Break opponents closed guard from the knees
Kudos to Henry Akins for creating this video. This video is a bit of a longer one, but it’s worth it. In this video, Henry Akins shows how to break the opponents closed guard from the knees.
Review
This video is in my opinion a bit too long. It explains quite a lot, but the technique is rarely shown. It does go through the right way to break the guard, but if you’re in a hurry, then I would recommend skipping to the timestamp given, or simply jump straight to the drill in the end.
Key points
- Do not lean forward when in closed guard, sit down on your ancles. For more information check out this post
- The reason for dropping the elbow is to prevent the opponent from getting a deep grip on your collar.
- Remember the pelvic tilt, and push your butt into your ancles.
- The only reason for using your hand is to prevent him from sitting up.
- Knee behind the butt is a wedge, the idea is to use it to break the guard.
- Don’t use your hand to push his leg with your arm, it’s a waste of energy and he can pull you closer.
- The elbow should push on his knee, it will create tension and make it easier to break the guard. When you do this, you should turn your palm up, it’s not as easy for him to pull your arm, since you can use your biceps to pull him.
- Try not to lean forward when putting your knee in behind his butt, and then lean away from his.
Counter for hip bump sweep
When he tries to hip bump sweep you, you can jam his hip bump by engaging your hips and push into him.
Important timestamps
- 15:15 - Showing the whole guard break
- 21:00 - Counter for hip bump sweep
How I Drill
- Start in closed guard
- Your partner will try to break your posture, and you should keep it without using your hands.
- Tuck your hips
- Grab his collar, and remember to keep your elbow down
- Use your other arm to push his knee, and keep your palm upward
- Put your knee behind his butt
- Lift your leg up, and lean away from your opponent.
- Stand up