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Guard Pulls

Quick Introduction​

Guard pulling is the strategic art of bringing the fight to the ground while establishing your preferred guard position. Rather than engaging in potentially risky takedown exchanges, guard pulls allow you to dictate the pace, start from your strongest position, and immediately begin attacking. When executed properly, guard pulls are controlled, safe, and set you up for immediate offensive opportunities.

Position Overview​

Station: Standing

Achieved from: Grip fighting control, strategic decision to avoid takedown exchange, competition strategy

Leads to: Closed guard, butterfly guard, open guard variations

Guard Pull Types (4 Main Variations)​

🎯 Closed Guard Pull (Most Fundamental)​

Objective

Safely bring fight to ground while immediately establishing closed guard control

Main Characteristic

Controlled sit-down with immediate leg wrap around opponent's waist; emphasis on maintaining grips throughout

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish strong grips (collar and sleeve, or double collar)
  2. Step back slightly to create space
  3. Sit down in controlled manner (don't jump or fall)
  4. Keep grips tight throughout descent
  5. Immediately wrap legs around waist
  6. Lock ankles behind opponent's back
  7. Break their posture down with grips
  8. Begin attacking from closed guard

Critical Details

  • Never release grips during pull
  • Sit down controlled, not falling backward
  • Legs wrap immediately as you sit
  • Pull opponent forward as you descend
  • Land with strong posture control
  • Don't give them time to establish standing position

Tactical Advantage

Safest guard pull; immediate control; natural for beginners; prevents opponent establishing grips; starts you in fundamental position; excellent for gi

🦋 Butterfly Guard Pull (Dynamic Control)​

Objective

Establish butterfly guard with immediate sweeping threats and offensive options

Main Characteristic

Sitting position with hooks inside opponent's thighs; active hip movement and constant sweeping threats

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish sleeve and collar grips (or wrist and collar)
  2. Sit to butterfly position (hooks inside thighs)
  3. Maintain strong grip control throughout
  4. Elevate with butterfly hooks
  5. Create immediate sweeping threats
  6. Break opponent's posture forward
  7. Attack with sweeps or submissions

Technical Details

  • Hooks go inside opponent's thighs immediately
  • Keep weight forward on hooks
  • Use grips to pull opponent onto you
  • Constant elevation threat with hooks
  • More dynamic than closed guard
  • Excellent for sweep-focused game

Tactical Advantage

Immediate offensive threats; high sweeping percentage; works excellently no-gi; dynamic and active; prevents opponent settling into position

🪑 Sitting Guard Pull (Modern Approach)​

Objective

Establish seated open guard position with immediate control and attack options

Main Characteristic

Seated position with one or both legs managing distance; emphasis on grip control and leg framing

Execution (Step by Step)

  1. Establish controlling grips (sleeve and pants, or double sleeve)
  2. Sit to ground in controlled manner
  3. Immediately establish leg frames (shin on hip, De la Riva hook, etc.)
  4. Use grips to break opponent's posture
  5. Create angles with hip movement
  6. Threaten sweeps and submissions
  7. Prevent opponent establishing passing grips

When to Use

  • Modern sport BJJ approach
  • Against aggressive guard passers
  • When you prefer open guard variations
  • Excellent for lighter practitioners
  • Technical, movement-based game

Tactical Advantage

Maximum flexibility; multiple guard variations available; excellent distance management; modern competition approach; hard to pass immediately

🌊 Dynamic Guard Pull (Advanced Entries)​

Objective

Pull guard while creating immediate submission or sweep threats; combining guard pull with attack

Main Characteristic

Pull guard directly into attacking position (triangle setup, arm drag, etc.); seamless transition from standing to attack

Execution (Step by Step - Triangle Entry Example)

  1. Establish controlling grips with triangle in mind
  2. Pull guard while pulling arm across
  3. Immediately bring leg over shoulder
  4. Lock triangle position as you land
  5. Finish submission or sweep from there

Alternative Dynamic Pulls:

  • Arm drag to back take while pulling
  • Kimura grip to guard with immediate attack
  • Flying triangle/armbar (high risk, high reward)
  • Omoplata entry from standing

