Student Objectives:

  1. The Student will learn how to transition from standing with Standard Grips to a position of Guard (Open or Closed).

  2. The student will experiment with proper footwork prior to sitting into the Open Guard.

Teaching Cues:

  • Standard Grips

  • Dance

  • Foot to the hip

  • Sit

Lesson: Pull Guard

Both the practicing student and assisting student will start with standard grips. The practicing student will start moving in a circular motion towards their hand that is on the collar. After creating rotational force the student will place a foot on the belt/hip and sit down.

The assisting student will attempt to maintain posture in the transition to the ground. This can be achieved by either Combat Base or Gorilla Squat. A good training partner will also bear their own weight and try not to allow a less experienced practicing student to back flop during the transition from standing to the ground.

Possible Extensions:

  • Provide the students with a grip fighting sequence previous to pulling Guard.

  • Allow students to experiment with stepping on the feet before sitting.

  • Combine the Guard Pull with the Scissor sweep or another sweep.

Possible Refinements:

  • Make sure the student creates a push/pull pressure with the Standard Grips and the Foot on the hip.

  • Grip placement on the collar is important and should be highlighted.

  • Make sure students don’t cross their feet.

Reference materials:

Teaching Reflections:

  • How did I do teaching?

  • What could I do better next time?

  • Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?