The 5 Types of X Guard
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Standard X-Guard·Stephan Kesting
The 5 types of X Guard from my new BJJ instructional http://www.grapplearts.com/slx
Standard X-Guard
SubFamilyスタンダードXガード(Sutandādo X Gādo)
TransliterationTranslation: standard X-guard
Overview
The 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]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The standard X-guard is the fundamental two-leg X configuration guard. [1]
Lineage
X-guard was popularised by Marcelo Garcia. [1]
Competition Record
Widely used in gi and no-gi competition. [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 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
✓Standard X-guard positions the guard player directly underneath the standing opponent with both legs threaded through: one hook behind the knee and one foot on the far hip, with the legs crossing in an X-pattern (Marcelo Garcia, Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, 2011)
✓Standard X-guard is the full version: both legs are threaded underneath the opponent, providing maximum sweep leverage
✓The X-cross creates a structural mechanism: extending the legs tips the opponent forward, retracting tips them backward
✓Standard X-guard requires the opponent to be standing with their weight on both feet — the guard player is directly below their centre of gravity
✓From standard X-guard, the sweep is immediate: extend the legs to elevate, then retract one hook to direct the fall
✓Marcelo Garcia's X-guard sweeps were almost unstoppable because of his precise timing and leg coordination
✓Standard X-guard is typically entered from single leg X or butterfly guard — it is the advanced progression
Common Mistakes
!Entering X-guard without getting directly underneath the opponent — the guard player must be below their centre of gravity
!Not crossing the legs — the X-cross is the structural element that creates sweep leverage
!Using only one leg to sweep — both legs must coordinate: one extends while the other retracts
!Not gripping the opponent's ankle or wrist — upper body control prevents them from stepping out
!Staying in X-guard too long — sweep immediately upon entry
!Attempting X-guard against a kneeling or sitting opponent — X-guard requires a standing opponent
!Not following the sweep with a pass — the sweep should lead directly to passing or top position
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] IBJJF Rules (2024) [2] Marcelo Garcia: Advanced BJJ Techniques (2011) [3] Marcelo Garcia: Advanced BJJ Techniques (2011)
2BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
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] IBJJF Rules (2024) [2] Marcelo Garcia: Advanced BJJ Techniques (2011) [3] Marcelo Garcia: Advanced BJJ Techniques (2011)
5CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Mastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main types of X-Guard positions?
According to Stephan Kesting, there are several key X-Guard variations: the Single Leg X-Guard (where all your weight hangs off one of your opponent's legs), the Standard X-Guard, the Overhook X-Guard, the Wrong Way X-Guard, and the Scissor X-Guard.
What's the difference between Standard X-Guard and Wrong Way X-Guard?
In Standard X-Guard, the foot behind your opponent's body goes in the hip while the foot in front goes at the knee. The Wrong Way X-Guard reverses this positioning, though some high-level competitors, including multiple-time Brazilian world champions, have developed specialized attacks from this non-standard position.
Should I bother learning the Scissor X-Guard if it's not connected to other techniques?
Stephan Kesting encourages practitioners not to write off the Scissor X-Guard despite it not connecting to other material, as it's a viable position where you could develop specialized expertise.
How does the Standard X-Guard work?
The 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. The standard X-guard is the original X-guard configuration developed by Marcelo Garcia, providing maximum sweeping leverage through the dual hook system.
Where does the Standard X-Guard come from?
The standard X-guard is Marcelo Garcia's signature guard innovation, developed and debuted at ADCC 2003, where it was used to devastating effect. It remains one of the most effective sweeping positions in both gi and no-gi competition.
Is the Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard X-Guard?
The standard setup chain: Achieve Guard Contact → Control Grips → Manage Distance → Threaten Submissions/Sweeps.
How do I defend against the Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard X-Guard in competition?
Widely used in gi and no-gi competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard X-Guard?
Top errors to watch for: Entering X-guard without getting directly underneath the opponent — the guard player must be below their centre of gr… / Not crossing the legs — the X-cross is the structural element that creates sweep leverage / Using only one leg to sweep — both legs must coordinate: one extends while the other retracts / Not gripping the opponent's ankle or wrist — upper body control prevents them from stepping out.
What are other names for the Standard X-Guard?
The Standard X-Guard is also known as Sutandādo X Gādo, Full X-Guard, Classic X-Guard, Marcelo Garcia X-Guard.