Understanding Offense in Closed Guard

Learning to attack from the closed guard is a foundational skill that is a great introduction for understanding how to develop offense from your guard. Closed guard is a very static position so it’s easier to specific train and develop in when you start Jiu Jitsu, yet it can be very difficult when you first start to actually get your first arm bar or triangle in sparring. I find one of the main reasons for this is people focus on the attack they want to do, rather than focusing on which attack is available to them based off of the grips and positioning their opponent is in.
In this video I show how I got about picking which attack to build on from closed guard based off of what grips my opponent used to maintain his posture. I hope you liked the video and please like and share this video with a friend if you found it useful, it helps a lot for me growing the channel. Thanks!!
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[@hkazmi86]

Can you make more of these conceptual "if this then that" type videos? This was really helpful

[@JonThomasBJJ]

hkazmi86 yeah for sure, I think these if then style videos help a lot because I know there are a lot of videos on specific attacks but less about how to choose the correct one.

[@hkazmi86]

@@JonThomasBJJ agreed 100%. I've already started drilling this and I'm finding it helpful to build a strategic gameplan

[@semi-progamer3643]

Make some dvd Jon about this, its perfect

[@anotherguy5038]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/i2rOho2XbaqmhrM

[@kcwliew]

I've been training for 4 years and really frustrated with my closed guard - and now I understand why! No one has explained this to me before and I've been too thick to work it out on my own... tragedy!!! Thank you so much.

[@nelsonwang23]

Best Bjj content on KZbin.... period

[@matu4251]

Really good stuff. Could you do a similar video for butterfly guard?

[@JonThomasBJJ]

matu4251 yeah for sure I’m starting to get back into playing it again as well, there are a few different types of butterfly as well so I will try to build off of understanding the different kinds first. Thanks for the feedback!!

[@afpops]

@@JonThomasBJJ Yes! This same style of video with different positions would be fantastic. Thanks for all the content.

[@andrewbrown6512]

@@JonThomasBJJ I second this! Connecting so many concepts with these videos!

[@ddarkeh6677]

Love the fact that your not teaching specific attacks but trying to teach people to react to the opponent instead, too many times I see people attempting a single submission try to work it regardless if it’s working or not. Breath of fresh air, more concepts and methodologies please!

[@JonThomasBJJ]

ddarkeh yeah so many people just focus on the technique they want to do rather than what the opponent is making available.

[@gootintag5453]

The triangle set up at 1:50 is one of my favorite triangle set ups. Pretty simple and effective

[@davebond7380]

Hello jon im an injured blue at the moment. At first your vids may well have been in chinese but now as ive advanced they really make sense thanks a lot keep it coming

[@NotAllowedNearMilfs]

my man....Your teaching style makes all the difference in the world! Instead of just giving us a random grab bag of techniques without any context, you show a system of situation and response and how we can lead into our submissions. Thanks! The part where the opponent tries to drive back into you after you attempt a hip bump sweep, you showed how it leads back into the overlook pummeling game blew my mind. It all flows together as a system.

[@fredorivers4120]

After practicing jiujitsu for 1 week and studying and watching your videos non stop I was able to sweep two white belts with two grades. I’m super proud of myself but i’m more grateful for these kind of videos!

[@bgalvani]

Thanks Jon! Amazing as usual!

[@rodrigorezende5841]

As a purple belt trying to simplify/specialize... this is a gem. Thank you, Jon.

[@shaynegreen]

Dude, your channel is gold. Thank you!

[@jeffreyclowes169]

This really hit the nail on the head for me! Will be drilling reacting this way. Thanks a lot!

[@ThomasGrantMacDonald]

man great video. going to be studying/practicing these concepts for weeks. thanks jon

[@MrGil619]

Game changer. Thanks sir 🤙🏼❤️

[@jptothetree]

Thanks for posting. Awesome content. Closed guard for lifeeeee

[@oruppel8214]

The repummeling detail when getting the cross collar grip has been incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[@theticoboy]

Professor this is amazing content. You have a knack of filling in the gaps between beginner/advanced beginner and intermediate/advanced and connecting the dots better than I have ever seen! I think a very helpful video would be to have some ideas on what to do when you start falling behind in the grip fighting from these positions you covered. Should I abandon closed guard? Are there techniques to catch back up and get back to some of these attacking positions (i.e. high guard, over hook, flower sweeps etc.)?

[@bryancjacobs]

Thanks! This has allowed me to connect all the submissions and back takes that I've learned with the appropriate grip and hip movement to make them work!

[@stevecolvin1234]

Great video. Closed guard is currently one of those positions where I freeze up on figuring out what to do next.

[@stephenlabash3314]

Really appreciate your perspective & the need for contextual awareness as your rolling.

[@brodiehalbfoster9815]

This is gold!. Neil Melanson's triangle system is also built off your partners posture. It's not always possible to put your partner where you want them, so fight then where they are! This is what makes your jiu jitsu better. Thank you.

[@CraigBurgess]

Awesome as always! I'd love to see a similar video for takedowns. The concepts and what you're looking for rather than specific moves. It's still an area I struggle with especially when I'm competing and I'm trying to push the pace to get the fight to the floor ASAP.

