How to Do the Turtle to Guard Pull in BJJ
From turtle, pulling guard involves sitting to one hip and inserting legs between you and the opponent. This is safer than staying in turtle and provides a familiar defensive position.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Sit to one hip from turtle
- 2 Insert near knee between bodies
- 3 Close guard or establish half guard
- 4 Control grips as you pull guard
- 5 Do not expose neck during transition
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Sitting back into their hooks
- ⚠️ Not controlling grips during pull
- ⚠️ Exposing neck while transitioning
- ⚠️ Pulling guard too slowly
- ⚠️ Ending up in bad guard position
🔄 Variations
- → To closed guard
- → To half guard
- → To butterfly hooks
- → To seated guard
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Front headlock during pull
- → Take back as they sit
- → Sprawl and prevent guard pull
- → Snap down and re-establish turtle
Track Your Turtle to Guard Pull Progress
Log every time you practice the Turtle to Guard Pull and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Turtle to Guard Pull? ▼
The Turtle to Guard Pull is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Turtle to Guard Pull works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Turtle to Guard Pull? ▼
The Turtle to Guard Pull is typically executed from turtle. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.