BJJ Spider Guard: Control and Attack with Sleeve and Foot Hooks | BJJ App Wiki
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 May 21, 2026
Master BJJ spider guard: sleeve grips, push-pull mechanics, triangle, armbar and sweep attacks.
Spider guard uses two sleeve grips and both feet on the opponent's biceps to create a pushing control. The push-pull mechanics make it one of the most flexible attacking guards in gi BJJ.
Contents
Spider Guard Setup
- Get both sleeve grips simultaneously.
- Place one foot on the bicep and extend — this creates the push.
- Add the second foot on the other bicep for full spider guard.
- Angle your hips to create lateral movement options.
Spider Guard Attacks
| Attack | Mechanism |
|---|---|
| Triangle choke | Push one foot down on bicep, remove the other leg and close triangle |
| Armbar | Push one arm down, hip out and apply armbar |
| Sweep (technical lift) | Push both feet, sit up and go to double underhooks |
| Omoplata | Extend one arm, circle leg over for shoulder lock |
Passing Spider Guard
- Strip one sleeve grip first — don't try to pass with both grips active.
- Torreando: strip both grips simultaneously and redirect the hips.
- Bullfighter: circle to the outside, redirect the feet, pass to side control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the spider guard in BJJ?
Spider guard uses bilateral sleeve grips and pushes both feet into the opponent's biceps, creating a pushing control that limits their movement and creates space for attacks.
What are the main attacks from spider guard?
Triangle choke (push one arm down, close the triangle), armbar (extend one arm and hip out), and the technical lift sweep are the primary attacks.
Is spider guard difficult to learn?
The basic position is accessible for blue belts but the push-pull mechanics and timing require consistent drilling. Gripping-rule changes in some competitions restrict spider guard in gi tournaments.