BJJ Lesson 10: The High Leg In Guard Retention - Foundations Of Guard Retention

Summary

The video script discusses the 'high leg' technique in guard retention, a popular method from Lachlan Giles and RxBC. It emphasizes using the high leg as the primary guard retention tool, leveraging distance and foot framing. The script illustrates how to recompose guard by crossing legs and maintaining connection, using the hips and legs to control the opponent's movement. It also covers the importance of multiple frames for redundancy and safety, highlighting the technique's effectiveness in both reactive and preemptive scenarios to maintain guard and transition to offense.

Takeaways

• 🤼‍♂️ The 'high leg' technique is a primary method for guard retention in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often used to maintain control from a distance.
• 🔄 The high leg involves a crossover movement of the leg to recompose guard position and prevent the opponent from passing.
• 🦿 Utilizing the feet as frames and maintaining a knee-elbow connection is crucial for a strong guard.
• 🚫 Beginners often struggle with the high leg due to a lack of flexibility or incorrect hip positioning.
• 💪 Generating base from the hips rather than the floor is essential for successfully executing the high leg.
• 🔄 The technique allows for both preemptive and reactive use, depending on the opponent's movements.
• 🛡️ The high leg serves as both a defensive 'shield' and an offensive 'spear', controlling space and allowing for counterattacks.
• 🤸‍♂️ Flexibility can aid in the high leg technique, but it's more important to use multiple frames and leverage for success.
• 🔄 The high leg can be used in various scenarios, not just in response to a leg drag, but also to proactively maintain guard.
• 🔄 After executing the high leg, it's important to maintain strong grips and knee-elbow connections to avoid being re-dragged by the opponent.

Q & A

What is the high leg technique in guard retention?

The high leg technique, also known as the high polo, is a guard retention method used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It involves using the legs as levers to maintain control over an opponent from a distance, allowing the practitioner to use their feet as frames.

Who are Lachlan Giles and RxBC?

Lachlan Giles and RxBC are notable figures in the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community. Lachlan Giles is a high-level competitor and instructor, and RxBC refers to the 'Ricardo Barros Borges' Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu team, which is known for its guard retention techniques.

What is the significance of the knee-elbow connection mentioned in the script?

The knee-elbow connection is crucial for maintaining a strong guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It provides a stable base and allows the practitioner to control their opponent's movement while keeping their own body protected.

How does the high leg technique help in controlling the inside space?

The high leg technique helps control the inside space by allowing the practitioner to track their opponent's movements with their legs and maintain a connection that blocks the opponent's progress towards the practitioner's centerline.

What is the purpose of lifting the hip during the high leg technique?

Lifting the hip during the high leg technique is done to create an arcing direction with the leg, which helps the practitioner to swing around and block their opponent's attempts to pass their guard. It also helps to generate base off of the opponent rather than the floor.

Why is it important to maintain a strong leg press alignment during the high leg technique?

Maintaining a strong leg press alignment is important because it provides the practitioner with a stable base and strong posture, reducing the risk of injury and allowing them to effectively control their opponent's movements.

What is the role of flexibility in executing the high leg technique?

Flexibility plays a role in the high leg technique by allowing the practitioner to externally rotate their hip and place their foot in a position that helps maintain the guard. However, the script emphasizes the importance of using multiple frames and not relying solely on flexibility to avoid injury.

How does the high leg technique differ from a leg drag?

The high leg technique is not just a response to a leg drag; it can be used preemptively or reactively to block an opponent's progress towards the practitioner's side. It is a proactive measure to maintain guard retention rather than a mere reaction to an opponent's move.

What is meant by 'multiple frames' in the context of guard retention?

In guard retention, 'multiple frames' refers to using various body parts such as the legs, arms, and hips to create a stable and redundant structure that can maintain control over the opponent even if one frame is compromised.

Why is it important to maintain knee-elbow connection while performing the high leg technique?

Maintaining the knee-elbow connection while performing the high leg technique ensures that the practitioner remains connected to their opponent and can effectively block their movements, even as they switch or adjust their leg positioning.

How does the high leg technique transition into offensive moves in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

The high leg technique can transition into offensive moves by keeping the opponent in front and maintaining control over the centerline. This allows the practitioner to use their foot as a 'spear' to poke and control the opponent while keeping them at bay with the 'shield' of their guard.