Close Guard

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Roger Gracie discussed the concept of close guard, emphasizing its importance in maintaining control in Jiu Jitsu. He explained that when you are in the close guard position, you are typically attacking while your opponent is defending, which limits their offensive capabilities. Closed guard allows for a closer proximity between you and the opponent, enabling better control, but it can make executing certain submissions, like arm locks or triangles, more challenging without the flexibility of an open guard 1.

Additionally, the debate on whether to focus on closed guard or other forms of guard depends on one's training goals. Lex Fridman mentioned that while some techniques, like closed guard, may lead to stalling, others like butterfly guard can enforce more active learning and attacking strategies 2 3.

Closed Guard Control

Roger Gracie discusses the advantages of the closed guard position in Jiu Jitsu and why he prefers it over open guard. He explains how closed guard allows for better control and attacking opportunities, while open guard can be more difficult to control and limit options for attacks.

Lex Fridman Podcast

Roger Gracie: Greatest Jiu Jitsu Competitor of All Time | Lex Fridman Podcast #343
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The concept of being "complete" in Jiu Jitsu was also touched upon, highlighting that understanding all aspects, including offensive and defensive strategies from various guard positions, is crucial for those aiming to excel in the sport 2.

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