What is Guard Retention in BJJ?
Quick Definition
The skill of maintaining guard when the opponent attempts to pass.
Full Explanation
Guard retention is the ability to maintain your guard position while the opponent attempts to pass. It involves using hip movement, frames, grips, and leg pummeling to prevent the passer from clearing your legs. Excellent guard retention makes your guard feel impossible to pass. The best guard players in BJJ are often those with the best retention rather than the flashiest attacks, because retention gives you infinite opportunities to attack.
Examples in Context
"His guard retention was so good I could never finish the pass"
"Guard retention is as important as guard offense"
Related Terms
Guard
A position where you are on your back but using your legs to control your opponent.
Reguarding
Recovering guard position after it has been partially or fully passed.
Frames
Using your limbs as barriers to create and maintain space.
Hip Escape
Moving your hips away while keeping your shoulders relatively stationary.
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