X Guard 7 Submissions
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X-Guard·Arashi Do North Edmonton
X Guard Submissions can be a little tricky but they are there and most times people aren't thinking of defending submiss…
X-Guard
FamilyXガード(X Gādo)
TransliterationTranslation: X-guard
Overview
The X-Guard family covers the guard position where the guard player places both legs between the opponent's legs in an X-configuration, with one hook behind the knee and one on the hip, creating a powerful sweeping platform under the opponent's base. [1] The X-guard provides extraordinary off-balancing leverage because the dual leg positioning completely controls the opponent's base on one side, making them extremely vulnerable to sweeps. [1],[2] The X-guard includes the full X-guard (both hooks between the legs) and the single leg X-guard (hooks on one leg from the outside). [2],[3]
History & Origin
The X-guard was developed and popularised by Marcelo Garcia, who debuted the position at ADCC 2003 and used it as a cornerstone of his legendary competition career. [1] Garcia's X-guard became one of the most influential guard innovations in modern grappling, inspiring the development of the single leg X variation. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The X-guard is one of the most powerful sweeping positions in grappling, providing near-irresistible off-balancing force by positioning both legs between the opponent's legs in an X-formation. [1] Marcelo Garcia describes the X-guard as a position where the sweep is almost inevitable once it is properly established, because the guard player controls the opponent's entire base. [1]
Lineage
Competition Record
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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 single-leg X or butterfly — Thread the legs into X-guard configuration under the opponent — one hook behind the knee, one behind the ankle
From guard pull (de la Riva) — Pull guard and insert hooks to establish the X-guard entanglement
Videos
1 video
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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
✓X-guard places both legs in an X-shape underneath the opponent — one hook behind the knee, one foot on the hip — creating a powerful sweeping position from directly underneath a standing opponent (Marcelo Garcia, Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 2011)
✓X-guard was popularized by Marcelo Garcia in the mid-2000s — he used it to sweep world-class competitors with ease
✓The 'X' comes from the leg configuration: the legs cross underneath the opponent like an X, with hooks controlling both the knee and the hip
✓X-guard provides incredible sweep leverage: the guard player's entire body acts as a lever to tip the standing opponent
✓The primary X-guard sweep: extend both legs simultaneously to elevate the opponent, then retract one hook to dump them to the side
✓X-guard works equally well in gi and no-gi — the leg hooks don't require fabric grips
✓X-guard is entered from butterfly guard, shin-on-shin, or single-leg X — it is rarely the first guard established
Common Mistakes
!Entering X-guard without controlling the opponent's upper body — wrist or ankle grips are needed to prevent the opponent from basing
!Not crossing the legs in the X-pattern — the cross creates the structural leverage for sweeps
!Using X-guard against a kneeling opponent — X-guard requires the opponent to be standing
!Staying in X-guard without sweeping — the position is for sweeping; do it immediately
!Not following the sweep to the top — immediately pass or establish top position after the sweep
!Entering X-guard without proper setup — butterfly guard, shin-on-shin, or single-leg X should lead to X-guard, not a cold entry
!Attempting X-guard without understanding the sweep mechanics — the sweep uses extension and retraction of the legs in coordination
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
Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques (Marcelo Garcia, 2011)
1BookThe Guard (Moreira & Beneville, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] X-Guard (Garcia, 2008) [2] X-Guard (Garcia, 2008)
2BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] X-Guard (Garcia, 2008)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationThe Guard (Moreira & Beneville, 2008)
Alias sources — [1] X-Guard (Garcia, 2008) [2] X-Guard (Garcia, 2008)
5CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] X-Guard (Garcia, 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
Single Leg X-Guard
SubFamilyThe Single Leg X-Guard subfamily covers the guard variation where the guard player hooks both legs on the outside of one of the opponent's legs — one foot on the hip and one behind the knee — controlling a single leg. [1] Single leg X (also called ashi garami or outside ashi) has become one of the most important guard positions in modern grappling because it serves as both a sweeping position and the primary entry to leg attacks. [1,2] The position provides powerful off-balancing control on one leg while keeping the guard player's feet on the outside, making it safer from leg entanglements. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Standard X-Guard
SubFamilyThe Standard X-Guard subfamily covers the classic X-guard position with both legs inserted between the opponent's legs, one hook behind the knee and one on the hip, creating a strong X-configuration that completely controls the opponent's base on one side. [1] The standard X-guard is the original X-guard configuration developed by Marcelo Garcia, providing maximum sweeping leverage through the dual hook system. [1,2] From standard X-guard, the guard player can sweep via technical standup, ankle pick, or direct elevation. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
The X-guard was popularized by Marcelo Garcia in the early 2000s. The guard uses both legs in an X-configuration under the opponent to control their base and set up sweeps and leg lock entries. (Garcia, Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques)
Frequently Asked Questions
What submissions can I attack from X-Guard?
From X-Guard you have multiple submission options including arm bars, knee bars, and leg lock variations. According to Arashi Do North Edmonton, you can hold onto the leg during an arm bar to make it harder for your opponent to escape, and you can transition into a knee bar using the underhook position.
How do I set up a knee bar from X-Guard?
To set up a knee bar from X-Guard, use the underhook position and be aware that your partner may fall backward as they get knee barred, so control the descent carefully to avoid injury.
What's the key to maintaining control in X-Guard sweeps?
Keep tension on your opponent's shin and maintain a broken posture by stretching them out. Use your foot in the pocket of their knee as an anchor to help lift your hips and generate leverage for the sweep.
How does the X-Guard work?
The X-Guard family covers the guard position where the guard player places both legs between the opponent's legs in an X-configuration, with one hook behind the knee and one on the hip, creating a powerful sweeping platform under the opponent's base. The X-guard provides extraordinary off-balancing leverage because the dual leg positioning completely controls the opponent's base on one side, making them extremely vulnerable to sweeps.
Where does the X-Guard come from?
The X-guard was developed and popularised by Marcelo Garcia, who debuted the position at ADCC 2003 and used it as a cornerstone of his legendary competition career. Garcia's X-guard became one of the most influential guard innovations in modern grappling, inspiring the development of the single leg X variation.
Is the X-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 X-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 X-Guard?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Guard Contact → Control Grips → Manage Distance → Threaten Submissions/Sweeps.
How do I defend against the X-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 X-Guard?
Common variants: Standard guard (primary leg and grip configuration for control and attack…); Offensive guard (configured for sweeps and submissions); Defensive guard (prioritising distance management and preventing passes); Transition guard (moving between guard types to adjust to the opponent's pa…).
How effective is the X-Guard in competition?
Marcelo Garcia used the X-guard as a cornerstone of his competition system en route to four ADCC gold medals (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009) and multiple IBJJF World Championship titles. The position has since been adopted by competitors across all levels of grappling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the X-Guard?
Top errors to watch for: Entering X-guard without controlling the opponent's upper body — wrist or ankle grips are needed to prevent the oppon… / Not crossing the legs in the X-pattern — the cross creates the structural leverage for sweeps / Using X-guard against a kneeling opponent — X-guard requires the opponent to be standing / Staying in X-guard without sweeping — the position is for sweeping; do it immediately.
What are other names for the X-Guard?
The X-Guard is also known as X Gādo, X Guard, Marcelo Guard.