive attacking configurations. [1] Modern closed guard instruction emphasises the attacking configurations as the primary way to use the position. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Attacking guard concepts were developed in BJJ competition to maximise offensive output from bottom position. [1]
Competition Record
Attacking closed guard is fundamental in BJJ competition strategy. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Using the legs and hips to control the opponent from the bottom — maintaining distance management and attack angles
Joints Involved — Hips (primary engine for sweeps and attacks), knees (framing and hooking), ankles (secondary hooks)
Force Vector — Pulling, framing, and hip-escaping — creating angles for attacks while preventing passing
Positional Mechanic — The guard is an active offensive position — leg control compensates for bottom positioning by threatening sweeps and submissions
Position & Entry
From pulling guard — Jump or sit to guard, wrap legs around the opponent's waist, lock ankles behind their back
From being taken down — When taken down into the opponent's guard pass, secure closed guard by wrapping the legs and locking ankles
Videos
John Danaher Explains Closed Guard Fundamentals
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Attacking Closed Guard·Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Closed Guard Fundamentals by John Danaher - John Danaher explains closed guard basics in this bjj training video. - Clic…
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Guard positions are defensive; injury risk comes from transitions, not the position itself
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
— IJF — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — ground...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from ...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points por...
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — no penalty for playing guard
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The attacking closed guard prioritizes offensive grip configurations that set up submissions and sweeps directly — the guard player actively hunts for finishes rather than holding position (Roger Gracie, interview, 2015)
✓Attacking closed guard uses grip sequences: establish collar grip → break posture → attack cross choke → opponent defends → switch to armbar or triangle
✓Roger Gracie's approach: the cross choke threat from closed guard forces reactions that open up every other attack
✓The overhook (whizzer) from closed guard creates a powerful attack platform: triangle, omoplata, and sweep threats all branch from the overhook
✓Attacking closed guard requires constant grip fighting — the moment the opponent breaks one grip, establish another
✓Hip movement is essential: angle the hips to create submission entries rather than lying flat and square
✓The attacking mindset transforms closed guard from a stalling position to a finishing position
Common Mistakes
!Attacking without breaking posture first — the opponent must be broken down before submissions work
!Committing to one attack without chaining — the first attack rarely finishes; it sets up the second
!Releasing the legs to attack — maintain the closed guard lock until the submission is deep enough to open
!Attacking the same submission repeatedly — vary attacks to keep the opponent guessing
!Not using angles — flat-on-the-back attacks are weaker than angled attacks from the hip
!Reaching for submissions without grip control — grips precede every submission attempt
!Ignoring the sweep when the opponent defends submissions — sweeps and submissions chain together
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Achieve Guard Contact — establish leg control around or against the opponent
2Control Grips — secure sleeve, collar, or wrist control for manipulation
3Manage Distance — use legs and grips to control the range and prevent passing
4Threaten Submissions/Sweeps — create offensive threats to keep the opponent reactive
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookThe Guard (Moreira & Beneville, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] The Guard (Moreira & Beneville, 2003)
2BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
3OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
4CitationThe Guard (Moreira & Beneville, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008) [2] The Guard (Moreira & Beneville, 2003)
5CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003) [2] Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip flexibility, active legs, grip management
Favours
long legs for distance control and guard retention
Key muscles
hip flexors, adductors, quadriceps, core, grip
Sub-techniques
Clamp Guard
GenusThe clamp guard is a closed guard sub-position where the guard player controls the inside space between the opponent's arms with their legs, lying on their hip (not flat) with the inside knee blocking the opponent from smashing down and the outside knee pushing the opponent's shoulder toward their head. [1] Part of John Danaher's New Wave Jiu-Jitsu closed guard system, the clamp creates a 'closed circuit of reinforced wedges' providing maximum control for offensive attacks. [2] Giancarlo Bodoni (2x ADCC champion) released 'Forging the Guard: Mastering Foundations of the Clamp' and Adam Wardzinski released 'Clamp Guard Engineering,' both through BJJ Fanatics.
