10 Essential Guard Retention Drills for BJJ Practitioners

A strong guard retention game is one of the most valuable assets in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Without it, opponents can easily pass your guard and impose dominant positions. At RollBliss, we understand the importance of refining defensive skills to build a resilient guard. We’ve compiled ten essential drills to help you maintain control, create counter-attacks, and become a more effective grappler.

Key Takeaways

• Guard retention is a fundamental skill for all BJJ practitioners.
• Drills like shrimping, leg pummeling, and inversions improve defensive movement.
• Practicing with resistance helps develop real-time guard retention skills.
• RollBliss provides high-quality training gear to enhance your BJJ journey.

Why Guard Retention is Crucial

Guard retention is more than just keeping your legs in front of an opponent. It involves footwork, hip movement, balance, and timing to prevent guard passes while setting up transitions. Training these skills regularly will help:

• Improve defensive awareness and positioning.

• Prevent opponents from establishing dominant control.

• Create opportunities for counter-attacks and sweeps.

• Increase overall agility and endurance on the mats.

Essential Guard Retention Drills

1. Hip Escape (Shrimping)

One of the most fundamental movements in BJJ is hip escapes, which allow you to create space and reestablish your guard when an opponent applies pressure.

• Push off with your feet and slide your hips away.

• Keep strong frames with your arms to prevent control.

• Repeat on both sides to develop fluidity.

2. Granby Roll

Granby rolls are useful for inverting and recovering guards when under pressure.

• Roll over your shoulder while maintaining control of your opponent’s grips.

• Use the motion to reset into a defensive guard position.

• Focus on smooth, controlled movement to avoid getting stuck.

3. Leg Pummeling

Leg pummeling improves the ability to recover guard when an opponent tries to control your legs.

• Lie on your back and weave your legs inside your partner’s grips.

• Continuously adjust and reestablish inside control.

• Practice with resistance to simulate real passing attempts.

4. Reverse Shrimping

This movement helps recover guard when an opponent forces you into a disadvantageous angle.

• Push away with your legs while shifting your hips.

• Reposition to a guard of choice before your opponent settles control.

5. Knee Shield Retention

The knee shield guard is an effective way to prevent passes and maintain space.

• Place one shin across your opponent’s torso to create a barrier.

• Use the knee shield to reset into full guard or attack opportunities.

• Drill switching between knee shield and other guard variations.

6. Lasso Guard Recovery

Lasso guard is an effective tool for breaking down aggressive passers.

• Hook your leg around your opponent’s arm while controlling their sleeve.

• Maintain tension to disrupt their passing motion.

• Drill transitioning from lasso to other guard positions.

7. De La Riva Hook Maintenance

De La Riva guard is a valuable open guard strategy, especially against standing opponents.

• Hook one leg around your opponent’s lead leg while gripping their sleeve or collar.

• Focus on off-balancing and adjusting your hooks to maintain control.

• Drill sweeps and recoveries to counter aggressive passing.

8. Technical Stand-Up

Being able to stand up safely from guard is essential in both gi and no-gi training.

• From a seated position, post one hand and plant a foot.

• Maintain a defensive posture while standing up smoothly.

• Practice transitioning between standing and guard recovery.

9. Inversion Drill

Inversions are useful for avoiding pressure and creating guard recovery opportunities.

• Roll back onto your shoulders while keeping your legs mobile.

• Use your legs to redirect pressure and regain control.

• Focus on smooth, controlled movements to avoid awkward positions.

10. Live Guard Retention Rounds

Training with resistance is essential for developing real-time guard retention skills.

• Have a partner attempt to pass while you work to keep your guard.

• Utilize different guard styles to adapt to varying pressure.

• Focus on movement, angles, and maintaining distance.

How RollBliss Enhances Your Training

At RollBliss, we provide premium BJJ gear designed to support high-intensity training sessions. Whether you’re practicing guard retention or refining techniques, our gis and rash guards offer flexibility, durability, and comfort to help you focus on improvement.

Conclusion

A strong guard retention game is a cornerstone of success in BJJ. You’ll consistently practice these drills to improve your ability to defend, recover, and counter aggressive passers-by. RollBliss is committed to supporting your journey with top-tier training gear designed for performance. Stay disciplined, train smart, and sharpen your guard retention skills with RollBliss!

FAQs

How can I make my guard harder to pass?

Consistency in guard retention drills is key. Strengthen your hip movement, leg dexterity, and timing to make it difficult for opponents to pass.

What’s the best way to improve my guard retention under pressure?

Live drills with a resisting partner will help you adjust to real-time passing attempts. Combining technique drills with rolling will improve retention under stress.

Should beginners focus on guard retention from the start?

Yes! Learning guard retention early builds a strong foundation and prevents bad habits that could leave you vulnerable to easy passes.