Adapting the Long-Guard Position (diary entry)

We addressed tactics from the ground upwards today, using MMA mainly as the model, but also crossing over into self-defence. Our warm-up was done on the spot combining relevant calisthenics with shadow-boxing from different ranges.   We began by looking at the long-guard position and the hook or de la hiva guard from Brazilian jiu jitsu. We look at ways this position can be applied in the context of submission grappling and MMA, and how it needed to be adapted. Initially we looked at it with a wrist-grab and then we replaced the wrist-grab with a second leg-hook. Then we covered a basic sweep. This followed with the context of having the fighter’s closed guard broken and the opponent standing up. We then covered ways to get a single-leg takedown from this position. This was followed by some specific sparring – passing the long-guard.   The lesson finished with a few rounds of MMA sparring, followed by various sport specific exercises and stretching.   Recommended: Man vs Weight's extensive list of bodyweight exercises (calisthenics)