Guard Pull
- BJJ
- Takedowns & Entries
- fundamental
- Standing
- 3 steps
From standing grips, sit down and pull the opponent into your closed guard to start the bottom game. Also known as the Pulling guard. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Pull guard when the opponent is the better wrestler or you want to fight from your guard, and the rules allow it. Get collar and sleeve grips first and break their posture forward. Pull them into you so you land in a strong guard, not flat on your back.
Step by step
- 01
Establish standing grips
Secure a collar and sleeve grip and break their posture toward you.
- 02
Sit and pull
Place a foot on their hip, sit down to your seat and pull them down into you with your grips.
- 03
Closed guard established
Wrap your legs and lock your ankles behind their back, breaking them into your closed guard.
Key details
- Get your grips and break their posture before you sit.
- Put a foot on the hip to control distance as you sit.
- Pull them down with you. Do not just flop to your back.
Common mistakes
- Sitting down before securing grips.
- Pulling guard with no foot on the hip, letting them pass immediately.
- Falling flat instead of pulling them into you.
Common counters
Opponents stay standing and step around your legs to pass, or posture up and open your guard. A pull with no foot on the hip lets them pass straight away. Keep the foot on the hip and close your guard as soon as you sit.
How to drill it
From standing grips, sit and pull your partner into closed guard, ten reps. Then do three rounds of one minute where your partner tries to pass as you sit.
Related techniques
- Mount Escape (Upa)BJJTrap an arm and the same-side leg, bridge over your shoulder and roll the opponent into your guard.
- Side Control Escape (Shrimp)BJJFrame against the opponent, shrimp your hips away and recover your guard.
- Back EscapeBJJProtect the neck, slide your hips to the mat to clear a hook, and turn in to their guard.
- Bicep SlicerBJJWedge the blade of your forearm into the crook of their elbow and curl their wrist to crush the biceps against the bone.
- Calf SlicerBJJWedge your shin behind their knee, fold their lower leg over it and pull to crush the calf into the bone.
- TwisterBJJFrom the truck, control the trapped leg and crank the head toward it to twist and torque the spine.
Train it with the AI coach