Guard Concepts: Weight & Distance

When your opponent is inside your closed guard, two key factors to be aware of are distance and weight. You need to instinctively feel where your opponent's weight is and ensure you're at the right distance. If you're too far away, your opponent can easily escape your attempts to execute a move. Conversely, if you're too close, it becomes difficult to initiate any attacks.

One way to gauge the right distance is by executing a floating arm bar. If you're able to do this, you're at the right distance. From this position, you can initiate different attacks or break your opponent's posture.

Understanding your opponent's weight is also crucial. You should be able to feel where your opponent's weight is. If they have a low base or center of gravity, it will be hard to break their posture. If they're on live toes, their center of gravity is higher up, making it easier for you to move them.

You can also position yourself at different angles to bait your opponent or create a situation where their weight is at a favorable place for you. For example, angling out your hips so that your buttocks are almost on top of their knee can offset their weight and make it easier to break them down.

When breaking your opponent's posture, pull them over your shoulder at a 45-degree angle. This can be done whether they're standing up or close to you. This angle makes it difficult for them to resist and easier for you to break them down.

Understanding these concepts of weight and distance can help you maintain control in the guard and create opportunities for attacks. Experiment with these concepts in the dojo to discover what works best for your body type and style.