When to Use

  • Advanced practitioners
  • Competition situations needing immediate finish
  • Against defensive opponents
  • When you have perfect grip setup
  • High-level risk/reward scenarios

Tactical Advantage

Immediate submission threat; opponent forced to defend immediately; highlight-reel technique; demonstrates technical proficiency

Important Observations (General Rules)​

Core Principles​

  1. 🎯 Grip control is non-negotiable - Never pull guard without secure grips; grips prevent them establishing passing position
  2. 💪 Controlled descent, not falling - Sit down with purpose and control; falling creates scrambles and danger
  3. ⏱️ Immediate guard establishment - Lock guard position instantly; don't give opponent time to pass
  4. 🔄 Posture breaking is priority - Pull opponent forward as you descend; broken posture prevents immediate passing
  5. 🎮 Guard type selection - Choose based on situation:
    • Closed Guard → Maximum control, fundamental
    • Butterfly Guard → Sweeping focused, dynamic
    • Sitting Guard → Modern approach, technical
    • Dynamic Pull → Advanced, attack-focused

Connection to Theories​

Applying core principles:

  • Space Management: Control distance with grips; manage space with legs
  • Support Maintenance: Constant grip connection; never release during transition
  • Weight Distribution: Pull opponent's weight onto you; create off-balance
  • Structural Relations: Break their posture line; maintain your guard structure
  • Movement Adaptation: Adjust guard type based on opponent's reactions

Common Mistakes​

⚠️ Pulling without grips - Allows opponent to establish passing position immediately; very dangerous

⚠️ Jumping to guard - Landing uncontrolled; risk of injury; creates scrambles instead of position

⚠️ Not breaking posture - Opponent stands tall and passes easily; no control established

⚠️ Releasing grips during pull - Loses all control; opponent can pass or attack

⚠️ Fear-based falling - Panic reaction instead of controlled technique; creates vulnerability

⚠️ No immediate guard lock - Sitting without establishing guard; easy to pass

⚠️ Wrong guard for situation - Pulling closed guard against standing passer; tactical error

🥋 Guard Pull Setups and Entries​

From Collar and Sleeve Grips​

Setup: Traditional gi grip fighting position

Entry:

  1. Establish collar grip (one hand)
  2. Establish sleeve grip (other hand)
  3. Pull opponent slightly forward
  4. Sit down while pulling them onto you
  5. Wrap legs immediately
  6. Break posture with collar grip
  7. Land in closed guard

Key Details: Pull them forward as you sit; grips stay tight; natural for gi

Tactical Use: Most common competition pull; fundamental entry; reliable and safe

From Double Sleeve Control​

Setup: Modern sport BJJ grip configuration

Entry:

  1. Establish both sleeve grips
  2. Pull one arm across and down
  3. Sit to butterfly or sitting guard
  4. Immediately establish hooks or leg frames
  5. Break their posture forward
  6. Attack with sweeps or transitions

Key Details: Prevents them establishing collar grips; excellent control; modern approach

Tactical Use: Competition standard; prevents opponent's grips; technical control

From Underhook Control​

Setup: Clinch or close-range grip fighting

Entry:

  1. Establish deep underhook
  2. Control opposite wrist or sleeve
  3. Sit to butterfly guard
  4. Maintain underhook throughout
  5. Opposite arm controls their arm
  6. Immediate sweep threats
  7. Attack from butterfly guard

Key Details: Underhook extremely valuable in guard; sitting maintains control; sweep-focused

Tactical Use: No-gi excellent; natural from clinch; immediate offensive options

From Failed Takedown Attempt​

Setup: Your takedown attempt gets defended

Entry:

  1. Attempt takedown
  2. Opponent defends successfully (sprawl, etc.)
  3. Instead of continuing, sit to guard
  4. Establish grips and guard position
  5. Better than exhausting yourself forcing takedown

Key Details: Strategic adaptation; preserves energy; maintains offensive position

Tactical Use: Competition strategy; prevents stalling penalties; smart energy management

Flying Guard Pulls (Advanced)​

Setup: Dynamic entry for experienced practitioners

Entry Example (Flying Triangle):

