Guard Pull System: BJJ Complete Strategy

Guard pulling system — when and how to pull guard, collar-sleeve pull, sit-down guard, and counters against guard pull prevention.

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Guard pulling is the deliberate act of establishing a ground guard position instead of fighting for a takedown. In sport BJJ, pulling guard is a strategic choice — not a failure. Understanding when and how to pull effectively is essential for guard specialists.

Contents

Why Pull Guard

Guard pulling is legitimate strategy, not cowardice. Guard specialists often have a much higher success rate attacking from their preferred guard than from scrambles after failed takedowns.

Establish your strongest position immediately
Avoid wrestling where you may be weaker
Control the pace and position of the match
Force the fight to your preferred terrain

Collar-Sleeve Guard Pull

The most common guard pull in gi BJJ. Control their collar with one hand and their sleeve with the other, then sit down while pulling their weight toward you.

Establish collar and sleeve control
Step your foot to their hip (for spider guard entry)
Sit down while pulling their body forward
Extend your leg against their bicep
Establish spider guard or lasso

💡 Pro Tip: Pull guard when you have the grip, not before. Attempting to pull without secure grips often results in getting passed immediately.

Sit-Down Guard Pull

The quickest guard pull: break their balance with a push-pull action, then sit directly down into closed guard or butterfly guard. Less controlled but faster.

Jump Guard (Competition)

In competition, jumping to closed guard is effective against opponents who don't expect it. Time the jump during a grip fight or when they are loading weight on one leg.

⚠️ Note: Jump guard in training requires partner permission and experience. The uncontrolled descent can injure training partners.

Guard Pull Timing

Pull guard when you have established grips and your opponent is stationary. Avoid pulling against opponents who step back — they will get the passing momentum.

Guard Pull Counters

When someone attempts to pull guard on you, step back to deny their grip, or post and pass as they sit down. Their momentum of sitting can be used to start a guard pass.

Guard Pull Scoring

In IBJJF, guard pulls score no points. The person who pulls guard receives 0 points — the other player must then work to pass.