Easily Improve Your Guard Retention

Sitting Guard Retention Against Standing Opponent by Tom DeBlass

If you were able to catch Kasai Super Series this February, hopefully you were able to catch the match between Bruno Bastos and Tom DeBlass on the main card. Although Bastos defeated DeBlass 3 to 1, it was a great performance by both athletes in a match that went to a 5 minute points for the decision after 10 minutes of submission only regulation time. We saw DeBlass take every opportunity to keep Bastos in his half guard and work for a submission. If there is one thing DeBlass proved in this match it is that he is still one of the best competitors in his weight division, especially when it comes to retaining his half guard.

Tom DeBlass is master of escaping and finding his way back to powerful positions. His secret is not only in the technique, but he possess the mindset to never quit and always find a way to success.

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If you did not already know, Tom DeBlass has just released a new instructional series on solo and partner drills available exclusively at bjjfanatics.com. One of the focuses in this new instructional series from DeBlass is sitting guard retention against a standing opponent. Tom DeBlass is one of the most decorated American Grapplers in the world.  He is also one of the most sought after instructors. These drills are fantastic for every grappler, no matter what your level of experience is.

Here Tom shows drills to help you with your guard retention.  Guard retention is one of the most important aspects of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Tom has never had his guard passed in a competition. Watch the video below and then we will break down the technique. Check it out now!

Tom DeBlass starts off this instruction by demonstrating how difficult it is to escape in a situation where your hip has already been beat and your guard has been passed. If you are laying down with your back flat on the mat you are giving your partner an opening to leg drag and step past your guard. It is always faster for him to step around your guard than it is for you to move on the bottom.

In a case where your partner is standing in front of you, Tom DeBlass encourages you to sit up. It is important to remember that even when you are sitting up your opponent can still move around you faster than you can keep up. This is where the drill comes in handy. You want to escape your hips away instead of trying to keep up with your partner who is attempting to run around your guard. Your partner should pass to both sides while you scoot away with your hips. The moment you scoot away you want to pull yourself back in. Ideally you want to have the inside control. Even if your partner starts pushing down on your head and starts passing all you need to do is pull your hips back and then come back in to establish your inside hooks.

The primary concept here that Tom DeBlass wants you to understand is the idea of creating space and then taking up the space. This concept carries through every position you find yourself in. As you can tell, Tom DeBlass is not just sharing a simple drill, he is sharing an entire methodology that will completely overhaul your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game. The lessons in this video, as well as all the others in this instructional series, are great for any level of experience.

Learn the drills that helped shape the career of one of the most decorated American Grapplers! These are great movement-based exercises that you can use to warm up, flow roll, or do on your own time to stay active and engaged on your own!

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