  1. Establish controlling grips
  2. Jump with one leg over shoulder
  3. Pull arm across body
  4. Lock triangle as you swing around
  5. Finish triangle or sweep

Risk Factors:

  • High injury risk if mistimed
  • Requires perfect grip control
  • Easy to counter if expected
  • Only for advanced practitioners
  • Spectacular when successful

Key Details: Only attempt with perfect setup; train extensively first; know landing mechanics

Tactical Use: Highlight technique; surprises opponents; competition finisher

🎓 Training Progressions​

Solo Drills​

  1. Sit-Out Drill (20 reps)

    • From standing, sit to guard position
    • Practice controlled descent
    • Return to standing
    • Build comfort with guard pull motion
    • Foundation for all pulls

  2. Guard Entry Shadow (5 minutes)

    • Simulate guard pulls with invisible opponent
    • Practice grip patterns
    • Controlled sit-downs
    • Immediate guard locks
    • Build muscle memory

  3. Technical Stand-Up (20 reps)

    • From guard position, stand back up
    • Safe mechanics
    • Reverse of guard pull
    • Essential for guard retention
    • Complete the cycle

Partner Drills​

Level 1: Cooperative Pulling (No Resistance)

  • Partner allows you to pull guard
  • Practice perfect mechanics
  • Focus on grips and controlled descent
  • 10 reps each guard type
  • Build technical foundation

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

  • Partner provides basic defense
  • Practice maintaining grips
  • Focus on posture breaking
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Building under pressure

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

  • Start from grip fighting
  • Pull guard against realistic defense
  • Partner tries to prevent or immediately pass
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Focus on timing and control

Level 4: Live Guard Pulling (100%)

  • Full resistance standing exchanges
  • Pull guard in live situations
  • Opponent tries to pass immediately
  • 3-minute rounds
  • Competition simulation

Common Drill Sequences​

Drill 1: Guard Pull to Attack

  1. Establish grips
  2. Pull to closed guard
  3. Break posture
  4. Immediately attack triangle or sweep
  5. 10 complete sequences
  6. No pause between pull and attack

Drill 2: Multiple Guard Pulls

  1. Attempt closed guard pull
  2. If defended, switch to butterfly
  3. If defended, switch to sitting guard
  4. Flow through all options
  5. 5-minute continuous flow

Drill 3: Pull and Retain

  1. Pull to your best guard
  2. Partner immediately tries to pass
  3. You retain and recover guard
  4. 3-minute rounds
  5. Building guard retention

See closed guard details

Progression Timeline​

Following training methods:

  • Week 1-2: Closed guard pull mechanics only
  • Week 3-4: Breaking posture, basic control
  • Week 5-8: Butterfly or sitting guard pulls
  • Month 3-6: Live application, immediate attacks
  • Month 6+: Competition ready, teaching others

🔧 Troubleshooting Guide​

Problem: Opponent Passes Immediately After Pull​

Solutions:

  1. Never release grips during pull
  2. Break their posture as you sit
  3. Lock guard position faster
  4. Pull them onto you, not away
  5. Study guard retention
  6. Practice posture breaking drills

Problem: Can't Control Descent (Falling)​

Solutions:

  1. Practice sit-out drills daily
  2. Step back before sitting
  3. Don't rush the pull
  4. Maintain grip tension throughout
  5. Build core strength
  6. Start from lower stance

Problem: Opponent Stands and Passes​

Solutions:

  1. Wrong guard type for situation
  2. Pull them forward harder
  3. Use closed guard initially (prevents standing)
  4. Or accept standing and transition to open guard
  5. Improve posture breaking mechanics

Problem: Losing Grips During Pull​

Solutions:

  1. Establish stronger initial grips
  2. Don't release tension during sit
  3. Pull them onto you as you descend
  4. Practice grip fighting first
  5. Strengthen grip specifically
  6. Review grip fighting

Problem: Getting Injured During Pulls​

Solutions:

  1. Never jump to guard carelessly
  2. Control your descent
  3. Don't attempt flying techniques without training
  4. Land on proper surface
  5. Practice falling mechanics (ukemi)
  6. Progress gradually to dynamic pulls

