Side Guard Framing Bicep

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

Side Guard Framing Bicep
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Jon Calestine
Jon Calestine

About this video

Introducing the side guard positions, the technique focuses on maintaining a strong structure when the opponent attempts to cut an angle and separate your knee from your chest.
  1. As the opponent cuts an angle, establish a good side guard. Keep your elbow tight and create a frame with your hand. This frame helps maintain the connection of your knee and elbow as the opponent tries to turn you away.
  2. Your other foot should be ready hooking, and your hand should be framing your guard to prevent the opponent from turning your hips away. This creates a strong structure.
  3. When the opponent starts to pass on a flank, establish control with your elbow inside of your knee. Your hand should be ready to frame in case they dive into a crossface.
  4. If the opponent tries to separate your knee from your chest, maintain a strong structure. Your foot should remain in position to prevent them from circling in a certain direction.
  5. The first means of recovery comes from pummeling on the inside and finding your foot to the hip. Once your foot finds its way to the hip, your hand can start looking to reinforce. This reinforcement is crucial to prevent the opponent from collapsing your structure.
  6. It's important to maintain the structure so that you can keep your knees to your chest. If your hip is not framed and your arm is not in the correct position, it becomes easy for the opponent to create separation.
  7. If the opponent's hand is on the ankle, deal with this first before attempting to high leg. Make sure your foot makes its way across before recovering.
This is the first side guard position to look at for recovery off the flank. The key is to maintain a strong structure and control, and to reinforce your guard when necessary.

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