Closed Guard Passing Monster!

[@ObeyAndBePrey]

As a 10 year wrestler that has just started BJJ, I have to say this is the most thorough and mind-bending virtual seminar on guard passing I’ve ever seen. I’ve been searching for months. This is THE ONE! THANK YOU! 🙏

[@benlatham5150]

I bet you shock a lot of people ahaha

[@durtydeedsREI]

I just wish I didn't forget everything I watched once I start sparring lol

[@Changeling9au]

Know the feeling! Find partners who are willing to help you train it.

[@1hundredbill370]

Not everyone can explain ,yes this dude make simple things look hard ,there is many teachers like this ,too much talk , 10-15 minutes ,whole combo take 2 minutes.But you have to realize ,black belt not always really good ,it's very political ,look at Joe Rogan ,he never won any bjj competition ,but he is Joe Rogan,so his homie gave him black belt. Main thing is do this everyday ,and your body will remember ,just let it flow .Don't panic

[@LeviPage]

@@1hundredbill370 You can't be serious. This guy has great videos. Most of them are concise, but I actually think the details given here are great. Instead of saying open your base, step back, slide the knee...he explains the physics of each step so you know what you are actually trying to accomplish with each movement... That's what high level BJJ is all about.

[@skaz783]

Haha! Same! Although I started having eureka moments just after opportunities passed by, I can only hope with time I will see them coming earlier.

[@skaz783]

@@LeviPage I agree with you. Rick’s way of explaining is just what my analytical brain needs to understand the entire goal of a position. This is why when I try things, I may do something different for my build but because I know that goal is I can find my equivalent of the position or cue to execute.

[@rajones27]

Love this content! Thank you. I keep getting stacked, can’t wait for next time to try this

[@hunterkelley968]

I’ve found this video immensely helpful. I have a terrible base when in someone else’s closed guard. If I’m being honest my closed guard isn’t great either. It really made me realize that i can’t even worry about submissions until i start to get good control of my own base. Thank you so much for making videos like this, it’s very helpful to a brand new white belt like myself

[@jerryh2954]

That really was a very good lesson. As a 4 stripe purple belt, I learned a couple of pointers there that I will add immediately. Thanks for posting

[@tapskill3]

Thank you Professor Rick for doing this guard pasting and retention mini - session that works for both GI & NO GI. You would be surprised how many schools don’t teach the basics until their students are blue to purple belt. Coach AL

[@jasonfairbanks4714]

I’m 51 and just started Jiu Jitsu. Literally started 2 weeks ago. Chronic lower back pain, bad knees and arthritis starting in my hands. I wish I would have started 20 years ago, but I love that Jiu Jitsu seems to be so cerebral. BTW, Found your videos two days ago and can’t stop watching them! Most of the guys I roll with are 20+ years younger than I am, so for me I have a feeling that it’s got to be more about the mind than the body - literally mind over matter!

[@jonathanself6985]

I want to start so bad but I also have a low back issue. How is it going so far? I’m worried I’ll start and then be out of commission for a month

[@bws205]

I started a month ago at age 48 and out of shape....I'm sore after every class, and definitely feeling it in my joints esp. elbows. Just got my first stripe but don't feel like I know anything yet except a few general principles. It's definitely harder when you are older and have bad cardio.

[@icenic_wolf]

My first BJJ class is in 2 days. I'll be watching this a few more times to absorb as much as possible before then. Knowing _why_ something works, at least in my mind, is so much better than knowing _that_ something works.

[@AudreyandmeAu]

How did it go? Still going?

[@ryanpatterson3900]

Your attention to detail while you instruct is extremely helpful for those of us learning or trying to stay sharp. Thank you for your great content!

[@chazceena7594]

I watched this last night went and did a tournament today and it helped my closed guard immensely all the way to the point when they stood up and then I lost my guard. Thank you great stuff.

[@davidschwab2964]

You are a terrific teacher. Just perfectly clear and simple. Thank you so much. You have really helped me understand some of my issues that I struggle with.

[@TheArtofSkill]

I appreciate hearing that.

[@wrxstock2820]

6 years of trial and error and I figured some of this stuff out. What a gem of an instructional.

[@maytronix7201]

Super thankful for this vid. -no belt

[@utubeyelper]

Thank you so much for sharing a lifetime of knowledge.. what u explained took me 10 years to figure out.. your viewers don’t realize how lucky they are🙏🙏

[@kyleparadis5840]

Arent you dead?

