Blue Belt Advice – Develop Your Guard

As newcomers to the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), the first year of training often revolves around grasping the fundamental mechanics of techniques and understanding the options available from basic ground positions. However, as practitioners progress to the blue belt level, a new phase of exploration and refinement emerges, particularly concerning the guard position.

Blue belt marks a thrilling juncture in one’s BJJ journey—a phase characterized by the exploration of variations within the guard position. With enough experience to defend themselves effectively and assert dominance in positions, blue belts are poised to expand their offensive repertoire. It’s a time for learning and sharing insights with classmates, often witnessed during open mat sessions where clusters of blue belts gather to exchange techniques and discoveries. “I watched a video where Gordon Ryan sets up his triangle like this!” becomes a common refrain.

But amidst this excitement, one question emerges: What is your guard? If you’re unsure, consider the plethora of guard variations prevalent in modern sports BJJ:

• Lasso guard
• 50/50 guard
• Worm guard
• Tornado guard
• Rubber guard
• Donkey guard
• K Guard
• Spider guard
• Lapel Guard
• Butterfly guard
• De la Riva guard
• X-guard
• Single-X guard
• Reverse De la Riva
• Cross guard
• Worm Guard
• Octopus Guard

Sitting guard

• …and the list goes on.

I advocate that the blue belt phase is a prime opportunity for experimenting with various guard types. Here are four tips to aid in the development of your guard game:

• Commit to it for a Month: To gauge the suitability of a particular guard for your game, challenge yourself to focus on using it consistently during rolls for at least a month. Initial attempts may be met with resistance and limited success, but perseverance is key to familiarizing yourself with the position and assessing its efficacy.
• Dedicate Time to the Position: Mastery of a technique or position requires extensive practice. Spend ample time in your chosen guard during training sessions. Request to start rolls from that position, and against advanced belts, ask to experience their control and strategies from the guard.
• Choose a Guard that Fits Your Physique: Recognize that your body type influences your approach to BJJ. Consider guards that align with your physical attributes and strengths. Whether it’s Marcelo Garcia’s butterfly guard or Romulo Barral’s spider guard, find a style that complements your build.
• Leverage Your Professor’s Guidance: Your professor is a valuable resource in your journey to develop your guard. Seek their advice on suitable guard types and techniques. Private lessons can offer personalized insights and tailored plans for improvement.

Additionally, tap into the wealth of knowledge within your BJJ community. Consult advanced belts who excel in the guard you aspire to develop, and utilize online resources like YouTube tutorials and competition footage to glean insights and refine your skills.

While white belts focus on survival and fundamental skills, blue belts should embrace a thirst for knowledge and dedicated efforts to refine specific techniques. By committing to the development of your guard game, you’ll gain confidence on the mat and propel yourself towards further advancements in your BJJ journey. So, embrace the journey, experiment with different guards, and watch as your skills flourish with focused dedication.