What Is the Easiest Guard in BJJ?

For beginners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the Closed Guard is widely considered the easiest and most fundamental guard to learn. While there are many advanced guard variations, the Closed Guard offers a balance of simplicity, effectiveness, and control, making it ideal for those new to the sport.

Why Is the Closed Guard the Easiest?

1. Simplicity:

• The concept of the Closed Guard is straightforward: wrap your legs around your opponent’s waist and control their posture.

• Unlike more complex guards that require flexibility, intricate grips, or advanced timing, the Closed Guard can be executed by most beginners.

2. Control:

• The Closed Guard provides strong control over your opponent’s posture, making it difficult for them to easily pass or attack.

• By gripping the opponent's sleeves, collar, or head, you can maintain control and limit their movement.

3. Defensive Safety:

• In the Closed Guard, it is harder for your opponent to strike (in self-defense situations) or pass to more dominant positions.

• As a beginner, this position helps build confidence while minimizing vulnerability.

4. Variety of Basic Attacks and Sweeps:

• The Closed Guard offers simple yet effective submissions like the armbar, triangle choke, and cross-collar choke.

• It also has beginner-friendly sweeps like the hip bump sweep and the scissor sweep that help transition to dominant positions.

Other Beginner-Friendly Guards:

While the Closed Guard is the most commonly recommended for beginners, here are a few other guards that are relatively easy to learn:

• Half Guard: Offers a mix of control and sweep opportunities, though it requires more understanding of underhooks and frames.

• Butterfly Guard: Effective for sweeps and transitions, but it requires learning proper positioning and grip control.

• De La Riva Guard: Popular in sport BJJ, but may take more time to master due to its focus on grip control and leg dexterity.

Conclusion:

For new BJJ practitioners, starting with the Closed Guard is ideal. It allows you to develop foundational skills, control your opponent, and explore basic submissions and sweeps. As you progress, exploring more advanced guards will expand your game, but the Closed Guard remains a reliable position throughout all levels of experience.