Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - 4 Different Types of Guard and Their Uses

Brazilian jiu jitsu is one of the most versatile martial arts that has ever been created. It is also one of the simplest art form to grasp. This is because all of the techniques are taught from positions that have become standardized by the sport. One of the most versatile positions that is commonly used is the guard. Below are just a few different variations of the guard and how they are used.

1) Closed Guard

The closed the guard is the most fundamental of all Brazilian jiu jitsu positions. This position is performed by lying on your back and controlling your opponent by wrapping your legs around their waist. While the amount of attacks and variety is limited from here it is a good starting position and one that provides a good deal of protection.

2) Open Guard

The open guard is a very versatile position. The guard is referred to as open any time someone has their opponent in this position and they do not have their legs locked behind their opponents back. One of the advantages of this type of defense is that it encourages the movement of your opponent. During these free motion exchanges there are many opportunities to get a sweep or submission.

3) Butterfly Guard

Many Brazilian jiu jitsu positions are named after an animal they emulate. The butterfly guard is one such position. The attacks available from here focus on either lifting your opponent or using your feet to pull yourself underneath them and taking them out of their base. This position allows for a lot of transitions and is popular in mixed martial arts and no-gi competition.

4) Spider Guard

The spider guard is most often use by gi Brazilian jiu jitsu practitioners. Using the sleeves of their opponent's kimono a fighter will get wrist control and then place their feet on the inside of their opponent's biceps. This type of control can be used to force your partner to stand or so set up fast triangle chokes and arm bars.

The positions that exist in this sport are literally infinite. That is because there is an infinite amount of way that two human bodies can be positioned in relation to one another. You don't have to be great at every one of them to enjoy B.J.J. Just mastering the basics and a few advanced movements is all you really need to roll and train effectively.

http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Peter_Gonzalez