Guard Retention
Sources and other names
Also called: guard defense, guard retention, keep connection, keeping guard, keeping guard closed, knees together punch
Start with the example · Playing bottom
See guard retention in a timestamped teaching example, with this page focused on playing bottom. Watch the starting position and the response that makes the next action possible.
BJJ Fanatics · Paid course
Guard Retention: BJJ Fundamentals - Go Further Faster by John Danaher
8 volumes · Stream or download
Learn with John Danaher
Keep your guard when the pressure comes.
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- Build movement around frames and hip escapes
- Recognize and respond to passing threats
- Connect your defensive movements
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Connections describe what coaches teach across 2,044 indexed videos. Watch a clip to see the connection, or select its name to keep browsing.
Transitions to
6- False ReapWhen: defending guard leads to false reap attempt
- Wrestling UpWhen: defending from bottom leads to wrestle up escape
- Open GuardWhen: after blocking the pass
- Forward ShrimpWhen: opponent gets closer so hip hop won't work, need forward shrimp instead
- North South PositionWhen: opponent transitions over head while you try to realign hip
- X GuardWhen: bottom player adjusts grip on leg for single leg x
Leads into
1This counters
3Built on
9- FramegiWhen: fundamental principle for guard retention
- Open GuardWhen: keep opponent within headlights range
- Distance ManagementWhen: controlling distance with feet and knees
- Distance ControlWhen: maintaining guard requires distance control
- Grip FightingWhen: preventing guard passes through grip control
- Foot PlacementWhen: one foot in between creates guard recomposition