Single Leg X-Guard

The single leg X-guard involves the defender placing their entire body weight on one of the opponent's legs. The defender's instep is positioned against the opponent's thigh or midsection, while the other foot is placed on the opponent's hip. This position, popularized by Marcelo Garcia, serves as the foundational entry point for numerous sweeping techniques.

Overhook X-Guard

The overhook X-guard is established by moving the foot that was between the opponent's legs to behind the opponent's knee, while the other foot is placed on the opponent's hip. The defending hand controls the opponent's ankle with an overhook grip. Some practitioners use this as their dominant open guard, though it is often transitioned into the standard X-guard position.

Standard X-Guard

The standard X-guard places the defender's upper body leg on the opponent's shoulder, forcing the opponent into a split position that destabilizes their base. This configuration uses the defender's entire body weight from the shoulders down to create significant off-balancing pressure. The standard X-guard provides access to numerous sweeping techniques and is considered highly effective for controlling an opponent's stability.

Wrong Way X-Guard

The wrong way X-guard reverses the typical foot positioning by placing the leg that should be at the knee instead at the hip, and vice versa. Despite its unconventional nature, some high-level practitioners including multiple-time Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Rodrigo Medeiros have developed specialized attacks from this inverted configuration. The position remains viable but is not the standard teaching format.

Scissor X-Guard

The scissor X-guard employs the defender's shin positioned behind the opponent's knee while simultaneously pushing away on the opponent's ankle with the other foot. While less commonly emphasized in modern instruction, this variation was pioneered by renowned grappler Jean-Jacques Machado. The scissor X-guard remains a viable position for practitioners seeking to develop specialized techniques in this guard family.

The 5 Types of X Guard

Stephan Kesting

Standard X-Guard

2 min read·5 key moments·PT4M22S video

Key Takeaways

•Single Leg X-Guard
•Overhook X-Guard
•Standard X-Guard
•Wrong Way X-Guard

The 5 types of X Guard from my new BJJ instructional http://www.grapplearts.com/slx

Related Techniques

Single Leg X-Guard

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard x-guard?

This video covers single leg x-guard, overhook x-guard, standard x-guard. It provides detailed instruction from Stephan Kesting.

How long does it take to learn standard x-guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 5-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.