Understand a position, then see your options from there.
A shared leg entanglement in which either player may attack or disengage.
Starting hereAn isolated arm is controlled between the legs before extension.
Attacking · DefendingOne player stays behind the other with upper-body and lower-body connection.
In control · EscapingInside foot hooks connect the seated player to the opponent’s thighs.
Playing guard · Passing guardStanding players have established upper-body contact and control.
Starting hereThe bottom player has their legs wrapped and connected around the top player.
Playing guard · Passing guardCollar and sleeve grips work with foot or shin frames to control distance.
Playing guard · Passing guardAn attacker controls behind the shoulders while separating the opponent’s arms.
In control · EscapingAn outside hook wraps one leg of a standing or raised-knee opponent.
Playing guard · Passing guardThe bottom player is underneath the opponent’s hips with a leg isolated.
Playing guard · Passing guardBoth players have come toward their knees in a connected underhook/overhook battle.
I have the underhook · They have the underhookAn attacker controls from in front of a lowered head and shoulders.
In control · EscapingHalf guard with an inside butterfly hook available to lift and redirect.
Playing guard · Passing guardThe bottom player traps one leg while the top player’s other leg is free.
Playing guard · Passing guardThe mounted player has climbed toward the armpits to isolate the upper body.
In control · EscapingAn inside triangle leg entanglement; terminology and exact configurations vary.
Attacking · DefendingA turned-side guard configuration creates access underneath an opponent’s leg.
Playing guard · Passing guardA figure-four arm connection can support a finish or positional transition.
Attacking from bottom · Attacking from top · DefendingThe top player uses a knee across the torso while staying mobile.
In control · EscapingA knee or shin separates the upper bodies while one opponent leg stays trapped.
Playing guard · Passing guardThe gi lapel forms an additional connection around the opponent’s body or legs.
Playing guard · Passing guardA leg loops around an arm while a sleeve grip maintains the connection.
Playing guard · Passing guardThe top player straddles the torso with both knees past the opponent’s legs.
In control · EscapingThe top player controls the torso with their head toward the opponent’s feet.
In control · EscapingA leg isolates a shoulder, creating finishing or positional opportunities.
Attacking · DefendingThe bottom player uses unconnected legs and grips to manage an opponent in front.
Playing guard · Passing guardAn entanglement placing the attacker’s legs toward the outside of the trapped leg.
Attacking · DefendingAn inside-side hook controls the opponent’s leading leg, often against passing pressure.
Playing guard · Passing guardThe top player faces toward the guard player’s legs while one leg remains trapped.
Playing guard · Passing guardAn angled mount configuration concentrates control around the shoulders and an arm.
In control · EscapingA seated side pin connects the upper body and an arm.
In control · EscapingThe guard player is sitting up, facing an opponent in front of them.
Playing guard · Passing guardA seated player connects their shin to one of a standing opponent’s shins.
Playing guard · Passing guardThe top player is across the torso with the legs cleared.
In control · EscapingOne player has isolated a leg while the other is still balancing.
Attacking · DefendingThe guard player controls one leg with their own legs around the opponent’s hip and thigh.
Playing guard · Passing guardSleeve grips and foot pressure on the arms control the opponent’s upper body.
Playing guard · Passing guardBoth players are on their feet before an established tie-up or leg hold.
Starting hereA leg entanglement around one opponent leg; exact foot and knee placement matters.
Attacking · DefendingThe mounted player adjusts their base as the bottom player turns onto a side.
In control · EscapingThe legs isolate the neck and one arm before a finish or transition.
Attacking · DefendingOne player is folded on knees and elbows while the other works around them.
Defending · AttackingThe bottom player works beneath the hips with crossed leg hooks supporting the opponent.
Playing guard · Passing guard