[@alejandrocorrales212]

Thanks man, super useful stuff 👍🏽

[@quelove8556]

Love your teaching style.💯🤙🏾

[@rafaelpaixao2]

awesome video, i'll have to rewatch it a few times, so much valuable details i cant afford to lose

[@Galactus76]

Love it!!!! Great!!!! ❤

[@affaefd4093]

Great Instructional FREE VIDEOS!!!

[@jonzwikk1582]

Really good tips. Pls carry on and show more!

[@MrAC8787]

Loved this. Thank you!

[@daveclifford7895]

Really awesome video , I personally need more concepts like this 🤙🤙🤙

[@nathanieltillman2355]

Nice set ups, well explained and easy to understand. Thank you very much for this, it's just what I was looking for.

[@brucemoore4]

Jon, Thanks for the content that you are producing. I always look forward to your videos. They are very informative and make me think.

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Bruce Moore thank you so much

[@okinawajapan1]

Love your content as always JT! I need more guard retention ideas. I keep getting passed still and put into running man then chair sit. Looking for escapes from chair sit.

[@chrisgoods]

This is really good fundamental stuff... thanks so much for sharing.

[@tobyzimmerman5663]

Great Video! It would be super helpful to have one for each of the dominant/common positions; mount, back, side, open guard etc (offence & defense). I see the challenge in that the options from each position go off to infinity but I really liked how you gave a simple overview/framework.

[@Jamiebmurray]

Great overview snd spproach thsnks Jon

[@melanievoltz9844]

This is exactly how I needed to have it explained to me. THANK YOU FOR THIS! Game changer in my closed guard offense.

[@leinilyu]

great video. pls address the double bicep stiff arm to stand up and double belt stiff arm as well.

[@marlschult8130]

Best Jiu Jitsu video I have seen. Stringing it all together.

[@Transfunctioneer]

Just discovered your videos Jon and as a white belt they are absolute gems! Keep up the awesome content!

[@angelwalkwithme]

Great video. Saw fixes to like 5 different problem areas I have in closed guard.

[@danielgalhardi9321]

Great video! Thank you

[@andrewj6231]

You’re becoming my go to for learning techniques. So glad you’re here.

[@Kaane_]

Can't believe this stuff is free! Really helpful man. Thank you

[@h2cker]

this was super helpful, exactly what i was looking for

[@ryanthomas986]

Quality as always! If more people thought about the setups like this they would be in a far superior position as a result, regardless of a sub or not. Thanks Jon!

[@vladimiratanasov2304]

"You need to be thinking about what position you're in and what's the correct choice for that time" - As a bjj beginner that was a great insight. Thank you!

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Yeah it’s such a simple content but makes a tremendous difference in your mindset

[@samholmes9065]

love this style of video, as others have said please do this from other positions / guards, maybe a similar conceptual video for spider? so which attacks to go for depending on the posture + grips of the opponent, cheers dude really helpful!

[@Snowynz]

This content is so underrated. Pure gold.

[@dojoartesuave]

Thanks, It's awesome!

[@robertmcclean4723]

Great video John I always feel so lost in closed guard but there is always options which you clearly show . I currently train under Professor Sam Snow in Dallas who is highly complimentary of your game. Keep up the awesome work.

[@lfcblaze]

Really good video, I’m trying to build an app which maps all these consequential moves into a flow

[@caszper87]

one of best bjj channels on the site

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Thank you so much, it means a ton having the feedback and support! I’ll keep the videos coming!

[@ryan5726]

this awsome video helps a lot~

[@markturner7755]

Thanks again, great content

[@stephenrogalla2108]

Hey this was a really great video. Can you do more like this please? It was extremely helpful to hear and clarify that a setup is needed and that an armbar simply can't be thrown. I waste a lot of energy trying to throw submissions one after another then gassing out. Keeping the setup in mind will def improve my game many thanks!

[@XJsosX]

I never really comment, but damn man, all of your videos are amazing. I love it! Thank you so much for uploading these!

[@dries3913]

+1

[@Aceinthehole1179]

OUTSTANDING

[@davebond7380]

Thanks I'm just on the cusp of this stuff I'm a 4 stripe white belt I'll keep watching this video thanks again

[@ncgrof]

Nice video. I like how you talk about concepts

[@GUTOMOFFICIAL]

Oh, definitely need this video as a Whtie Belt! Thanks!

[@blackfrog1534]

Great vid!! Would love some more closed guard and/or mount attacks

[@Pocotouro]

Outstanding!

[@jedsanford7879]

amazing video as always. I have been struggling with decent attacks from closed guard, and I see that is due to not breaking posture well enough, and not cutting my angle soon enough. Need to use my hips more :)

[@joshhill7985]

Great concept for an instructional, i'm a white belt and felt like i was looking for this type of video. 'General pointers to react to your opponent'. Im the guy trying to force the arm bar when its not there because i don't know where to go next. More vids like these please!

