The BJJ Lasso Guard is a versatile and effective open guard position that combines control, defense, and offensive potential. By wrapping one leg around the opponent’s arm while maintaining a sleeve grip, this Guard offers a unique ability to neutralize attacks, set up sweeps, and transition to submissions. Whether you’re a beginner learning the fundamentals or an advanced practitioner refining your skills, mastering the Lasso Guard can give you a powerful edge in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about it.
What is the BJJ Lasso Guard?
The BJJ Lasso Guard is an open guard variation where one leg is wrapped around the opponent’s arm while maintaining a grip on their sleeve. The lasso leg creates tension and control, preventing the opponent from passing while providing a platform for attacks.
Key Features
- Control: The lasso leg immobilizes the opponent’s arm and disrupts their balance, limiting their offensive options.
- Versatility: From the Lasso Guard, practitioners can execute sweeps, submissions, or transitions to other guard positions.
- Defensive Strength: The position serves as a strong defensive tool, allowing you to recover from pressure and maintain control.
This Guard is particularly effective in gi training, where grips on the sleeves enhance its functionality.
Why is the BJJ Lasso Guard Important?
The Lasso Guard is an essential tool in modern BJJ for several reasons:
- Neutralizes Pressure Passers: The lasso leg and sleeve grip create significant control, making it difficult for the opponent to advance.
- Creates Offensive Opportunities: This guard sets up a variety of sweeps and submissions, keeping your opponent on the defensive.
- Improves Grip and Leg Dexterity: Using the Lasso Guard enhances grip strength, leg control, and overall guard retention skills.
For competitors and casual practitioners alike, this Guard is a valuable addition to any guard game.
Tip: Maintain a Tight and Active Lasso Leg
- The success of the BJJ Lasso Guard relies on the control provided by your lasso leg. Wrap your leg around your opponent’s arm, ensuring your shin applies consistent pressure against their biceps or shoulder. This tension keeps their arm immobilized and disrupts their balance.
- Avoid letting your lasso leg become passive. Actively use it to adjust angles, prevent your opponent from posturing, and set up sweeps or transitions.
Step-by-Step Guide to the BJJ Lasso Guard
Step 1: Establish the Guard
- Start in an open guard position with both feet on the opponent’s hips.
- Grip one of the opponent’s sleeves firmly with your hand, ensuring a strong connection.
Step 2: Insert the Lasso Leg
- Swing one leg over the opponent’s arm and bring your foot around to hook behind their arm.
- Ensure your shin is pressing against the outside of their arm, creating tension with the sleeve grip.
Step 3: Control Their Posture
- Use your lasso leg to pull the opponent’s arm and maintain their posture forward.
- Place your free leg on their hip or thigh to control distance and prevent guard passes.
Step 4: Execute Sweeps or Submissions
- Sweeps: Use the tension in your lasso leg to off-balance the opponent and execute sweeps like the overhead sweep or flower sweep.
- Submissions: Transition into attacks such as armbars or triangles by isolating the opponent’s arm.
Step 5: Transition When Necessary
- If the Lasso Guard becomes compromised, transition to other guards like the Spider Guard or De La Riva Guard for continued control.
Common Mistakes in the BJJ Lasso Guard
Even though the Lasso Guard is highly effective, mistakes can lead to lost control or counterattacks. Here are common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
1. Weak Sleeve Grips
- Problem: Without strong grips, your opponent can easily break free.
- Solution: Focus on securing deep and firm sleeve grips to maintain control.
2. Loose Lasso Leg
- Problem: A loose lasso leg allows the opponent to remove their arm and pass your guard.
- Solution: Keep your lasso leg tight, with the shin actively pressing against their arm.
3. Flat Hips
- Problem: Staying flat on your back reduces your mobility and offensive options.
- Solution: Stay active with your hips, creating angles for sweeps and submissions.
4. Overcommitting to Attacks
- Problem: Rushing sweeps or submissions without proper setup can lead to counters.
- Solution: Focus on maintaining control and setting up attacks strategically.
Drills to Improve Your Lasso Guard
Incorporating these drills into your training routine will help you refine your Lasso Guard:
Drills
Drill
1
Lasso Insertion and Maintenance
Practice transitioning into the Lasso Guard from various open guard positions.
Focus on keeping your lasso leg tight and maintaining strong sleeve grips.
DRILL
2
Sweep Combinations
Drill sweeps like the flower sweep and overhead sweep repeatedly to improve timing and execution.
Combine sweeps with transitions to keep your opponent guessing.
DRILL
3
Retention and Recovery
Have a partner try to pass your Lasso Guard while you focus on retaining the position or transitioning to other guards.
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How the Lasso Guard Fits Into Your Game
The Lasso Guard is not just a standalone position—it integrates seamlessly into a dynamic guard game. By mastering the Lasso Guard, you’ll gain the ability to control aggressive opponents, create offensive opportunities, and transition fluidly between other guards.
Complementary Guards:
- Spider Guard: Transition into Spider Guard to enhance control and set up additional sweeps.
- De La Riva Guard: Use the Lasso Guard to create angles for transitioning into De La Riva setups.
- Butterfly Guard: Combine Butterfly Guard sweeps with the control provided by the Lasso Guard.
Tip: Submissions from Lasso Guard
- Practice transitioning from the Lasso Guard to submissions like the triangle choke or omoplata.
- Focus on isolating the opponent’s arm and maintaining control.
Conclusion
The BJJ Lasso Guard is a powerful tool that combines control, defense, and offense into one dynamic position. Its unique ability to neutralize opponents and set up attacks makes it an invaluable addition to any practitioner’s guard game. By mastering the mechanics of the Lasso Guard, avoiding common mistakes, and incorporating focused drills into your training, you can elevate your Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the next level.
Ready to take your game to the next level? Check out our other guides on advanced guard techniques. Happy training!