Oftentimes, the go-to argument for BJJ practitioners regarding their lack of takedown skills is, “I don’t need takedowns when I can just pull guard.”

It sounds like a simple solution to make up for a takedown skill deficit.

However, the truth is that pulling guard, like takedowns, is a learnable skillset.

I began asking the two-part question at the seminars I teach, “How many of you are confident with your takedowns, and how many of you are confident with your guard-pulling ability?”

Ironically, very few hands are raised for either of these categories.

The truth is that they neglected training standup skills entirely.

99% of their practice started from the knees or an agreed-upon ground position.

As a result, they are neither capable of takedowns nor guard pulling from a standing position.

Because I focus a lot on teaching safe and effective takedowns for Jiu-jitsu, it is often assumed that I am anti-guard pull.

The truth is that I am not against guard pulling itself, but I am not a proponent of pulling guard due to ignorance of other options.

There is such a thing as “tactical guard pulling,” a term I picked up from Professor Chris Haueter.

Not long ago, I realized that I have, and most grapplers have at some point used a tactical guard pull.

For example, in the 1990s, I grappled with a lot of wrestlers.

I learned to bait them into grabbing for double or single legs.

They were conditioned to go for the legs and were happy to until they would fall victim to my guillotines and Kimuras.

I would concede to their takedown and submit them from bottom guard.

My mentality shifted to understanding that I wanted to be on the ground with my opponent to finish them with submissions.

If we landed in a position that allowed me to control the opponent and outcome, I was satisfied.

I still prefer takedowns and see tactical guard pull as a last resort.

I see guard as primarily a defensive position.
Defense equals reactive and is therefore behind in the game.

Takedowns are proactive and ahead in the game.

Here are some examples of tactical guard pulling:

1. Neutralizing a stronger opponent — when facing an opponent that is greater skilled than you with takedowns or is potentially dangerous with takedowns, you may be able to negate their strengths with a well-timed guard pull.

2. Initiating Submissions — pulling guard simultaneously with attacks such as armbars, triangles, omoplata, and kimuras can add the element of surprise to your game.

3. Counterattacking — when the opponent initiates a takedown attempt, pulling guard can serve as a counterattack and sometimes reversals.

4. Fatigue management — when excess energy is being expended in long stand-up exchanges, guard pulling can serve to preserve your stamina.

There is no denying that guard pulling is part of modern Jiu-jitsu and should not be entirely overlooked.

Takedowns should not be neglected.

Competency in both is important for being a complete grappler.

And remember, when you learn one technique you know one technique.
When you learn a concept you know a thousand techniques.

See you on the flipside. - Larry Keith