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There are a lot of suggestions out there telling you how to defend your guard. Some of these are: do not allow the other fighter to get a hold of your knees, find an angle, or drive your legs to the ground. However, there is one suggestion that I often see novices failing to do. Head control is critical in retaining guard.

Here is why: when the other fighter passes, his head is probably going to fall to one side, and his hips will follow in order to attempt side control. If your opponent is intelligent, he will gain control of your legs or hips to keep you from getting out. However, if you are able to take control of his advance, you won’t even let him pass at all.

For instance, when the other fighter goes to pass to the right, shove his head to the right. This is going to make a bit of a gap between the two of you, enabling you to prevent him from getting side control. This does not have to be a hard shove, but you should make sure it is firm by putting your hand to his cheek or your arm to his neck.

As you push on his head, shrimp out in the opposite direction hard. You’ll use your hips and legs way more than your arms; pushing his head is more about controlling his position to allow you to escape. After you’ve achieved enough distance, re-center yourself and put him back in your guard. Depending on his progress and control over your hips/legs, you may need to hip escape more than once. Just be ready for whatever happens and adjust.

Keep in mind that mastering these jiu jitsu moves is going to require practice. You will need to be patient so when the time comes you will be able to use them. Practice them, get good at them, and consider it one more tool in your BJJ belt of goodies.

Draculino is a fourth degree jiu jitsu black belt, multiple time world champion, and trainer of MMA, BJJ, and grappling champs. To learn more about him, visit his online jiu jitsu training site or stop in the free jiu jitsu forum.