The 3 Most Common Errors in the X Guard

More Tips to Improving My Game

Thumb in first Front Choke (Opponent is in your guard):

• Start with cross-face arm, thumb in first and goes all the way to the back of opponent's collar.
• Opposite first grabs opposite collar about halfway down.
• The key to this choke is to flair out the elbow with the thumb in and pull down on the fist halfway down.
• This choke works slowly, so be patient and doesn't give up and readjust.

Positional Training - Back:

• The interesting thing I learned was that Brian turtles up to defend this position.
• When a person turtles and does this, I must follow them and replace my hooks.

Positional Training - Mount:

• Base out with my knees more.
• Apply more body pressure.

Positional Training - Side Control:

• From Top -
• Control your opponent's elbow so they can't bridge.
• From Bottom -
• Fist/Wrist under opponent's armpit and elbow to their throat.

Positional Training - Deep Half Guard:

•   From top - 
• Needs to apply heavy pressure on the knee near opponent's head.
• The opposite leg needs to stretch out to avoid opponent from grabbing for a sweep.
• Body needs to be heavy and close to avoid X-Guard.
• Attack the far arm. (Kimura, straight arm bar laying down, straight arm bar against my shouder).
• From bottom - 
• The legs need to wrap high around opponent's knee to prevent them from advancing to mount.
• Should grab leg in the guard to sweep.
• Transition to X-Guard.

Think about turning in for a single leg takedown; the options are there.

Upside Down X-Guard

Upside Down X-Guard

Can roll and get opponent back into guard or even triangle.

Failed Butterfly Sweep to X-Guard Sweeps

2 Techniques from failed Butterfly Sweep to X-Guard Sweeps.

Butterfly Sweep & X Guard

Last week we learned about a butterfly sweep from standing. The sweep is used when both you and your opponent are standing and your opponent rushes or pushes you. As you are holding onto their lapel and under their elbow, you sit down on your back leg and hook them with your other leg, then continue to a butterfly sweep them. After sweeping them, you can end up in knee-on-belly.

The X Guard position is for when the sweep fails and the opponent is above you. You then can hook your opponent's leg in an X position- one leg hooked behind their leg, and the other leg/foot hooking their hip. Their other leg is next to your head which you have grabbed with your arm. From here you can stand and take them down.

Look for video.