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X-Guard

Quick Introduction​

X-Guard is a powerful sweeping position where you position yourself underneath your opponent with your legs forming an "X" that controls their base. This guard provides exceptional leverage for elevating and sweeping even much larger opponents.

Position Overview​

Station: Guard System > Open Guard

Achieved from: De la riva transitions, butterfly guard, half guard escapes, opponent standing to pass

Leads to: Sweeps to top position, single leg x-guard entries, transitions to deep half, technical stand-ups

X-Guard Types (4 Main Variations)​

🎯 Classic X-Guard (Standard)​

Objective

Maximum elevation control; powerful sweeps; work against larger opponents through leverage

Main Characteristic

One leg hooks behind their knee, other leg across their thigh/hip, creating X formation while underneath them

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Position yourself underneath opponent
  2. Hook one leg behind their knee (deep)
  3. Place other foot/shin across their hip or thigh
  4. Create X formation with your legs
  5. Control their ankle or pants with hands
  6. Elevate and off-balance for sweeps

Tactical Advantage

Incredible leverage advantage; works against any size; they have no submission options; pure sweeping position; competition staple

⚔️ Single Leg X-Guard (SLX) (Offensive)​

Objective

Both legs controlling one of their legs; direct stand-up sweeps; modern competition essential

Main Characteristic

Both of your legs wrap around one of their legs while seated or lying

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Control one of their legs with both of yours
  2. One leg hooks behind their knee
  3. Other leg wraps in front of their shin/knee
  4. Sit up or lean back based on attack
  5. Control their ankle/pants with hands
  6. Sweep or stand up

Tactical Advantage

Complete control of one leg; stand-up sweeps available; transitions to x-guard; modern guard essential; no-gi friendly

🔄 Reverse X-Guard (RXG) (Alternative Angle)​

Objective

Control from opposite angle; defend against certain passes; create different sweep angles

Main Characteristic

X-guard configuration but from reverse/opposite side position

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Under opponent similar to x-guard
  2. Hook behind knee on opposite side
  3. Other leg creates X from reverse angle
  4. Creates different leverage points
  5. Sweep using opposite mechanics
  6. Less common but situationally useful

Tactical Advantage

Different angle of attack; confusing for opponent; specific counter techniques; transitions available

🛡️ Seated X-Guard Entry (Transitional)​

Objective

Enter x-guard from seated positions; active guard pull to x-guard; competition entry

Main Characteristic

Seated position transitioning into x-guard configuration

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Start seated facing opponent
  2. Shoot legs under them as they approach
  3. Hook behind knee quickly
  4. Add second leg for X
  5. Pull them over you
  6. Establish full x-guard

Tactical Advantage

Proactive guard pull; direct competition entry; catches opponent off-guard; modern approach

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Get underneath them - X-guard requires being under their center of gravity
  2. 💪 Hook is the engine - Leg behind knee provides all lifting power
  3. ⏱️ Control their ankle - Ankle control prevents posting
  4. 🔄 Elevate constantly - Keep them off-balance with upward pressure
  5. 🎮 Variation selection - Choose based on their position:
    • Classic X-Guard → When under them standing
    • Single Leg X → For stand-up sweeps
    • Reverse X → Defending specific passes
    • Seated Entry → Competition guard pulls

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Leverage Multiplication: Being underneath multiplies your leg power
  • Base Destruction: X formation eliminates their stable base
  • Hip Control: Your legs directly control their hip/leg
  • Mechanical Advantage: Long levers (your legs) vs. short levers (their base)

Related to guard dynamics: X-guard exemplifies "guard as elevation" - lifting opponent off their base rather than pulling them down.

