BJJ Posture in Guard: Complete Guide
☰Contents
How to maintain posture in closed guard, break grips, create distance for passing, and why posture is the single most important guard passing skill.
Posture in the guard is the single most critical skill for the top player. Without posture, submissions are inevitable. With it, the guard becomes manageable and passable.
What Is Posture?
Posture means maintaining an upright spine with the head up, hips connected, and base solid. In closed guard, this means the top player's weight is distributed through the knees with a straight back — not hunched forward into the guard player's control range.
Why Posture Matters
When you lose posture (head down, back rounded, upper body leaning forward), you give the guard player access to your neck for chokes, your arm for armbars and kimuras, and your posture-breaking grip to pull you into triangles. Every submission from closed guard is easier when posture is broken.
Elements of Good Posture
Head Position
Head up, chin off the chest. The moment your chin touches your chest, you're in choke range. Look forward and slightly down — never duck your head.
Spine Alignment
Straight back, not rounded. Think about opening the chest rather than hunching the shoulders.
Hand Position
Hands on the hips (or on the opponent's stomach if they're gripping). Never let the guard player control your wrists or elbows with no counter-pressure from you.
Hip Connection
Hips close to the opponent, not pulled back. Pulling hips back creates space for the guard player to angle for sweeps.
Recovering Posture When Broken
- Push the opponent's hip (or knee) away to create space
- Posture up while pushing — don't try to posture without creating space first
- Establish a hand on the stomach/hips to prevent being pulled back down
- Break the guard immediately after posturing up
Common Posture Mistakes
- Reaching for collar grips before establishing posture
- Allowing wrist control without fighting it immediately
- Pulling hips back instead of staying connected
- Letting the head drop when gripped
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to "have posture" in BJJ?
Having posture means maintaining an upright spine with head up while inside the guard. It prevents the guard player from controlling your upper body for submissions.
How do I maintain posture against a strong guard player?
Fight grips constantly. Never let the guard player establish two-on-one wrist control or a deep collar grip. Posture is 80% grip fighting — if you win the grip battle, posture follows.