The closed guard can become a holding position. That is useful for slowing a fight down, but it is not enough. A good guard should threaten reversals. It should make the person on top defend their posture, hands, knees, and hips.

Hour nine of my couple client’s Submission Grappling course returned to a familiar position with a more demanding lens. We were not chasing the pass itself. We were revising the preconditions that make passing possible.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) demands mastery across multiple fighting ranges, each requiring unique skills and strategies. During a recent hour-long session, my client and I explored all the major ranges of MMA sparring. We structured the training into focused 3-minute rounds, covering boxing, kickboxing, shoot-boxing, clinch work, and ground fighting from both top and bottom positions. This approach offers a comprehensive way to develop well-rounded skills and sharpen transition