Open Guard Retention

Overview

Core Mechanics and Concepts

Alignment in open guard retention

High leg and low leg

Keep them in between your heels

Get on your side

Posture and position

Knee-elbow connection (space between hip and armpit)

Overextension and limb coiling

Feet on biceps not hips. Students chase guard passers with their legs and get overextended.

Self framing (the kickstand)

Supporting your posture with your arms.

Preemptive frames

Inversion movement

Don't let your leg get pinned

Layers of the guard

Core concepts summary

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Initial Phase

• Initial posture and crossovers

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Around the Legs

When they try to pass to the outside:

• Use the leg they're pushing if you can (gangorra)
• Use the other leg if you can't (high pummel)
• Use your hands if you can't do either

This is the most common thing beginners face. It's very hard and needs to be drilled relatively heavily.

• Posture when opponent passes around
• The high pummel
• The gangorra
• Leg drag retention
• North south recovery

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Under the Legs

• Posture against under the legs passing
• Using frames and preventing grip upgrades
• Preventing the stack
• Shoulder walk and pummel
• The elbow push

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Near Knee Through

• Don't accept these positions
• Posture against near side knee through
• Frame and pummel
• Frame and off balance

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Cross Knee Through

• Posture against cross knee through
• Frame and high pummel
• The knee shield

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Summary

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Coaching Guide

Common entries and sequences

Key drills

• Gangorra drill
• High pummel drill
• Pinned leg inversion recovery drill

Common problems and cues

Recommended games

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Resources

• Open Guard Retention, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)
• Around the Legs Retention, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)
• Under the Legs Retention, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)
• Headquarters Retention, Lachlan Giles (Submeta)