Open Guard Drills

The Turtle Radius

Turtle Position: on your back
Opponent's position: on his feet
Purpose: to prevent your opponent from passing your guard

You should always try to position your hips in line with your opponent's hips. NOTE: have your chin tucked into your chest. This creates a nice curve with your back to spin on and minimizes surface contact with the mat (it is also for protection). This allows for maximum and fastest "turtle spinnage" towards your opponent when he moves.

The One-Legged Switch

Position: turtle
Opponent's position: on his feet
Purpose: to remain in guard

Your opponent may tower over your turtle position. You can defend by stationing your feet on your opponent's hips. He will probably swing your feet to the side and try to pass your guard. Immediately pivot towards your opponent (this will be the opposite way your opponent swings your feet) to be in the same line as him and regain open guard by placing your foot on his hip.

The Open Swing Recovery

Position: on your back, facing opponent
Opponent's position: on his feet
Purpose: to remain in guard

This technique is a similar idea to the one-legged switch. If your opponent swings your feet too far for you to recover in the same line as him, go along with the swing. You may end up 180 degrees from your starting position. That is also great. And this is why: YOU CAN TAKE HIS BACK!!!

How: Push yourself through his legs so that his ankles are in your armpits. Swing your feet up and place it under his knees. With one on his lower push him forwards while bringing your legs up (your opponent will be airborne for a split second). Control is fall so that you have his back. NOTE: remain in open guard!! do not close by crossing your ankles, your opponent can defend by locking your ankles (game over!)

Finish: Rear Naked Choke!