The "Strike Zone"
Guard players beware..
The higher you climb up a ladder? The smaller the steps become. Small moves become very important to "get right".
Why?, because 1 slight slip up can put you in a terrible position.
Value simplicity as you go higher up the ladder of Jiu Jitsu.
That being said...what I will explain next is very simple, but very overlooked. The fact that this subject is overlooked is one of the keys of "TRUJITSU".
Follow this rule, and you will probably shut down almost every guard game thrown at you.
No exaggeration.
Here is why. If they can't reach you, they can't catch you. That's staying out of the "Strike Zone".
The Strike Zone is the area of space above your opponent's belt. In other words the torso or upper body. Every time you reach above the belt line or move forward head first, your opponent has a target(s) to attack.
Simply stay back.
How do you pass or progress?
Move around or move under and remember
Your defense is your offense. Your first "victory" is being unattainable. The second "victory will happen when your opponent tries to force a transition and opens a window for you to pass.
In other words.. It is not always a good idea to pressure pass. There is a time and place for every approach. But when you're battling an avid guard player, in most cases your pressure is their possibility.
Follow these examples for success, And if passing is not your strength, stay tuned to the TRUJITSU revolution and that will change. 👍
Defense first.
Here are a couple of common scenarios to start with.
When Stuck in Closed Guard do this.
These 2 steps keep you out of range of your opponent's attacks, and exhausts their legs.
What not to do..
When your head and arms are above your opponent's belt line, you are in range for both chokes and arm attacks.
When standing in your opponent's Guard do this..
Driving your hips forward causes pressure and still allows you to keep balance. This also creates a frame with your legs that is good for defending the ankle/leg hook.
Use your knees..
What not to do..
Leaning forward with your head causes you to reach with your arms. In addition to being In the range of your opponent's attacks, this also makes you top heavy where your opponent can play with your body weight and elevate you for a sweep.