Understanding Mechanism Of Guard Control

Control from the bottom in open guard is achieved through a balance of push and pull forces, which allows for managing space and maintaining contact with the opponent. This balance enables the practitioner to follow the opponent's movements, block their advances, and project weight to stay connected during lateral movements.

1. Understanding the mechanism of control is essential, and it's demonstrated through the power sleeve grip. The grip must be balanced with equal pushing and pulling forces to maintain contact without being too rigid, allowing for adaptability to the opponent's movements.
2. It's important to maintain a 'bouncy' body to prevent the opponent from breaking control with explosive movements.
3. By maintaining this balance, the guard becomes difficult to pass, and it opens up opportunities for attacks such as triangle chokes, armbars, omoplatas, and various sweeps.
4. In seated guard, the shin provides the push while the underhook or collar grip provides the pull. This combination allows for effective sweeps.
5. Every open guard should establish a push-pull dynamic, creating the right tension to stay connected and responsive to the opponent's actions.
6. Each point of contact with the opponent acts as a sensor, allowing the practitioner to feel the opponent's weight and intentions, aiding in anticipation and reaction.
7. Closed guard is characterized by a pull-pull dynamic, where the practitioner can focus on pure attack using both legs and arms, as the opponent must open the guard before attempting to pass.
8. Attacks from closed guard often involve pulling actions, such as chokes, where the practitioner pulls the opponent in and climbs or rolls the hips to secure the submission.

This approach to guard control emphasizes the importance of balance, tension, and connection to effectively manage the opponent's movements and create opportunities for attacks.