Understanding the Rubber Guard Objective

Before attempting any entry, practitioners must understand the fundamental goal of the rubber guard position. Similar to how rear naked choke entries require a seat belt grip before attacking, rubber guard entries demand establishing specific positional control. The instructor emphasizes that entry mechanics are more critical than the finish itself.

The Cocoon Position: The Foundation

The cocoon position serves as the primary entry point for the rubber guard, combining sit-up guard with butterfly guard mechanics. This position requires three essential elements: a deep overhook, a deep underhook, and both knees extended with butterfly hooks. Once the cocoon is secured, a simple fire-and-flip motion transitions the opponent directly into the rubber guard.

The Z-Guard Setup and Strategic Sacrifice

The Z-guard position, with its protective shield, typically prevents neck access and resists guard passing. However, the instructor intentionally sacrifices this strong defensive position by offering the opponent an underhook in exchange for a lockdown. This strategic trade—giving up five yards to gain ten—positions the defender to access the cocoon entry.

The Lockdown and Pimp Arm Control

Once the opponent accepts the underhook offer and establishes a lockdown, the defender immediately applies the overhook (pimp arm) to the opponent's leg. This control prevents the opponent from executing a knee slice pass and initiates the critical battle for knee positioning. The pimp arm must remain strong and palm-up above the knee to maintain complete passing prevention.

The Battle of the Knee: Transitioning to Superstar

The defender transitions from lockdown to superstar position while maintaining the pimp arm control. The opponent's knees compress together to prevent the defender from extracting their own leg. The defender's trapped leg simultaneously functions as a leg curl and passing prevention tool, executing two objectives at once during the knee battle.

The Knee Escape and Catch

As the defender wins the battle of the knee and pulls their leg free, the opponent instinctively retreats with a limp-arm escape. At this critical moment, the defender's pimp arm must immediately convert into an underhook, catching the opponent mid-retreat. This catch secures the opponent in the seated position required for the cocoon entry.

Transitioning to the Rubber Guard Finish

Once the catch is secured and the opponent is positioned in what the instructor calls the 411 position, the defender has complete control for the rubber guard attack. A simple fire motion (hip extension) followed by a flip (rotating transition) places the opponent in the compromised rubber guard position. From this point, the defender can execute finishing techniques or additional submissions.

Mastering The Rubber Guard by Eddie Bravo

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Rubber Guard Basics

2 min read·7 key moments·PT8M41S video

Key Takeaways

•Understanding the Rubber Guard Objective
•The Cocoon Position: The Foundation
•The Z-Guard Setup and Strategic Sacrifice
•The Lockdown and Pimp Arm Control

Mastering The Rubber Guard by Eddie Bravo - For The Best BJJ Instructional Videos, Check Out: https://bjjfanatics.com - - For all your BJJ Gear and Apparel Needs Visit - https://store.bjjfanatics.com/ - Are you a BJJ Fanatics Insider? If not, you are missing out! Join now at: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/insiders-club - "Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also choosed as the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more... www.fujisports.com - 15% OFF Coupon Code: FARIA15 www.bjjfanatics.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: YOUTUBEFARIA www.fujimats.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: FARIAMAT10 http://bernardofaria.com https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj

Related Techniques

Headquarters Position

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about rubber guard basics?

This video covers understanding the rubber guard objective, the cocoon position: the foundation, the z-guard setup and strategic sacrifice. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn rubber guard basics?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.