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K Guard

Quick Introduction​

K Guard is a modern open guard popularized by Lachlan Giles at ADCC 2019. Side-lying underneath your opponent with legs forming a "K" shape, using a two-hook system and Gable grip around their leg. Low-energy access to heel hooks (via backside 50/50), sweeps (via X-guard), and back takes. A hub position — not a final destination.

Position Overview​

From: Closed guard (opponent stands), DLR transitions, half guard entries | Leads to: Backside 50/50 for heel hooks, X-Guard sweeps, back takes, triangle

Leg Lock Entry (Lachlan Giles System)​

  1. Side-lying position with Gable grip around their near leg
  2. Inside shin across their hip (wedge), outside leg hooks over back/lat
  3. Shoot hips upward, thread outside leg through their legs
  4. Hook far leg with foot on their thigh
  5. Arrive in backside 50/50
  6. Triangle legs around their leg — finish heel hook

Key detail: The exact sequence Giles used to medal at ADCC 2019 absolute. Extremely low energy. Works against larger opponents.

Sweep System (X-Guard Transitions)​

  1. K Guard established with Gable grip and both hooks
  2. Use circular hip movement to off-balance
  3. Reposition feet from K Guard into X-Guard configuration
  4. Control ankle, elevate and sweep

Key detail: Forces opponent to defend sweeps, which opens leg lock entries. Natural progression when they defend leg attacks.

Back Take System (Matrix / Musumeci)​

  1. Threaten leg lock entry from K Guard
  2. Opponent pulls leg across your body to defend
  3. Use legs to elevate while spinning behind them
  4. Establish seatbelt and back control with hooks or body triangle

Key detail: 4-point back take. Opponent often gives back while defending leg locks. Works gi and no-gi.

Essential Entries​

From Closed Guard (Most Common)​

  1. Opponent begins to stand — drop one knee to mat
  2. Immediately establish Gable grip around their near leg
  3. Inside shin wedges between hips
  4. Hook outside leg over their back/lat

Timing: Enter during their transition from kneeling to standing. Gable grip must lock before they react.

From De La Riva​

  1. Release DLR hook from behind their lead leg
  2. Use freed leg for inside knee position (shin across hip)
  3. Thread arm under their near leg for Gable grip
  4. Outside leg hooks over their back

From Half Guard​

  1. Create space through shrimping
  2. Insert top leg through for inside knee position
  3. Thread grip under their leg — establish Gable grip
  4. Pull outside leg into hook position

Core Principles​

  1. Stay on your side — Lateral hip position prevents top pressure and preserves mobility
  2. Active hooks — Constant tension; slack hooks = lost position
  3. Gable grip timing — Lock before they react; once set, extremely hard to break
  4. Hub position — K Guard is transitional; flow to attacks, don't stall
  5. Read their reaction — Stay heavy → leg lock; pull back → sweep; free leg → back take

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Flat on backStay on side — flat negates all advantages
Passive hooksMaintain constant tension in both legs
Over-reachingMaintain connection points before extending for attacks
No hip movementK Guard is dynamic — static = easy to counter
TelegraphingLoad attacks subtly; obvious setups get countered

Next Steps​

  1. Heel Hook - Primary submission from backside 50/50
  2. X-Guard - Primary sweep transition
  3. Back Mount - High-value back take destination