5 Essential Drills to Improve Your Guard Game

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mastering the guard isn’t just about survival—it’s about domination from the bottom. Whether you're a white belt learning the basics or a seasoned competitor sharpening your arsenal, these five drills will help you develop a more dangerous, technical guard. At Combate Kimonos, we believe in building your game from the ground up—literally.

1. Hip Escape Drill (Shrimping)

This foundational movement builds core strength and creates space—key for maintaining and recovering guard.

• Start lying on your back with knees bent
• Use your feet to push and slide your hips away from an imaginary opponent
• Repeat on both sides for 3–5 minutes

2. Technical Stand-Up into Guard

This drill develops awareness, balance, and the ability to return to guard when forced to stand or disengage.

• From seated guard, perform a technical stand-up
• Reset into open guard and repeat
• Do this for reps or as part of a warm-up

3. Lasso Guard Entries and Retention

If you play spider or lasso, this is a must. Practice inserting and maintaining your lasso against resistance bands or a partner.

• Focus on lasso placement, hip movement, and off-balancing
• Pair with transitions to triangle, omoplata, or sweeps

4. Balloon Sweep with Resistance

This classic sweep helps develop timing and guard sensitivity.

• Drill with a partner standing in base
• Use your hooks and grips to lift and sweep over your head
• Reset and repeat for both sides

5. Guard Retention with Side-to-Side Granby Rolls

Train your ability to follow movement and prevent passes.

• Start in a supine position
• Roll over each shoulder in response to pressure from your partner
• Maintain frames and reestablish guard

Train With Purpose

Drilling these movements will enhance your control, timing, and ability to dictate the match from the bottom. Consistency is key—dedicate 10–15 minutes each session to guard-specific training and watch your game evolve.

Train smart. Train tough. Train Combate.

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