Intro Are you struggling with the seated guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)? Do you feel like you are constantly being passed or swept and can’t seem to find a way to break out of it?
Don’t worry; many people have gone through the same frustrations that you are experiencing.
The key to success is to understand the basics of the seated guard and have the right strategies to overcome it.
In this blog post, we will provide you with tips and advice on how to pass the seated guard, so you can start breaking the barrier and move forward in your BJJ journey.
Understanding the Seated Guard Position The seated guard position is a common position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that can be both frustrating and challenging to deal with. It occurs when your opponent is sitting on the mat with their legs in front of them, creating a barrier that prevents you from advancing or passing their guard. To effectively overcome the seated guard, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the position and the strategies involved.
In the seated guard position, your opponent has the advantage of being able to control the distance and angle of the engagement. They can use their legs to create frames and maintain a strong base, making it difficult for you to find openings or opportunities to pass.
They can constantly shift their hips and change the angle of their body, making it even more challenging to break through their defense.
To effectively pass the seated guard, it is crucial to disrupt your opponent’s balance and control.
One common strategy is to focus on controlling their legs, either by using your hands to push their knees down or by stepping over their legs and establishing a strong base.
By controlling their legs, you limit their mobility and make it easier to create opportunities for passing.
Another essential aspect of passing the seated guard is maintaining a strong posture and base. Your opponent will try to off-balance you or sweep you, so it is important to stay balanced and keep your weight centered. By doing so, you make it harder for your opponent to execute their attacks and sweeps.
Understanding the various grips and controls your opponent can use from the seated guard position is essential. By knowing the potential threats and attacks, you can anticipate their movements and effectively counter them. It is also crucial to stay patient and not rush the pass. Look for openings and opportunities, and when they present themselves, take advantage of them.
Tips for Executing a Successful Guard Pass Now that you have a solid understanding of the seated guard position, it’s time to dive into some tips and strategies for executing a successful guard pass.
These techniques will help you break through your opponent’s defense and gain control over the match.
- Maintain Pressure and Control: When passing the seated guard, it’s essential to establish a strong base and maintain pressure on your opponent. This means staying low, driving your weight forward, and controlling their upper body. By applying constant pressure, you can make it harder for your opponent to create space or execute their attacks.
- Use Leverage and Timing: Guard passing is all about using leverage and timing to your advantage. Look for opportunities when your opponent shifts their weight or leaves openings in their defense. This is when you can exploit their weaknesses and execute your pass. For example, if they extend their legs, you can quickly step over and establish side control.
- Be Dynamic and Fluid: Don’t be predictable in your guard passing. Instead, be dynamic and fluid in your movements. Constantly change your angles, switch between different passing techniques, and keep your opponent guessing. This will make it harder for them to anticipate your next move and give you the upper hand.
- Counter Their Attacks: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to understand the various grips and controls your opponent can use from the seated guard position. By knowing their potential attacks, you can anticipate their movements and effectively counter them. For example, if they try to wrap their legs around your body for a triangle choke, you can quickly posture up and break free.
- Stay Patient and Stay Committed: Guard passing can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay patient and committed to your technique. Don’t rush the pass or become frustrated if your first attempt doesn’t work. Instead, keep your focus, look for openings, and seize the right moment to execute your pass. With time and practice, you’ll develop the confidence and skill to overcome the seated guard.
Remember, passing the seated guard takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Stay committed to learning and refining your technique, and soon enough, you’ll be breaking through that seated guard barrier and moving forward in your BJJ journey.
