Introduction to Closed Guard Teaching

Danaher addresses the perception that his team avoids closed guard, clarifying that they actively train it daily despite specializing in inside control positions. He emphasizes that closed guard remains one of the most valuable forms of guard control and serves as essential training for versatility.

Closed Guard as Outside Control

Closed guard functions as the quintessential outside control system, centered around upper body attacks, while butterfly guard provides inside control for lower body attacks. When combined, these two positions create a well-rounded guard game that addresses different angles of engagement.

Vulnerability During Guard Opening

A significant vulnerability exists in the half-second window when the closed guard is opened, creating exposure to leg lock attacks. The video addresses this critical safety concern and demonstrates how to maintain effectiveness in closed guard despite the prevalence of leg lock training.

Historical Context and Side Scissor Adaptation

Danaher references Roger Gracie's legendary closed guard use as historical precedent for its effectiveness. He highlights the side scissor position—where the top player positions outside the opponent's elbow—as a key concept that requires modification for no-gi training without lapel and sleeve control.

Distance Control as Primary Advantage

Closed guard's greatest advantage is distance control, as locked legs prevent the opponent from disengaging regardless of their position. Once the guard is locked, the bottom player maintains command over distance and dictates when engagement occurs.

Technical Initiative from Bottom Position

Despite being underneath, the closed guard player maintains tactical initiative because the top player cannot effectively attack until opening the guard. Upper body submissions from inside closed guard are extremely low-percentage against same-size, same-skill opponents.

Hip Position and Sweep Mechanics

The bottom player's hips remain positioned on top of the opponent despite the upper body configuration, placing them halfway to back control. When sweeps land from closed guard, the result is typically a mounted or back position rather than side control, creating superior positional advantage.

John Danaher Explains Closed Guard Fundamentals

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Attacking Closed Guard

2 min read·7 key moments·PT18M23S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Closed Guard Teaching
•Closed Guard as Outside Control
•Vulnerability During Guard Opening
•Historical Context and Side Scissor Adaptation

Closed Guard Fundamentals by John Danaher - John Danaher explains closed guard basics in this bjj training video. - Click Here To Check Out John Danaher's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_JOHN-DANAHER - 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 chosen 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

Standard Closed Guard

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about attacking closed guard?

This video covers introduction to closed guard teaching, closed guard as outside control, vulnerability during guard opening. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn attacking closed guard?

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.