BJJ Closed Guard Attacks - Complete Guide

Beginner

The closed guard is the foundation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's bottom game. From between your opponent's hips, you control their posture, set up submissions, and create sweeping opportunities. Understanding the attack clusters of the closed guard is essential for every BJJ practitioner.

Posture Breaking

No attack from closed guard works if the opponent maintains strong upright posture. Use collar grips and sleeve grips together to break them down before initiating any submission.

The Triangle Family

Triangle choke, omoplata, and armbar form a natural attack triangle from closed guard. When the opponent defends one, they often open another. Learn all three simultaneously.

Hip Elevation

Lifting your hips into your opponent is the engine of closed guard attacks. Practice the hip thrust drill — explosive hip elevation creates the angle and leverage needed for every submission.

Grips Drive Everything

Strong cross-collar or same-side collar grip combined with sleeve control sets up nearly every closed guard attack. Never go for a submission without first establishing dominant grips.

Sweep First, Submit Second

Threatening sweeps opens submissions, and threatening submissions opens sweeps. Combine the hip bump sweep with the kimura to create this two-way pressure.

Step 1: Break Posture

Establish a cross-collar grip deep in the lapel and a same-side sleeve grip. Pull the opponent's sleeve toward your hip while pulling the collar toward your chest to break their base.

Step 2: Elevate Your Hips

Once posture is broken, practice hip elevation on both sides. This creates the angle for triangles and armbars. Drill this movement until it's automatic.

Step 3: Attack the Triangle

Bring one leg over the shoulder while pushing their opposite arm across your centerline. Lock the triangle and adjust the angle by turning sideways.

Step 4: Flow Between Submissions

If triangle fails, overhook the arm for the armbar. If armbar fails, rotate for the omoplata. These movements connect naturally when hips stay active.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this technique used for?

Closed Guard Attacks is a fundamental BJJ technique used to control, escape, or submit opponents in training and competition.

How long does it take to learn?

Most practitioners develop basic competency within 3–6 months of consistent drilling, though true mastery takes years of rolling.

Is this technique suitable for beginners?

Yes — this technique forms part of the core BJJ curriculum and is taught at all belt levels with appropriate progressions.

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Common Mistakes in Closed Guard Attacks

Losing Hip Position

One of the most common errors is allowing the hips to flatten to the mat, which eliminates frames and makes sweeps ineffective. Keep active hip engagement at all times.

Neglecting Grip Fighting

Grips are the foundation of guard work. Failing to break or establish grips early puts you at a structural disadvantage before any technique begins.

Telegraphing Attacks

Pausing before initiating sweeps or submissions signals your opponent. Combine setups and attacks in smooth, continuous motion.

Ignoring Posture Breaking

Allowing your partner to establish a strong, upright posture neutralizes most guard attacks. Prioritize posture disruption with collar, sleeve, or wrist control.

Training Tips for Closed Guard Attacks

Build Active Hip Movement

Hip mobility is the engine of guard play. Drill hip escapes, bridges, and granby rolls daily — 50+ reps per session — to develop the automatic responses needed in live rolling.

Drill Combinations, Not Isolates

Guard attacks rarely work in isolation. Chain sweeps and submissions: if the armbar is defended, flow to the triangle; if blocked, transition to the omoplata.

Study Your Escapes

Understanding how opponents escape strengthens your guard. Deliberately practice the top position to identify and close the holes in your game.

Train Both Sides Equally

Developing guard attacks from both sides doubles your options and prevents opponents from predicting your go-to moves.

Learning Progression for Closed Guard Attacks

Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Closed Guard Attacks with moderate resistance.
Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Closed Guard Attacks opportunities without forcing.
Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.

Recommended Drills for Closed Guard Attacks

Isolated Entry Drill — With a cooperative partner, repeat the entry sequence for Closed Guard Attacks 20 times each side. Focus on timing and body positioning.
Reaction Drill — Partner resists at 40–60%. Practice recognizing when the Closed Guard Attacks window opens and executing within 1–2 seconds.
Chain Drill — Link Closed Guard Attacks with 2 follow-up attacks. If the primary is defended, flow immediately into the backup without pausing.
Timed Round — 3-minute positional round: start in the setup position and apply Closed Guard Attacks as many times as possible. Track completions per session.