“Punch a black belt in the face; he becomes a brown belt. Punch him again, purple…” Carlson Gracie’s words highlight a fundamental truth of martial arts: situations can change drastically with the introduction of punches. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) may share techniques, but their dynamics differ greatly. What works seamlessly in a BJJ class can spell trouble when strikes are involved in a cage fight.
You might hear your BJJ coach urging you to show off your skills when you’re on your back. However, getting comfortable in guard while thinking only about submissions might just turn you into a target for your opponent’s fists. In MMA, being on your back is more about surviving than showcasing techniques.
This discussion delves into strategies that prevent you from being overwhelmed by punches, allowing you to maintain composure and effectiveness if you find yourself on your back, whether in a competitive fight or a self-defense scenario.
Why Guard Play in MMA Isn’t Like a BJJ Gym
Lounging in a guard position at a BJJ gym feels like relaxing in a hammock. Plenty of options are available, and the worst outcome might be someone advancing past your guard or threatening with a leg lock. BJJ uniquely allows practitioners to transform disadvantaged positions on the defensive end into ones of strength. If you’re into BJJ, mastering an effective guard is a rite of passage.
The guard itself isn’t flawed; old-school BJJ fighters thrived in the raw environments of early MMA, where no rules existed, because they learned to fend off strikes. The Gracies and their ilk sharpened BJJ under such conditions in Brazil’s famed Vale Tudo events.
Today’s sport BJJ, however, has drifted from its tough roots. The average student seldom trains for defending against strikes, leaving gaps when facing punches from the guard or other bottom positions. Even maintaining dominance from above suffers due to this oversight.
Modern MMA rules don’t favor hanging out on your back. Judges reward takedowns and control, marking you as vulnerable if you’re lying beneath an opponent, which outlines why a submission-centric guard isn’t the best strategy in MMA matches.
Comparing BJJ Guard and MMA Bottom Game
Consider the different focal points of BJJ and MMA from the bottom:
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Objective
- BJJ: The main aims are to submit or sweep. Points and victories come through submissions.
- MMA: The goal shifts to defending against strikes, finding space, and getting back on your feet. Only exceptional BJJ practitioners might safely pause to attempt submissions, understanding that fighters generally know how to sidestep typical grapples while defending with punches.
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Posture
- BJJ: Relaxed and grip-focused, creating space for maneuvering while your opponent seeks closure.
- MMA: Engage your neck and elevate your head to evade blows. Prevent your opponent from rising up for strikes, accepting the risky nature of trying to open space.
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Submissions
- BJJ: Durable gis facilitate easier grip-based submissions. The only true risks are being reversed or having your opponent score, letting you experiment playfully.
- MMA: In a no-gi setting, techniques demand skill over leverage. Pursuing submissions risks exposing you to ground strikes, sometimes fatally, depending on opponent reactions.
Survival Plan for BJJ Enthusiasts in MMA
Here’s a practical survival guide to modify your BJJ training for entering the mixed martial arts arena, or even street confrontations:
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Control the Opponent’s Posture
Nothing is safer than disrupting an opponent’s attempt to freely strike. Using closed guard is vital to neutralizing their attacks and can help force a stand-up if the referee spots a stalemate.
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Practice Hip Escapes Intensively
Hone ‘shrimping’ as a skill to regain guard after potential passes in MMA bouts. Guard remains your safest bet in any bottom position when fighting.
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Develop an Open Guard Strategy
Having a versatile open guard lets you maneuver back to your feet. Ground your feet on an opponent’s hips to leverage yourself up, giving you control and escape options.
Train Like It’s Life or Death
The dynamics of MMA mean adjusting your guard work accordingly since being bottom-oriented scores fewer points than standing. Prioritize sweeping opponents or rising to your feet to start gaining control points. In MMA’s scoring system, dominance and positioning often trump outright knockouts or submissions. Stay assertive, and the judges might favor your tactical approach.
If you’re interested in expanding your grappling skills further, consider exploring combinations like Wrestle-Ups with Leg Locks.
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