[@massimilianodipace6602]

I am exactly that kind of white belt you described! I watched and studied your video several times and wow. I applied it during a sparring session, followed all steps, and magically opened the closed guard of higher belts with very low effort for the first time! Never got such a detailed and clear explanation and it worked! Thanks Rick, long journey but today I feel a small sense of achievement.

[@doubletee9000]

Rick, thanks for this awesome video! I am a blue belt in a pretty great academy in Canada. I watched this video last night, and today we did some closed guard positional sparing. These details made an insane difference for me! Thanks so much

[@BlueKimura]

Excellent instructions Professor Ellis. I will share with my students as well.

[@scotnicos5383]

my coach taught me this a few months back and it was an absolute gane changer. Great breakdown, thanks you 🙏🏽

[@martinbrown8625]

Started watching your posts this morning (I started BJJ 2 years ago at the age of 63). Your posts on how to approach training and managing your ambitions in the sport as 'an older man' have been priceless. Keep them coming, it is just going to add to my enjoyment of the sport

[@tribalhak]

professor...would love to see a video of how to recover back to the correct posture when your structure is compromised in the closed guard. e.g. when you have one arm in one arm out or your spine structure is broken. getting back to the correct structure is what i struggle with the most

[@MattRedmond94]

So many fine details packed into this video. Will be watching this multiple times.

[@TheArtofSkill]

Glad you got some things from it.

[@wyattearp985]

Love the way you break down foundations!... Thank you

[@narong1204]

I love the details that you provide. They really are the secrets to making the technique work. I feel like I can learn just by watching your videos and applying them with a practice partner. Which is not the case with most other instructional videos.

[@davidwest8049]

I continue to return to this video weekly, and continue to pick up additional detail. thank you.

[@mapleridgefarm1026]

Thank you, ive been playing with these techniques but you give some very good details here and really like the counter for when someone tries to get up. Keep up the good work 🙂

[@secohen73]

Easily the best BJJ channel out there. Thanks for the great instruction!

[@taylorrichens1749]

This is potentially the most useful and practical BJJ video I've seen in a very long time. Thank you!

[@tommcparland7135]

Hey Professor, these tips are excellent. I've only been training for about 6 months, but your videos have been incredibly helpful. Just an interesting note, that pelvic rotation and "rooting" method is prevalent in Chinese martial arts like Kung Fu and TaiChi. Of course, they don't really do this on the knees, but the principles are the same. I spent a lot of time in those arts prior to starting BJJ, and while very little of that knowledge translates to grappling, sometimes details like this allow me to connect my previous training. Keep up the awesome content...Oss!

[@stevereedatx]

This is absolutely amazing, I’m trying this tonight.

[@crossfitbilly]

Great, great video on the most basic aspect of jiu jitsu. There is something for every jiu jitsu practitioner here, from white to black belt.

[@matsuwd-emethdaath4002]

That sweep when someone breaks my guard was one of my favorites...with an altered version. As shown was great ...i tended to switch the left foot to the right hip instead of leaving it on the left...hook my right leg / heel to the the opponents left ankle/heel and grab his right ankle in the crook of my elbow while securing with a grab to my gi collar ...all that with a swing motion from one side to the other😊 Good stuff shown sir👍👍

[@ebateru]

Such great tips and very well explained as always. Thanks a lot coach

[@nickyryan777]

Great info! Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@XieTianXieDi888]

The one dislike was from a guy, who got his guard passed!

[@vincechanhealthy6373]

lots of great little details that i was missing before.

[@lootgoblin3358]

Man this video has so much value thank you , can’t wait to use this in the dojo 💪🏽✌🏽👏🏽🙏🏽

[@davidmowell7785]

Henry Akins, Rickson Gracie's first American Blackbelt teaches some of this technique. Good stuff.

[@nerusomoza7901]

Love your content, these tips and attention to detail is really important and what everyone should consider perfecting ❤️

[@ijustwannaleaveacommentony6511]

it's about how good you look when you do it. i agree lol. gotta make it look purty

[@Silvestre95]

Awesome video! I need more of this!

[@morrispegues2525]

One of my all time favorite sweeps.

[@yjt4857]

Thank you. Just thank you for this type of videos where you counter your counters. thank you and God bless you.

[@davids2159]

Love your teaching Rick. Keep up the great work on these videos!