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Not getting deep enough underneath - Shallow position has no power

⚠️ Weak hook behind knee - Must be tight and deep

⚠️ Not controlling ankle - They post and prevent sweeps

⚠️ Static elevation - Must constantly adjust pressure

⚠️ Staying too long - X-guard is for sweeping, not stalling

⚠️ Wrong leg configuration - Legs must create actual X

⚠️ Not committing to sweep - Hesitation allows them to defend

🥋 Essential Sweeps from X-Guard​

Classic X-Guard Sweep (Elevator Sweep)​

Setup Position: Classic x-guard underneath opponent

Execution:

  1. X-guard established with hook behind knee
  2. Control their ankle with outside hand
  3. Inside hand controls pants/belt
  4. Extend hook leg (elevator motion)
  5. Pull ankle while lifting
  6. They elevate and fall
  7. Come on top in side control or guard

Key Details:

  • Hook leg extension is key
  • Must control ankle (prevents posting)
  • Timing with their weight shift
  • Follow through to top
  • Called "elevator" for lifting motion

Tactical Use: Highest percentage x-guard sweep; works on any size; pure leverage; fundamental technique

Technical Stand-Up​

Setup Position: Single leg x-guard seated position

Execution:

  1. Single leg x-guard established
  2. Control their trapped leg with both legs
  3. Sit up actively
  4. Post hand behind you
  5. Stand up while maintaining leg control
  6. Finish sweep to top position
  7. Or transition to single leg takedown

Key Details:

  • Must sit up explosively
  • Maintain leg control throughout
  • Stand fully before finishing
  • Modern competition essential
  • Works gi and no-gi

Tactical Use: High-percentage modern sweep; direct stand-up; scores sweep points; transitions to wrestling

Overhead Sweep from X-Guard​

Setup Position: Classic x-guard with them pressuring forward

Execution:

  1. X-guard established
  2. They pressure down on you
  3. Pull their ankle strongly
  4. Extend hook leg upward
  5. They flip over you
  6. Follow to mount or back
  7. Momentum-based finish

Key Details:

  • Requires their forward pressure
  • Timing is critical
  • Strong ankle pull
  • Follow through immediately
  • Can lead to back take

Tactical Use: Reaction-based sweep; spectacular finish; creates back-take opportunity; timing technique

Single Leg X Sweep to Back​

Setup Position: Single leg x-guard seated

Execution:

  1. SLX with both legs on their one leg
  2. Come up to technical stand
  3. Drive forward with their leg controlled
  4. Circle behind as they fall
  5. Take back mount
  6. Secure hooks

Key Details:

  • Must stand fully
  • Drive through them
  • Circle to back (don't just sweep)
  • High-value technique (4 points)
  • Competition favorite

Tactical Use: Back-take opportunity; scores 4 points; dominant position; modern competition essential

See back mount

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. X-Guard Entry Drill (10 reps each side)

    • From seated, shoot legs into X position
    • Practice on heavy bag or wall
    • Build entry speed and precision
    • Essential muscle memory

  2. Hook Extension Exercise (20 reps each leg)

    • Practice extending hook leg (elevator motion)
    • Build strength in hip flexors and abs
    • Foundation for all x-guard sweeps
    • Can use resistance band

  3. Technical Stand-Up Solo (15 reps each side)

    • From seated, practice explosive stand-up
    • Build leg strength and explosiveness
    • Essential for SLX sweeps
    • Competition preparation

  4. Inversion Under (5 reps each side)

    • Practice getting underneath smoothly
    • Build comfort in inverted position
    • Flexibility development
    • Advanced position comfort

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Position Establishment (Cooperative)

  • Partner stands, you get underneath
  • Practice establishing x-guard properly
  • Hold position 30 seconds
  • 10 reps focusing on proper leg configuration
  • Build foundational understanding

Level 2: Sweep Mechanics (Light Resistance 25%)

  • Practice elevator sweep and technical stand
  • Partner gives light resistance
  • Focus on timing and leverage
  • Flow for 5 minutes
  • Develop proper mechanics

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start in x-guard
  • You sweep, they defend and try to pass
  • 50% resistance
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Build timing under pressure

Level 4: Live Rolling (100%)

