How Do You Prevent the Far Knee From Getting Pushed Down From Side Guard?

Part of the course: The Lord of the Guards: Guard Retention by Jon Calestine

How Do You Prevent the Far Knee From Getting Pushed Down From Side Guard?
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Jon Calestine
Jon Calestine

About this video

Preventing the far knee from getting pushed down from side guard involves the use of self-framing. This technique is crucial when someone tries to turn your hips away. Here's how to do it:
  1. Start in a side guard position. Your hand should be creating a throat post and a bicep frame.
  2. Turn your opponent's hips away to create misalignment. If your opponent tries to frame you while you're turning their hips away, it becomes difficult for them.
  3. Do not put your foot on the floor. Instead, hip escape off your elbow and create a self-frame.
  4. When self-framing, there are a few positions you can put your hand. One option is to rest it so that your hip isn't too open. If your hip is too open, it runs the risk of your opponent diving into different north-south passes.
  5. Keep your knee in a straight line from shoulder to hip. There should be a wall that your knee doesn't pass.
  6. If you feel your hips are being turned away, create space by moving off your elbow. Open your elbow and pull yourself to turn.
  7. Be mindful of the position of your knee when self-framing. It shouldn't be too wide outside your shoulder, as this creates too much space for your opponent to dive in chest to chest. Your knee should be right in front of your shoulder, protecting that space.
  8. Your hand should be self-framing. This makes the position feel tighter and stronger, giving you more ability to keep everything nice and tight.

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