Fundamental Movements | Partner Drills

Open guard rotation drills are essential for managing distance and maintaining control when in an open guard position with no grips and limited space. The focus is on keeping the opponent in front of the legs to prevent easy side control.

1. Use elbows as frames on the floor to help move the hips and bring knees close to the chest, keeping legs close to prevent the opponent from dragging them aside.
2. Keep legs wide, with flexed feet, and one leg slightly higher than the other to prevent the opponent from going under or stacking.
3. Avoid connecting heels to the buttocks, which makes it easier for the opponent to grip the legs.
4. When the opponent shuffles side to side, use elbows and legs to follow and maintain them between your legs, using the core and keeping legs elevated.
5. If the opponent gets grips on the legs, circle the legs to break the grip and regain control.
6. When the opponent steps forward to grab the collar, step on their hips with one leg and frame, while pummeling the other leg over their shoulder to break the grip.
7. Stay flat on the back rather than turning sideways, which gives the opponent leverage to pass the guard.
8. If the opponent grabs the outside of the leg, commonly used for leg drags or Toreando passes, use the same technique of stepping on the hips and framing to break the grip and maintain guard.

Throughout these drills, the emphasis is on preventing the opponent's attacks before they start and maintaining a strong defensive position with the legs to protect against guard passes.