  • Enter x-guard during rolling
  • Full resistance application
  • Focus: Entries, sweeps, transitions
  • Competition preparation
  • Real-world application

Common Drill Sequences​

Drill 1: DLR to X-Guard Flow

  1. Start in de la riva guard
  2. Transition to x-guard
  3. Execute sweep
  4. Reset to DLR
  5. Continuous flow
  6. 5 minutes building connectivity

Drill 2: X-Guard Sweep Chain

  1. Attempt elevator sweep
  2. If defended → technical stand-up
  3. If defended → transition to SLX
  4. If defended → overhead sweep
  5. Continuous flow
  6. 5 minutes developing options

Drill 3: X to Back Take

  1. Establish SLX
  2. Technical stand-up
  3. Drive forward
  4. Circle to back
  5. Secure back mount
  6. 10 reps each side for precision

Drill 4: Guard Transition Circuit

  1. Start butterfly guard
  2. Transition to x-guard
  3. Transition to SLX
  4. Transition to deep half
  5. Back to butterfly
  6. 3 minutes continuous flow

See guard transition training

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Understanding x-guard concept, basic entries
  • Week 3-4: Elevator sweep, maintaining position
  • Week 5-8: Technical stand-up, SLX development
  • Month 3-4: Live application, transitions from other guards
  • Month 6+: Competition use, back takes, advanced entries
  • Blue Belt+: Complete x-guard system with seamless transitions

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: Can't Get Underneath Opponent​

Solutions:

  1. Enter from de la riva (easiest entry)
  2. Time entry when they're standing/moving
  3. Use grips to pull them over you
  4. Practice inversion comfort
  5. May need flexibility work
  6. Start from seated positions first

Problem: They Keep Stepping Out​

Solutions:

  1. Control ankle more aggressively
  2. Keep constant upward pressure
  3. Sweep immediately (don't wait)
  4. Transition to SLX (harder to escape)
  5. Better initial hook depth
  6. Active leg adjustment constant

Problem: Can't Generate Sweep Power​

Solutions:

  1. Get deeper underneath their center
  2. Hook behind knee must be tight
  3. Extend hook leg explosively
  4. Pull ankle strongly
  5. Timing with their weight shift
  6. Build leg strength with specific drills

Problem: Losing Position During Sweep​

Solutions:

  1. Commit fully to sweep (no hesitation)
  2. Follow through immediately
  3. Maintain grips throughout
  4. Practice sweep completion specifically
  5. May be sweeping too slowly
  6. Build explosive power

Problem: Can't Enter from Live Position​

Solutions:

  1. Setup entries from DLR first
  2. Practice guard pull to x-guard
  3. Enter when they're standing
  4. Use butterfly as entry point
  5. Drill entries repeatedly
  6. May be telegraphing attempt

🔄 Attack Chains & Combinations​

DLR → X-Guard → Sweep → Back​

  1. Establish de la riva guard
  2. Add second hook (becomes x-guard)
  3. Execute elevator sweep
  4. Follow to their back
  5. Secure back mount
  6. Natural progression

See de la riva

X-Guard → Failed → SLX → Stand-Up​

  1. Attempt x-guard sweep
  2. They defend by stepping
  3. Transition to single leg x
  4. Technical stand-up sweep
  5. Reaction-based chain
  6. Multiple options

Butterfly → X-Guard → Mount​

  1. Butterfly guard established
  2. They stand, you shoot under
  3. Establish x-guard
  4. Overhead sweep
  5. Land in mount
  6. Complete position chain

See butterfly guard

X-Guard → Deep Half → Sweep​

  1. X-guard position
  2. They defend aggressively
  3. Dive deeper to deep half
  4. Sweep from deep half
  5. Guard transition succeeds
  6. Alternative path

💡 Advanced Concepts​

X-Guard Entry Methods​

From De La Riva:

  • Most common entry
  • Add second hook behind knee
  • Natural progression
  • High-percentage in competition

From Butterfly:

