Open Guard Sweep Comparison

[tallgeese]

Given that last week we dealt with pressure passing of the open guard, I thought that this week we should actually talk about the open guard. One of the most movement based offenses in BJJ, it is a radically individualized component of the game. Because of that, similar motions can take on a really different flavor from player to player.

Here, a friend of mine who runs a sister gym and I break down some sweeping tactics:

So, what similarities do you see? Significant differences?

[sensei8]

Another fantastic tutorial, Alex; top notch!!

Both, imho, are effective sweeps, and both offer direct transitions into follow-ups. Of the two, I prefer your sweep over Clint's because yours was more simplistic, and more free of intrusions that can occur. While Clint's was more complex in having to move to and fro from point to point, and Clint could've been wrapped up at any given time. Whereas yours Alex, let many opportunities for Clint to prevent your sweep. In that, your sweep could be executed in a controlled slow manner, if need be. Albeit, Clint's sweep had to be executed more quicker to avoid you from disturbing his frame and supports.

Neither of these sweeps are ineffective!! This is again, akin for me, to compare these sweeps as the mid-game of a chess battle. One sweep will slowly topple you, while the other sweep will quickly have you wondering where did that come from.

I do understand why this is done, but could you explain to those who might not understand, why do BJJ practitioners grasp onto the knee portion of the opponents gi pants when either Clint or yourself was standing/bending over the other??

[tallgeese]

Great point sensei8!

The grip on the pants is point of control. With these grips you can effect change in a limb or by extension the body. They let you open or close doors, from the bottom or top.

Rickson Gracie always talks about connection. It's important and overlook so much, even among great competitors. The grips are just another way to build this connection. This connection lets you feel motion and read intent if you build the sensitivity to it.

[sensei8]

We were taught that the grasping of your opponents gi pants was akin to being in a dark room...searching for the light switch. Therefore, keeping that connection is that light switch. Lose the light switch, and you're back in the dark searching.

[bushido_man96]

I like seeing the contrast in approaches. Clint's did seem a bit more involved, but I liked his approach at breaking the grips, and having sole control of you, and not letting you control him.