How to Do the Seated Guard Retention in BJJ
Maintaining seated guard against a standing passer by using foot placement, grip fighting, and constant adjustment. The seated position allows quick transitions to multiple guard types.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Sit upright with active posture
- 2 Feet on hips and knees for distance
- 3 Grip fight aggressively from seated
- 4 Transition between guard types as needed
- 5 Never let them push you flat
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Sitting passively without engaging
- ⚠️ Allowing them to push flat
- ⚠️ No foot contact on their body
- ⚠️ Static position without transitions
- ⚠️ Hands on mat instead of gripping
🔄 Variations
- → Seated to butterfly
- → Seated to DLR
- → Seated to shin-to-shin
- → Seated to collar sleeve
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Torreando from standing
- → Bodylock pass
- → Snap down seated guard
- → Knee cut entry
Track Your Seated Guard Retention Progress
Log every time you practice the Seated Guard Retention and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Transitions
View all →Arm Drag
The arm drag is a fundamental wrestling technique adapted for BJJ. By pulling your opponent's arm ac...
Berimbolo
The berimbolo is an advanced back take from De La Riva guard. You invert underneath your opponent to...
Mount to Back Take
Taking the back when your opponent turns away to escape mount. Follow their turn and secure hooks....
Side Control to Mount
Advancing from side control to mount by stepping or sliding over to the full mount position....
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Seated Guard Retention? ▼
The Seated Guard Retention 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 Seated Guard Retention 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 Seated Guard Retention? ▼
The Seated Guard Retention is typically executed from seated guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.