Master the universal concepts behind all BJJ open guards: grips, frames, hips and transitions.
Open guard is any guard where your legs are not locked around the opponent. Success depends on three things: grip control, framing to create space, and constant hip movement to prevent passing.
| Principle | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| Grip First | Control sleeve/wrist before moving hips. Gripless guard = instant pass. |
| Hip Movement | Never stay square. Constantly angle away from pressure. |
| Frames | Use knees, shins, and arms to create distance before they close it. |
| Level Changing | Make your guard multi-level β high (spider/lasso) to low (De La Riva/X). |
| Guard Retention | When passed, shrimp back immediately. Don't accept bad positions. |
Open guard mastery means knowing when to transition: De La Riva β berimbolo; spider β triangle; lasso β omoplata; butterfly β X-guard. Chain your guards so there's always a next move when one fails.
Without grips, open guard relies on body control: knees to chest, wrist control, and underhooks. Butterfly, single-leg X, and 50/50 are the most viable no-gi open guards.
Weekly techniques, tips and updates
Get the free BJJ White Belt Guide plus technique breakdowns, training tips & exclusive content every week. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Get Free Access βThe primary goal of open guard is to prevent your opponent from passing your legs, while simultaneously creating opportunities to sweep or submit them. It's about controlling distance and maintaining active engagement.
You stop passes by using your legs and hips to create frames, control grips, and shift your weight. Actively pushing, pulling, and repositioning your legs is key to maintaining your guard.
Common open guards include the Spider Guard, Lasso Guard, De La Riva Guard, and Butterfly Guard. Each offers different control points and attacking angles, but the core concepts of distance management and grip fighting apply to all.