Crab Guard: Back Take & Leg Lock System

The crab guard (also called the crab ride guard) is an offensive guard position that simultaneously threatens back takes and leg lock entries — creating a genuine dilemma for the top player between two different defensive priorities.

The Position

The crab guard is established when the bottom player has one knee hook deep on the opponent's near hip and the other leg threatening the opponent's far side. The body is oriented sideways, with the hips turned to face the opponent's side or back. From here, the guard player can attack the near leg or reach for the back simultaneously.

Why It Creates Dilemmas

The crab position forces a genuine choice on the top player:

• If they turn away from the guard player (to protect the back), they expose the near leg for leg lock attacks
• If they face the guard player (to protect the legs), they expose the back

This simultaneous threat is the core principle of the crab guard system.

Attacks

Back Take

When the top player squares up to face the guard player, a rolling back take (similar to the tornado guard) becomes available, using the knee hook as the primary control.

Calf Slicer

The near leg is often in perfect position for a calf slicer when the top player tries to step over the crab position.

Heel Hook

Transitioning from the crab position to ashi garami for heel hook attacks when the opponent's leg geometry is favorable.

Frequently Asked Questions