[@ssssaintmarcus]

Very good fundamental way to get the guard open. I often forget about it cause I like the flashy stuff 🤣

[@woleadu2571]

“…but you look really stupid doing it” 😂 man that hurt cause I’m that white belt looking like that right now.

[@robottaway]

Best vid you can watch on this topic!

[@limitlessradiocast]

Amazing stuff here Rick! Keep up the great work!

[@gegaoli]

Fantastic. Thank you for this session.

[@MacksMoto]

Hey thanks!! I WILL have a great day! Thanks for the tips as well, awesome details here.

[@Pezhman101]

Great details. Thank you

[@upkpoxer]

Thanks for sharing! Stay safe!

[@wm6549]

Excellent! Thank you!

[@mr.z.454]

Great Information...THANKS!!! Well worth the 20 minutes.

[@JamezAdam]

Great instructional 👌👊

[@davidlee413]

What a great Guard class !

[@gmenendez9569]

Amazing Video! I have not yet started my first class but you are just giving me a framework that will accelerate at least the begging phase of a couple of months, I think. I wish I could train with you but I'm in Miami. Much success! Ossss

[@davidwalters3548]

Brilliant Instructional! Advanced Basics ;-)

[@earlbeaver7667]

Thank you...great job

[@Bei671]

This is SO HELPFUL!

[@gator7082]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@tyleranderson9190]

My professor says if you let someone open your guard you are way behind. Sometimes it better to know your beat and move on to something else. It was hard to hear because I didn’t want my guard passed but he was right!

[@CoolieJoe]

Have a great day too!

[@robertschwarberg80]

This is fantastic! Thank you!

[@matthewkrowchun6915]

Fantastic! thank you

[@Slamminbassplayer]

Super good hacks. Purple belt here. Raising your hips is stronger than people think, but I can hold a plank with most of my weight on my posts on your belt longer than you can fight gravity… as long as I keep a rounded back and you can’t pull my head down, mostly since gravity is on my side. Anyway, I love this channel.. Old guys rule! Ossss!

[@loso2408]

Great details !!! Wow

[@raiklaub975]

A great video with an exact and in-depth explanation. Still, it's a bit frustrating. You've just learned how to escape and he shows you how you can stop every attempt to escape by planking and even worse to break the best posture. Then the only option is to wait for the opponent to get tired and not be able to plank anymore? A counter for the counter? How to counter the plank?

[@jasonlomax3816]

Great one Rick!

[@rollinOnCode]

you and your kid are awesome

[@tomtrader6559]

amazingly simple:)

[@AmandaMorrowBlueVixen]

I love this breakdown. We made opening guard and maintaining guard my top priorities for the next 2 months to work on. I am a 37 year old, mom of 4 white belt and have my first competition in 3 months. Looking forward to drilling these with my husband and with my team mates 😀 -do you have any solo drills that can help work these when you don't have a partner? I have a heavy bag available if that helps.

[@MAPSMAPS1234]

How’d your comp go? Same age here. Just got promoted a couple months ago :)

[@AmandaMorrowBlueVixen]

@@MAPSMAPS1234 I lost both matches, but it was amazing and fun!

[@MAPSMAPS1234]

@@AmandaMorrowBlueVixen it’s such a great experience that makes you hungrier to work harder!

[@Isaac-mc4kk]

GOLD as always...

[@vmmd17]

Do you have any suggestions for someone with poor knee flexibility. I cannot get the proper structure because I cannot bend my knees much more than 90 degrees and I am easily pulled over.

[@jedsanford7879]

yo the test dummy got a purple belt! Congrats!

[@kyleblandon2250]

I’m a new white belt and have taken the advice of learning to survive and build a base. Last sparring session my goal was just purely to not let my posture get broken (for as long as possible) by a brown belt in guard. So I built a strong base, supinated my hips, tucked in my elbows, and pinned his hips pretty hard. Lasted a while, in the 2-3 minute range, but I don’t think he liked that because all he could say was that I was “too tense” and “need to loosen up”…what do I do with that?

[@bhughes9518]

Very Nice 👍

[@bananapatch9118]

I love how u block the guard pass, but I have short thick Palhares-esque legs and against a big guy I can’t close my guard at all. Thoughts ? Also, I’m a 59 year old white belt and can not sit down on my heels….feels like my knees are going to explode. Hoping that will slowly get better ? Thx !

[@gabrielalicea4803]

Sincerely feel like I should have paid for watching this… outstanding detail. Thank you!