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Cross-Grip Closed Guard
GenusThe Cross-Grip Closed Guard establishes the closed guard with a cross-body collar grip — the guard player grips the opponent's opposite-side collar, pulling across the centre line to break posture and create sweep and submission angles. [1] The cross-grip is one of the most effective offensive grips from closed guard because it breaks the opponent's posture asymmetrically, creating angles for sweeps, arm drags, and choke attacks. [1,2] From cross-grip closed guard, the guard player can attack with cross-choke variations, pendulum sweeps, and collar drag techniques. [2,3]
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Overhook Closed Guard
GenusThe Overhook Closed Guard establishes the closed guard with an overhook (whizzer) control on one of the opponent's arms, pulling the arm across the body and trapping it. [1] The overhook grip creates a powerful arm control that enables triangle choke set-ups, omoplata entries, and sweep attacks. [1,2] The overhook closes the distance on one side and creates an angle by pulling the opponent's arm across, opening attacking opportunities on the opposite side. [2,3]
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Rat Guard
GenusThe rat guard is a closed guard system where the guard player breaks the opponent's posture, secures a necktie and tricep grip, then swings an arm to threaten a guillotine, causing the opponent to press tighter — at which point the guard player grabs the inside of their own hamstring, creating a locked frame that traps the opponent's head under the armpit with legs locked. [1] Created by Rene Dreifuss of Radical MMA NYC, originally designed for MMA and Combat Jiu-Jitsu based on an old judo position Dreifuss learned while training in Japan. [2] Specifically designed to nullify ground-and-pound while maintaining offensive options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most important thing to focus on when defending closed guard?
John Danaher emphasizes that every battle from closed guard is essentially a battle over posture—controlling your opponent's posture is the fundamental key to the position.
What is the passer's main goal when inside the closed guard?
The opponent's primary objective when inside closed guard is to open it, which makes controlling grip battles critical for the passer to maintain posture.
What's an important detail when executing a closed guard sweep?
When attempting a sweep from closed guard, make sure your legs are positioned over your opponent's hips; if they're lower, you risk having your guard passed.
How does the Attacking Closed Guard work?
The Attacking Closed Guard subfamily covers closed guard configurations specifically set up for offensive attacks — sweeps, submissions, and transitions — rather than passive control. Attacking closed guard positions use specific grip configurations (cross-grip, overhook) that create immediate sweep and submission threats.
Where does the Attacking Closed Guard come from?
The attacking closed guard concept evolved as BJJ developed a more systematic approach to the closed guard, distinguishing between defensive holding and offensive attacking configurations. Modern closed guard instruction emphasises the attacking configurations as the primary way to use the position.
Is the Attacking Closed Guard legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from guard score 2 points; IJF: restricted — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — groundwork from guard permitted …; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points portion; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — no penalty for playing guard; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Attacking Closed Guard?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — guard positions are defensive; injury risk comes from transitions, not the position itself
How do I set up the Attacking Closed Guard?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Guard Contact → Control Grips → Manage Distance → Threaten Submissions/Sweeps.
How do I defend against the Attacking Closed Guard?
Standard counters include: Guard Pass — systematically work to clear the legs and establish a dominant position / Leg Pin — control one or both legs to neutralize guard retention / Pressure Passing — use heavy chest pressure to flatten and immobilize the guard player.
What are the variants of the Attacking Closed Guard?
Common variants: High closed guard (legs high on the back for tighter control and more submis…); Low closed guard (ankles locked at the waist, controlling posture with grips); Body-lock closed guard (wrapping with both overhooks for tight breaking mechanics).
How effective is the Attacking Closed Guard in competition?
Attacking closed guard is fundamental in BJJ competition strategy.
What are common mistakes when doing the Attacking Closed Guard?
Top errors to watch for: Attacking without breaking posture first — the opponent must be broken down before submissions work / Committing to one attack without chaining — the first attack rarely finishes; it sets up the second / Releasing the legs to attack — maintain the closed guard lock until the submission is deep enough to open / Attacking the same submission repeatedly — vary attacks to keep the opponent guessing.
What are other names for the Attacking Closed Guard?
The Attacking Closed Guard is also known as Kōgekiteki Kurōzudo Gādo, Offensive Closed Guard, Active Closed Guard.