GB Fundamentals: How to Pull Guard

If you have watched any competition jiu-jitsu you will have seen that a primary tactic for many competitors is to pull guard to get the match to the ground where they can pull their opponent into their preferred guard game. If your opponent is a stronger wrestler than you are, pulling guard might be your best option to avoid surrendering takedown points as well.
It’s important to note that jumping to closed guard is illegal for white belts under IBJJF rules due to the danger of landing on the opponent’s leg and causing a severe knee injury. The method for pulling guard is both safer and legal under competition rules.
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We also take a look at 2 different takedowns that can come off of the guard pull attempt.
Let’s see some guard pulling techniques by some of the top Gracie Barra black belt instructors.
1) Pulling guard basic details
Let’s begin with the basic movement to start standing and pull your opponent into your closed guard where you can begin attacking from the bottom.

2) Pulling guard to armbar attack
Note the specific details on the correct grips to get to prepare to pull guard. The details are important to prevent your guard from being passed immediately once you hit the ground!

3)Pull guard + tripod sweep
Prof. Andre Almeida teaching the Tripod Sweep Technique from Week 1 of the GB Curriculum –  that he hits right off of his guard pull.
4) Sacrifice Throw
The initial movement to enter into a guard pull is very similar to entering for the Tomoenage sacrifice throw. You have the option to go for either the guard pull or the throw depending on your opponent’s reaction.

5) Single leg off of faked guard pull
This is a great technique that you will see often in competition. Prof. Marcio shows his opponent the guard pull and then when the opponent reacts, he catches a sweet single leg takedown.

See also on GB: GB Technique: No-Gi Submissions
Credits: Mark Mullen
Gracie Barra Black belt based in Asia