### X-Guard Entry The X-Guard is a versatile guard position that provides numerous sweep opportunities and an effective way to control a standing opponent. Here, we will be exploring a fundamental method of entering the X-Guard from the Butterfly Guard. #### Positions: - **Starting Position:** Butterfly Guard - **Finishing Position:** X-Guard, Bottom #### Step-by-Step Instructions: 1. **Establish Butterfly Guard:** - Begin seated, facing your opponent. Insert your hooks by curling your feet around the opponent’s thighs—a classic marker of the Butterfly Guard position. Control their posture by holding behind their neck and looking to pull them forward. 2. **Elevate and Shift:** - Shift your hips to one side, aiming to lift your opponent slightly off balance by pulling with one arm (preferably gripping their gi or using an underhook) and pushing with your leg hook on the opposite side. 3. **Insert Initial Hook:** - As you elevate your opponent, slide your underneath leg (the one on the side you're shifting towards) under their hips. Insert this foot in front of their thigh (halfway up to the knee), hooking behind their far leg. 4. **Transition to X-Guard:** - Remove your top hook from the Butterfly Guard and rotate your body under your opponent. Adjust your other leg such that both your legs now form an 'X.' Your outside leg hooks over their inner (near) thigh, and your inside leg should maintain the hook behind their far leg. 5. **Adjust and Control:** - Once you've secured the X-Guard position, ensure you extend your hips and maintain pressure on their legs to establish strong control. Hold one of their ankles with an overhand grip to control their balance. 6. **Control with Leg Placement:** - Your feet should be actively hooking inside their leg: one foot behind their knee and the other on top of their thigh, keeping them stable and unbalanced. 7. **Posture and Options:** - Keep your head centered relative to their body line to maintain balance. - From the X-Guard, you can now transition into a variety of sweeps or submissions based on your preference and their reactions. ### Tips: - Maintaining contact and adjusting hooks dynamically is essential. Keep your core tight and use your grips to manipulate their posture. - Transition fluidly from Butterfly Guard to X-Guard without giving up control. ### Drills to Practice: 1. Partner drills with entry repetitions from Butterfly Guard. 2. Dynamic balance drills to stabilize opponent in X-Guard. 3. Practicing transitions into sweeps once secure in X-Guard. By practicing this X-Guard entry, students will enhance their guard game with a versatile setup that offers multiple opportunities for advancement and offensive tactics.