[@1Slayer6661]

Send me $20, you’ll feel better

[@mateopucu]

Where's the guard passing the monster? Oh. Hyphenate compound modifiers.

[@TheJonnyJager]

In stage 1. My brother grips my elbow and my lapel and breaks my posture. No matter how solid my base and back is and I’m in trouble. Any tips?

[@30jaybyrd]

Where’s your school!?? Where do you teach?

[@bfpsu123]

Great stuff..in the kneeling guard break when you are walking/rocking back, what do you do if your opponent gets a cross collar grip? You won’t get pulled down as you showed but how do keep moving back to get enough space to get the knee in to break the guard open? Thanks

[@TheArtofSkill]

Learning to break grips is important, but honestly, most of the time I don’t care if they have a connection on my collar because it usually doesn’t prevent me from creating tension on their legs. If I can’t extend far enough, then I either have to break the grip, or switch to a different passing strategy. This particular pass is just one of several that I like.

[@bfpsu123]

@@TheArtofSkill …Thank you for the reply. I wasn’t doubting the opening method, it looks great and something I will use. I was just wondering about the grip keeping me from moving back far enough. Thanks for all your videos. I recommend this site to everyone I know. Great job…signed a 53 yr old Purple Belt 🤙

[@joeycee81585]

Dumb question. What are you grabbing in no gi?

[@matabele]

As a newbie this was awesome information, thanks! Could you possibly do a follow up video on the amendments necessary for no-gi, as you don't have quite the same grips available?

[@JSMinstantcoaching]

Ï have a question : why is it that proper structure (édit) : posture will always be considered as "vertical" ? Rosimar Palhares shows horizontal structure in the guard, isn't that valid also ?

[@TheArtofSkill]

I reject your premise. Structures are found everywhere, along every axis.

[@chriseff8740]

@@TheArtofSkill I think JSM is talking about 'low posture' type passing here, stacking in and putting weight on the guard player, like the Sao Paulo pass. I remember hearing JSM's interview with BJJ coach Priit Mihkelson who has taught low-posture passing vs. the closed guard and discussed it pretty often, especially GSP and Roger Gracie's use of stacking in against closed guard players (I think Priit may have talked about it on JSM's interview).

[@JSMinstantcoaching]

@@chriseff8740 exactly that, thank you for bringing this correction in, thank you so much :-) I really appreciate it.

[@dmustakasjr]

Pants grip looks super good, gonna add that to my full guard def. Might make some of the co-ed roles a little strange though :)

[@Burkesquest8]

👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@wlbernie]

Hip tuck invisible jiujitsu from Rickson Gracie. Give credit to where it's due. Rickson taught this years ago at his seminar and not one blackbelt knew this.

[@henrydehaay]

jigsaw jiujitsu

[@Andalousymehdi]

Hi sir the coupon code doesn't worck for me pleas hellp

[@TheArtofSkill]

Try it again. Apparently, I missed a step. Sorry about that.

[@fastlanenigeria]

A couple more inches to play with.

[@tagg1080]

I have this nagging theory that the guard is only a dominant position because BJJ players MAKE it a dominant position. I have 20 years of grappling experience but most of it is not with BJJ people, so my guard passing and guard game are far behind the rest of my skills. It is always nice to get some help on how to deal with the dirty guard pullers, thanks!

[@dino_rider7758]

Right at step one aren't you open for a cross collar choke??

[@TheArtofSkill]

If your positioning is correct, they'd have to have extremely long arms and extreme strength to choke you with their arms outstretched. I might do a video on the subject of not getting choked from different positions. I don't use my hands to protect my neck very often. It's about distancing properly and angles that minimize their leverage.

[@dino_rider7758]

@@TheArtofSkill Thanks for the reply. I'll be testing it out tonight. I (as a white belt) spend a lot of time going back and forth using my hands to protect my neck. Hadn't really thought about how inefficient that is...

[@tnktsinik]

I dont want to be that guy but... do I really need to squish the other guys junk? :P

[@AmandaMorrowBlueVixen]

Hip bones. There shouldn't be junk there. Lol. (Im not a guy. But ive never met any guys with their junk on their hip bones.)

[@tnktsinik]

@@AmandaMorrowBlueVixen while fast rolling I'm sure someone's junk is gonna get squished :P

[@treveenos]

7 225 pounders downvoted this .

[@samisaacs100]

Brilliant video , thank you the incredible insights

[@geofflloyd1821]

Excellent, thank you!