What is Guard in BJJ?
Quick Definition
A position where you are on your back but using your legs to control your opponent.
Full Explanation
The guard is the defining position of BJJ - you're on the bottom but using your legs to control your opponent, preventing them from advancing and attacking. Unlike other grappling arts where being on bottom is bad, BJJ's guard allows you to sweep, submit, and stay safe from the bottom. There are many guard types (closed, open, half, butterfly, spider, De La Riva, etc.), each with different characteristics and techniques.
Examples in Context
"My guard is my best position"
"He couldn't pass my guard the whole match"
Related Terms
Closed Guard
A guard position where your legs are wrapped around your opponent's waist with ankles crossed.
Open Guard
Any guard position where your legs are not closed around your opponent.
Half Guard
A guard position where you control one of your opponent's legs between yours.
Sweep
A technique from guard that reverses position, putting you on top.
Submission
A technique that forces your opponent to tap out due to a choke or joint lock.
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