[@7Phoenix1]

We had Cao Terra come and do a seminar at our academy here in Adelaide not so long ago and one thing he said that stands out was "you don't just do what you want, you take what they give you" exactly as you were explaining here. Love this style of video, really helpful. Thanks so much. 👍

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Jim Bobiddy Thanks buddy totally agree with him, you have to learn to take what they give you not just what you want. That’s the biggest mistake in Jiu Jitsu!

[@dino_rider7758]

Very helpful!

[@thefreedomproject4777]

This is more or less my whole game as a 10 month white belt 😅, I love it because it's easy to pull closed guard and from there you have attacks, sweeps, and you can take the back.

[@gregjennings9442]

Super on point for me. Tell Max H that Greg from S&G says Hi.

[@loganlawrence4668]

Great video. Love the conceptual/application angle instead of just spamming subs.

[@Nerales_]

This is fantastic

[@peter4sks]

Great Stuff!

[@elucas1499]

Great content! Now that you've shown what to do for different grip setups in guard, could you do a part 2 with further detail on what attacks to do after breaking each grip?

[@JonThomasBJJ]

E Lucas yeah I think I’m gonna do that next, also gonna make a video about concepts vs situational solutions

[@sunwu101]

Loving the conceptual approach to teaching. Keep them coming! Hey everyone, fellow BJJ player in need of opinions. I'm frustrated with the way the art is taught (for the most part), to the point where I'm ready to walk away. I'm tired of doing 5 reps of one technique then moving on to another technique for 5 more, then another one, and on it goes, then we roll. After 9 months of training BJJ, I've come to learn that this approach is not the most effective way to train (for me at least). As a current school teacher and former Greco guy in the military, I know the value and progress that can be made by focusing on 1 maybe 2 things... drilling, positional sparring, then live wrestling from positions. I've tried finding the dedicated grappling nerd, but man people are flaky. Anyways, thanks for reading and thanks for any feedback.

[@michaelg457]

about 3 months in to BJJ, and this is super helpful to me - for the times I do manage to get someone in my guard lol, I don't know what to do and get my guard broken down after sometime, so big thanks :)

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Yeah having good overview context helps a ton!

[@bencookestunts]

Nice video Jon. A 1/2 guard version of this would be much appreciated ....!

[@robertgalloway3923]

awesome! you are one of the most common sense black belts out there.

[@Dreadhead02productions]

This sure would have been handy to watch before my last comp... Next time i'll be more prepared! ....aaaaaaaaaand run into the next thing that flummoxes me :/ Always more to learn :)

[@raeban7295]

I am addicted to you Jon🥰

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Happy To know it!

[@maximedelahaye6780]

i learn a lot with your videos

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Happy to hear it!

[@diabolic42090]

The high guard armbar at 4:20 is money

[@skmfkr2]

hip bump sweep and pendulum sweeps are my goto sweeps. hip bump seems to my most used. alot of the guys i train with are good at keeping their elbow in tight and good posture so the lets my sit for the hip bump sweep. cross collar choke is my goto sub. keep their posture down and then udner my arm for the other collar or reach over to grab material on their shoulder.

[@mmaprophecies]

Thank you! This will really help me as a blue belt.

[@HypeOmanic]

SOLID!!!

[@jedicreeper805]

Good video. Those sequences or steps are very good to know. Could you do a video on breaking grips on lapel/belt?

[@JonThomasBJJ]

jedicreeper805 yeah I might do a short post on IG about the details to breaking that grip on lapel

[@anilyzerr]

excellent

[@rnader4370]

Really helpful, yeah I’m guilty of trying to force whatever I have learned recently without thinking about what they are doing

[@vijaykrishnan12]

Firstly, Thank you for these videos.You are a wonderful teacher. Can you please make a similar closed guard video for NoGi?

[@RicardoDiaz21129]

Thank you

[@lex6252]

This was a really helpful video for a concept I've wanted to know but was never been taught. Question: Sometimes my opponent goes straight for putting their forearm across my throat for a choke, what would be a good option to defend that scenario?

[@pbgmail2673]

Can you do a Half Guard Series, attacks and sweeps from both top and bottom position? Great video, think i'll be watching this many times. Looking forward to your seminar in Sligo next month.

[@stefan-t--]

this is reaaaaaaaaaaaaaal good

[@tommoeller7149]

Thx 👍

[@ptroncom]

Excellent video. I think I’ll be less lost down there in guard (white belt)

[@ManiacbigD]

nice real good tips imho

[@craigdanielmaceacher]

More live match footage when you've successfully used what you show, please! Love your material, I find it a good medium between the tedium of Danaher and the short 30 second "Do this then this to win"-type BS videos all over KZbin.

[@JonThomasBJJ]

craigdanielmaceacher forbsure I’ll try to film a bunch tomorrow actually it has been something I’ve been meaning to do for a while

[@stevenpiroso3487]

Is there a follow up video we’re you go into detail regarding the attacks you show here? Also, these video are amazing. Thank you.

[@JonThomasBJJ]

Gonna do a new video on this topic soon!

[@alexanderdienstag2940]

Great techniques. What techniques would be beneficial when rolling against a wrestler or heavier opponent?

[@mg6730]

Super helpful video. Thank you so much for the great content. I'm a big fan!