Open Guard

The Collar-Sleeve Guard subfamily covers the open guard position where the guard player controls one collar and one sleeve while using the feet to manage distance and create attacking angles. [1] The collar-sleeve guard is one of the most versatile gi guard positions because the combination of collar and sleeve control provides push-pull capability while preventing the opponent from posting or gripping. [1,2] The guard player typically places one foot on the hip and the other on the bicep of the controlled arm. [2,3]

The De La Riva Guard subfamily covers the open guard position where the guard player hooks one leg around the opponent's lead leg from the outside, wrapping the foot behind the knee, while controlling the ankle of that leg with the hand. [1] The DLR guard provides powerful off-balancing leverage through the hook and ankle control combination, which can stretch the opponent's base and create sweep, back take, and submission opportunities. [1,2] The DLR guard is one of the most important and widely used open guard positions in modern BJJ. [2,3]

The Lasso Guard subfamily covers the open guard position where the guard player wraps one leg over the opponent's arm and threads it through, creating a 'lasso' that entangles the arm and provides powerful control. [1] The lasso guard is a gi-dependent position because the foot must grip or hook the gi material to maintain the lasso wrap. [1,2] The lasso provides very strong one-sided control that can be used for sweeps, omoplata entries, and triangle set-ups. [2,3]

The Shin-On-Shin Guard subfamily covers the guard position where the guard player places the shin across the opponent's shin, using the bone-on-bone contact as a frame and lever for sweeps and transitions. [1] Shin-on-shin guard is a highly transitional position that serves as a gateway to single leg X-guard, X-guard, and butterfly guard entries. [1,2] The shin-on-shin contact provides a stable connection point that can be used to elevate, off-balance, and redirect the opponent's movement. [2,3]

The Sit-Up Guard subfamily covers the open guard position where the guard player sits up with one foot on the opponent's hip and the other leg positioned for sweeps or transitions, with hands controlling grips. [1] The sit-up guard is a dynamic, upright open guard position that provides excellent transitional mobility for single leg entries, arm drags, and guard pulls. [1,2] The upright posture allows the guard player to quickly change levels and angles, making it one of the most versatile guard entry positions. [2,3]

Spider guard is a gi-dependent open guard where the bottom player grips both of the opponent's sleeves and places their feet on the opponent's biceps, creating a web of control that manages distance, prevents passing, and sets up sweeps and submissions. [1] Named for the way the guard player's limbs extend outward like a spider's legs, the position offers exceptional distance management and one of the widest attack repertoires of any guard — triangles, omoplatas, lasso entries, and various sweeps are all accessible from the spider guard framework. [1,2] Spider guard requires significant grip endurance because maintaining bilateral sleeve control against a resisting opponent is physically demanding, but when maintained, it is one of the most difficult guards to pass. [2,3] The position was popularised by competitors like Romulo Barral, Leandro Lo, and Michael Langhi, who built World Championship careers around spider guard mastery. [3]