  • They stand up from butterfly
  • Shoot legs underneath
  • Quick entry
  • Common in scrambles

From Half Guard:

  • Escape from under side control
  • Deep half to x-guard
  • Recovery entry
  • Defensive to offensive

Guard Pull Direct:

  • Seated guard pull
  • Shoot directly into x-guard
  • Competition specific
  • Modern approach

From Failed Sweep:

  • Butterfly/scissor sweep failed
  • Stay underneath
  • Establish x-guard
  • Opportunistic entry

X-Guard Retention Concepts​

When They Start Jumping:

  1. Elevate higher (off-balance)
  2. Ankle control critical
  3. Sweep immediately
  4. Don't let them gather balance
  5. Transition if needed

When Hook Getting Freed:

  1. Transition to SLX immediately
  2. Don't fight losing battle
  3. Deep half available
  4. Fluid transitions essential
  5. Never stay in weak position

Against Back-Step:

  1. Follow with your legs
  2. Transition to reverse x-guard
  3. Or release to different guard
  4. Anticipate their escape
  5. Stay one step ahead

Competition Strategy​

Points Consideration:

  • Sweeps score 2 points
  • Back takes score 4 points
  • Must come up completely
  • Advantages for near-sweeps
  • Balance offense with position

Tactical Approach:

  • Enter x-guard quickly
  • Don't stall (refs penalize)
  • Sweep within 3-5 seconds
  • If no sweep, transition
  • Chain with other guards
  • Technical stand-ups score

X-Guard vs Different Body Types​

Against Larger Opponents:

  • X-guard ESPECIALLY effective
  • Pure leverage position
  • Size becomes disadvantage for them
  • Technical precision required
  • Confidence in mechanics

Against Smaller Opponents:

  • Less weight makes elevation harder
  • Faster transitions needed
  • They may escape more easily
  • Timing more critical
  • Still functional

Against Tall Opponents:

  • Longer legs = longer levers
  • Easier to off-balance
  • Hook placement critical
  • Great position against tall

Against Stocky/Short Opponents:

  • Lower center of gravity
  • Harder to elevate
  • Quick sweeps better than slow
  • May need more explosive power

Gi vs No-Gi Differences​

Gi X-Guard:

  • Pants/ankle grips available
  • Stronger control
  • Slightly slower pace
  • Belt grips very useful

No-Gi X-Guard:

  • Still highly functional
  • Ankle control more critical
  • Faster pace
  • Emphasis on explosive sweeps
  • Transitions quicker
  • Technical stand-ups preferred

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand x-guard concept (Month 8-10)
  • Basic entry from de la riva
  • Elevator sweep execution
  • Recognize x-guard opportunities
  • Comfort being underneath

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Elevator and technical stand-up functional
  • SLX proficiency
  • Multiple entries smooth
  • X-guard as go-to sweep position
  • Competition application
  • Back takes from x-guard
  • Teaching basic x-guard

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Complete x-guard system
  • All entries smooth and opportunistic
  • Back takes high-percentage
  • Advanced timing and feel
  • Competition specialization possible
  • Teaching ability comprehensive
  • Seamless guard transitions
  • Creating x-guard opportunities

Brown/Black Belt Expertise​

  • X-guard as complete offensive system
  • Creative entries from any position
  • High-level competition success
  • Developing personal variations
  • Teaching advanced concepts
  • Understanding all opponent escapes

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding X-Guard fundamentals:

  1. Master elevator sweep → Fundamental technique first
  2. Learn DLR to X transition → Most common entry
  3. Add technical stand-up → Modern essential
  4. Study SLX separately → Complete related system
  5. Practice back takes → High-value advancement
  6. Develop entries → From multiple guards
  7. Build leg strength → Specific to x-guard movements
  8. Study guard transitions → X-guard as part of system

🔗 Related Resources​

Guard System Concepts​

Positions from X-Guard​

Submissions (Opportunistic)​

Opponent Perspective​

Theoretical Foundation​

Progress Tracking​