Skip to main content

Guard Pulls

Quick Introduction​

Guard pulling is the strategic method of bringing the fight to the ground while establishing your preferred guard position. Rather than engaging in risky takedown exchanges, guard pulls let you dictate pace and start from your strongest position.

Position Overview​

From: Grip fighting control, strategic decision | Leads to: Closed guard, butterfly guard, open guard variations

Closed Guard Pull (Most Fundamental)​

  1. Establish strong grips (collar and sleeve, or double collar)
  2. Step back slightly to create space
  3. Sit down in controlled manner (never jump or fall)
  4. Keep grips tight throughout descent
  5. Immediately wrap legs around waist, lock ankles
  6. Break opponent's posture down with grips
  7. Begin attacking from closed guard

Key detail: Safest guard pull. Never release grips during pull. Pull opponent forward as you descend so they can't immediately stand and pass.

Butterfly Guard Pull (Dynamic)​

  1. Establish sleeve and collar grips (or wrist and collar)
  2. Sit to butterfly position (hooks inside thighs)
  3. Maintain strong grip control throughout
  4. Elevate with butterfly hooks
  5. Create immediate sweeping threats
  6. Attack with sweeps or submissions

Key detail: More dynamic than closed guard. Hooks go inside thighs immediately. Constant elevation threat with hooks. Excellent for sweep-focused games and no-gi.

Sitting Guard Pull (Modern)​

  1. Establish controlling grips (sleeve and pants, or double sleeve)
  2. Sit to ground in controlled manner
  3. Immediately establish leg frames (shin on hip, DLR hook, etc.)
  4. Use grips to break opponent's posture
  5. Create angles with hip movement
  6. Threaten sweeps and submissions

Key detail: Maximum flexibility — multiple guard variations available from seated position. Modern sport BJJ approach. Excellent distance management.

Dynamic Guard Pull (Advanced)​

  1. Establish controlling grips with submission in mind
  2. Pull guard while creating immediate attack (triangle setup, arm drag)
  3. Lock submission position as you land
  4. Finish or sweep

Key detail: Advanced practitioners only. Requires perfect grip setup. High risk, high reward — immediate submission threat but easy to counter if mistimed.

Core Principles​

  1. Grip control is non-negotiable — Never pull guard without secure grips
  2. Controlled descent, not falling — Sit down with purpose and control
  3. Immediate guard establishment — Lock guard position instantly; don't give opponent time to pass
  4. Posture breaking is priority — Pull opponent forward as you descend
  5. Guard type selection — Choose based on situation: closed (control), butterfly (dynamic), sitting (technical)

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Pulling without gripsEstablish grips first — always
Jumping to guardControlled sit-down; jumping = injury risk
Not breaking posturePull opponent forward; broken posture prevents immediate passing
Releasing grips during pullMaintain tension throughout descent
No immediate guard lockLock guard position the instant you sit
Wrong guard for situationMatch guard type to your game and opponent

Next Steps​

  1. Closed Guard - Most fundamental pull destination
  2. Grip Fighting - Essential for successful pulls
  3. Butterfly Guard - Dynamic pulling option