Spider Guard Fundamentals

Spider guard is an effective tool for maintaining distance and control, especially against larger opponents. The fundamental aspects of spider guard include:

1. Establishing grips is crucial. Instead of the pistol grip, a hook grip is recommended, with fingers inside the sleeve and the thumb on the outside. This grip allows for relaxation when there's no tension, reducing forearm fatigue.
2. Positioning the feet on the biceps is the next step. Bring the knees to the chest and place the feet on the biceps with tension, pulling the sleeve into the foot. Flex the toes to secure a strong grip, aiming for the crook of the arm rather than the shoulder.
3. Start with one foot on the bicep and the other on the mat. Scoot forward to pull the opponent's weight forward, creating space to bring the second leg up to the other bicep.
4. Avoid extending both legs and flattening the hips on the mat. Instead, keep one leg extended and one bent to maintain mobility and leverage.
5. Keep the arms closed and use the biceps as steps, alternating between extending one leg and lifting the hips, then switching to the other leg. This drill helps develop a feel for the spider guard movements.

Practicing these fundamentals will enhance your spider guard, allowing for better control and the ability to off-balance opponents effectively.