Jiu-Jitsu is known for its complexity on the ground. Among its most defining features is the guard—a position used to control, defend, and attack while on the bottom. At Gracie Barra Carlsbad, we teach students how to develop strong, reliable guards from the beginning of their training.
Whether you are brand new or already experienced, understanding the most common guards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is essential. In this article, you’ll learn what the guard is, why it’s so important, who benefits most, when to train it, and where to get the best instruction in Carlsbad.
The guard is the heart of many Jiu-Jitsu strategies. Unlike other martial arts that discourage being on your back, BJJ empowers you to attack and defend from this position.
Here are the main reasons to build a solid guard game:
Control: The guard gives you control over your opponent’s posture and movement
Defence: It allows you to protect yourself from strikes or guard passes
Attack Options: Many submissions and sweeps start from guard positions
Adaptability: Different guard types suit different body types, making the position highly versatile
At Gracie Barra Carlsbad, we focus on developing these skills early. Our structured programmes help students build a guard that works for their style and goals.
There are many variations of guard, each with unique advantages. Below are the most frequently used guards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
This is usually the first guard beginners learn. In this position, your legs are locked around your opponent’s waist.
Benefits:
Easy to learn for beginners
High level of control over posture
Allows transitions to submissions like armbars and triangles
Here, your legs are not locked. This gives you more movement but requires better grip control.
Examples include:
Spider Guard
Lasso Guard
De La Riva Guard
Collar-and-Sleeve
Open guard is common in both self-defence and sport Jiu-Jitsu. It works well for managing distance and setting up attacks.
In half guard, one of your legs is wrapped around your opponent’s leg. It is both a defensive and attacking position.
Why it’s useful:
Strong control of lower body
Ideal for sweeping larger opponents
Transitions easily to deep half and full guard
You sit upright with your feet hooked inside your opponent’s thighs. This is perfect for lifting and sweeping your partner.
Strengths:
Excellent for mobility
Works well in both gi and no-gi
Great entry for back takes and submissions
Popular in sport Jiu-Jitsu, this guard uses one leg to hook the opponent’s outside leg while gripping their sleeve or collar.
Advantages:
High success in tournaments
Offers a variety of sweeps and back takes
Prevents aggressive passing when used properly
The sooner you begin training guard, the better. At Gracie Barra Carlsbad, we incorporate guard training from your very first class.
Start with the closed guard. Learn how to control posture and stay safe.
Transition into open guard types. Learn how to manage distance, build attacks, and avoid guard passes.
Master transitions between guards. Develop timing, flow, and attack chains.
Training guard regularly will improve your game in both offence and defence. The more time you invest, the more confident you become.
While every Jiu-Jitsu student needs to learn guard, some benefit even more from it.
Smaller practitioners: Use leverage instead of strength to neutralise size disadvantages
Women: Guard gives effective tools for self-defence, especially from the ground
Older adults: Reduces strain on joints and relies on timing over power
Competitors: Guard variations give strategic advantages in tournaments
At Gracie Barra Carlsbad, our instructors customise training to suit each student. You don’t need to be athletic to have an effective guard.
If you’re looking to build your Jiu-Jitsu guard with professional instruction and a proven curriculum, Gracie Barra Carlsbad is the place.
📍 Located in Carlsbad, CA, we serve students of all ages and backgrounds.
What you’ll find at our academy:
Clean, modern facilities with high-quality mats
Certified Gracie Barra instructors
Structured programmes for beginners, kids, adults, and competitors
A welcoming community focused on respect and growth
Every class at Gracie Barra Carlsbad includes techniques that improve your guard. Here’s a typical format:
Warm-Up: Mobility and cardio drills to prepare the body
Technique Breakdown: Learn one or two guard-related techniques
Partner Drills: Practice with control and focus
Live Sparring (Rolling): Apply what you’ve learned in real time
Cool Down: Stretch and recover properly
Even if you’re a beginner, our team will guide you through each step with patience and care.
Mastering the guard opens up a world of possibilities in Jiu-Jitsu. At Gracie Barra Carlsbad, we’ll help you develop confidence from the ground up—literally.
Whether your goal is self-defence, fitness, or sport competition, learning the guard is essential. With the right instruction, you’ll quickly see improvement and feel more prepared in every area of your training.
Train with a team that’s committed to your progress—on and off the mats.
