## Overview The Spider Guard is a versatile and dynamic guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, known for its ability to control and manipulate an opponent using your legs. It provides numerous offensive and defensive options, making it a favorite among guard players. --- ## Japanese Name - Spider Guard: N/A --- ## Position - **Open Guard** --- ## Step-by-Step Instructions ### Setting up the Spider Guard: 1. **Grip Establishment:** - Begin in the open guard position. - Use your hands to grip the sleeves of your opponent's gi just above the wrists. This grip is crucial for controlling their arms. 2. **Foot Placement:** - Plant one of your feet on the opponent's bicep. This will be the primary control point, often referred to as the 'Spider Hook.' - The other foot can either be placed on the opponent’s hip for additional control or mimic the same grip on the opposite bicep for double spider guard control. 3. **Body Positioning:** - Keep your hips off the ground, slightly raised to ensure maximum mobility and pressure. Your body should be aligned directly below the opponent. - Maintain a strong, active frame using your free leg to control the opponent’s posture. ### Executing a Basic Sweep: 1. **Shift Pressure:** - With the opponent controlled, begin to shift your weight to one side. - Push off their bicep with your foot, extending your leg while pulling the sleeve grip towards you to off-balance them slightly. 2. **Foot Re-adjustment:** - Reposition the foot on your opponent’s hip to step onto the ground or place the sole beneath their knee (off-balancing their base). 3. **Sweep Execution:** - Simultaneously push with your foot on their hip/bicep while pulling the sleeve at the opposite angle to topple them over. - Capitalize on the off-balance and target a sweep by using a rolling motion with your hips. 4. **Transition to Dominant Position:** - As the opponent falls, maintain sleeve control to prevent them from re-establishing their base. - Transition smoothly by moving into a top dominant position such as Side Control or Mount. ### Optional Submissions: - **Triangle Choke**: - If the opponent defends the sweep by leaning back, reposition one leg to the opponent’s neck and pull the bottom of their arm through. - Lock in the triangle by crossing your legs and applying pressure. - **Omoplata**: - Transition to an Omoplata submission by swinging your leg over the head from the Spider Guard position, isolating their arm. --- ## Tips: - Constantly adjust leg positioning for effectiveness; be ready to adapt to the opponent's balance changes. - Keep a strong grip for control, but don't tense unnecessarily – fluidity aids transitions. - Use Spider Guard as an entry to setups, such as arm drags or collar-drags, that lead into sweeps or submissions. --- ## Conclusion The Spider Guard facilitates a dynamic approach in grappling by combining defense and offense. As you gain expertise, exploring its variations and integrations with other guard types can open myriad pathways for both new sweep and submission opportunities.