💡 Advanced Concepts​

Guard Pull Strategy by Ruleset​

IBJJF Rules:

  • No penalty for guard pull
  • No points awarded for pull
  • Safe strategic option
  • Focus on sweep or submission from guard
  • Time limits matter

ADCC Rules:

  • Negative points for guard pull in some situations
  • Encourages takedown attempts
  • Strategic pulling still viable
  • Must be active from guard
  • Points system different

Submission Only:

  • Guard pull completely viable
  • No points to worry about
  • Pure submission focus
  • Can pull immediately
  • Strategic patience option

Grip Fighting Integration​

Pre-Pull Grip Control:

  • Establish grips before pulling
  • Prevent opponent's grips
  • Break their preferred grips
  • Control their posture
  • Set up your attack

Grip Combinations for Different Guards:

Closed Guard Pull:

  • Collar and sleeve (traditional)
  • Double collar (posture breaking)
  • Cross collar (choke threat)

Butterfly Guard Pull:

  • Sleeve and collar
  • Double underhooks (ideal)
  • Overhook and underhook

Sitting Guard Pull:

  • Double sleeve (modern)
  • Sleeve and pants
  • Wrist and collar

See detailed grip strategy

Competition Strategy​

When to Pull Guard:

  • Opponent is superior wrestler
  • Your guard is stronger than takedowns
  • Time management (late in match)
  • Point situation favors bottom position
  • Energy conservation
  • Avoid risky exchanges

When NOT to Pull Guard:

  • Down on points (need takedown score)
  • Opponent has superior passing
  • Ruleset penalizes pulling
  • You have takedown advantage
  • Fresh match, want to establish dominance

Gi vs No-Gi Guard Pulls​

Gi Guard Pulls:

  • More grip options available
  • Easier to control descent
  • Closed guard highly effective
  • Collar grips break posture
  • More controlled overall
  • Traditional approach works

No-Gi Guard Pulls:

  • Limited grip options
  • Requires tighter control
  • Butterfly guard preferred
  • Underhooks critical
  • More dynamic
  • Wrestling influence strong
  • Sweeps more important than control

Dynamic Guard Pull Timing​

Perfect Timing Indicators:

  • Opponent's hands high or wide
  • Their weight shifting forward
  • They're reaching for grips
  • Between stance adjustments
  • They're moving toward you
  • Their posture broken already

Poor Timing Indicators:

  • Their posture strong and upright
  • Hands ready and low
  • Weight back and balanced
  • They expect the pull
  • No grip control established
  • You're off-balance

🎯 Belt-Level Expectations​

White Belt Goals​

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

  • Understand basic guard pull concept (Month 1-2)
  • Safe closed guard pull mechanics
  • Controlled descent without falling
  • Maintaining grips throughout pull
  • Breaking posture after pull
  • Not getting passed immediately

Blue Belt Development​

Referenced in Skill Progression:

  • Multiple guard pull types (closed, butterfly, sitting)
  • Integration with grip fighting
  • Immediate attacks from guard after pull
  • Competition-ready guard pulls
  • Teaching white belts basics
  • Strategic pull timing

Purple Belt Mastery​

  • Complete guard pull system
  • Dynamic pulls with attack combinations
  • Advanced grip strategies
  • Competition specialization
  • Teaching advanced concepts
  • Seamless standing to guard game
  • Guard pull becomes primary strategy

🎯 Next Steps​

After understanding guard pull fundamentals:

  1. Master closed guard pull → Safest, most fundamental option
  2. Perfect grip control → Review Grip Fighting thoroughly
  3. Add butterfly pull → Build dynamic option
  4. Connect to attacks → Immediate submissions or sweeps
  5. Study guard retention → Guard dynamics
  6. Competition application → Test under pressure
  7. Build complete guard game → Pull becomes automatic entry

🔗 Related Resources​

Standing Station Components​

Guard Positions From Pulls​

Guard Dynamics​

Submissions From Guard After Pull​

Fundamental Concepts​

Progress Tracking​