BJJ Closed Guard for Beginners | Week 7
Table of Contents
This Weeks Focus
This week we focus on one of the most critical skills in white belt Jiu Jitsu: how to survive and advance from the top of closed guard. You’ll learn:
How to develop strong posture
Why your base determines your safety
How grip fighting helps prevent submissions
How to use posture to begin breaking closed guard
Key Concepts & Common Mistakes
Key Concept #1: Posture Over Pressure
Staying upright and relaxed allows you to avoid submissions and remain in control. Focus on:
Sitting on the tops of your feet
Distributing your weight through your knees
Keeping your spine upright with hips under shoulders
Mistake to Avoid:
Sitting on the balls of your feet tilts you forward, forcing your hands to the mat—opening you up to armbars and triangles.
Key Concept #2: Hand Fighting Before Passing
Control grips before attempting to pass. Beginners should:
Keep elbows inside
Fight to remove cross-collar or sleeve grips
Stay patient—posture can break closed guard without force
Top Closed Guard Grip Fighting
Before any closed guard pass works, you need to remove your opponent’s grips. That means:
Peeling off sleeve or collar grips
Dominating wrist control
Using two-on-one to isolate a side
Goal: Establish a strong grip that keeps your opponent’s hands off your lapel and head.
Beginner Guard Breaking Techniques
Once your posture is stable and grips are controlled, choose your break:
Posture Break: Your opponent may unlock out of frustration
Standing Break: Base, hand post, step up, and peel
Knee-in-Tailbone Method: Sit tall, wedge your knee, and split open their guard
Tip: Your base should always allow you to pull your hands away safely if attacked.
Weekly Checklist & Progress Goals
By the end of this week:
I can sit in top closed guard without being broken down
I know how to safely strip grips without falling forward
I’ve attempted at least two beginner guard breaks
I’ve maintained posture for a full round of rolling
Related Blog Posts for White Belts
Ask yourself:
Am I falling forward when pulled?
Do I panic or hold posture when under attack?
Which grip breaks feel strongest for me?
✅ Want feedback on your top control? Submit your roll here →
⏭️ Week 8 → Top Open Guard Control