Are There Guards That are Safer for the Knees?

There are certain guards in BJJ that are considered safer for the knees than others. Closed guards, such as the half guard, are typically safer as they close off space and control the opponent's speed. Open guards, on the other hand, are more dynamic and require more rotational control, potentially posing a higher risk of injury. Guards like the reverse de la jiva, de la jiva, and single leg X involve more leg entrapments and control.

However, the safety of a guard can also depend on its symmetry. For instance, the half guard could potentially be more painful on one side than the other due to its asymmetrical nature. The full guard could be considered the most controlled as it requires less movement.

Regardless of the guard used, the key to minimizing injury risk is adequate preparation. Your body should be prepared for all types of movements and positions. If a certain guard is problematic for you, your rehab should include snapshots of those positions to ensure you're adequately prepared. Ultimately, no guard is inherently more dangerous than others if your body is prepared for it.