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X-Guard

Quick Introduction​

X-Guard positions you underneath your opponent with legs forming an "X" controlling their base. Exceptional leverage for elevating and sweeping even much larger opponents — pure leverage position. They have no submission options against you, making it a safe sweeping platform.

Position Overview​

From: De La Riva transitions, butterfly guard, opponent standing to pass | Leads to: Sweeps to top, single leg X entries, back takes, technical stand-ups

Classic X-Guard (Standard)​

  1. Position underneath opponent
  2. Hook one leg deep behind their knee
  3. Place other foot/shin across their hip or thigh (X formation)
  4. Control ankle or pants with hands
  5. Elevate and off-balance for sweeps

Key detail: Incredible leverage. Works against any size. Pure sweeping position.

Single Leg X-Guard (SLX)​

  1. Both legs wrap around one of their legs
  2. One leg hooks behind their knee, other wraps in front
  3. Sit up or lean back based on attack
  4. Control ankle with hands
  5. Sweep or stand up

Key detail: Complete control of one leg. Stand-up sweeps available. No-gi essential.

Seated X-Guard Entry​

  1. Start seated facing opponent
  2. Shoot legs under them as they approach
  3. Hook behind knee, add second leg for X
  4. Pull them over you — establish full X-guard

Key detail: Proactive competition entry. Catches opponent off-guard.

Essential Sweeps​

Elevator Sweep (Classic)​

  1. X-guard with hook behind knee, ankle controlled
  2. Extend hook leg upward (elevator motion)
  3. Pull ankle while lifting
  4. They elevate and fall — come on top

Key detail: Hook leg extension is the engine. Must control ankle to prevent posting. Works on any size.

Technical Stand-Up​

  1. Single leg X established
  2. Sit up actively, post hand behind you
  3. Stand up while maintaining leg control
  4. Finish sweep or transition to single leg takedown

Key detail: Modern competition essential. Must be explosive. Works gi and no-gi.

Overhead Sweep​

  1. X-guard with opponent pressuring forward
  2. Pull ankle strongly, extend hook leg upward
  3. They flip over you
  4. Follow to mount or back

Key detail: Uses their forward pressure against them. Can lead to back take.

SLX Sweep to Back​

  1. SLX with both legs on their one leg
  2. Technical stand, drive forward
  3. Circle behind as they fall
  4. Take back mount — secure hooks

Key detail: 4-point back take. Competition favorite.

Core Principles​

  1. Get underneath them — X-guard requires being under their center of gravity
  2. Hook is the engine — Leg behind knee provides all lifting power
  3. Control the ankle — Prevents posting and defending
  4. Elevate constantly — Keep them off-balance with upward pressure
  5. Sweep quickly — X-guard is for sweeping, not stalling

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Not deep enough underneathEnter from DLR (easiest) or time when standing
Weak hookMust be tight and deep behind knee
No ankle controlControl ankle to prevent posting
Staying too longSweep within 3-5 seconds or transition
HesitatingCommit fully — hesitation lets them defend

Next Steps​

  1. De La Riva - Primary entry point to X-guard
  2. Back Mount - High-value destination from SLX
  3. Butterfly Guard - Alternative entry point