Gracie Combatives Pulling Guard tips
This article assumes you already have knowledge of the Pulling Guard technique as taught by the Gracie Academy.
In an ideal situation, we would
Close the Distance and establish the clinch
(Gracie Combatives Lesson Nos. 2, 4, 15)
Takedown the Bad Guy
(Gracie Combatives Lesson Nos. 1, 3, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23)
Achieve and maintain the mount
(Gracie Combatives Lesson No 3)
AND
Win the Fight!
(Gracie Combatives Lesson Nos. 2, 4, 6, 22)
It's possible he's resistant to allowing you to control his hips which we need for the above takedowns.
Because we can't take him down - we take both of us down.
"Is pulling someone on top of me risky?"
Yes, especially if you don't know what you are doing.
If we know how to use the guard, we can neutralize punches, drain his energy and look for opportunities to improve position or apply a submission.
After you have a good hook on the Bad Guy's shoulders and use the hook for an effective pull downwards make sure you don't pull backwards and lead with your back as shown below
Correct view of squatting first and shooting the hips backward
When transitioning to the final guard control, there is a transition from holding the BG shoulders. Make sure you control the BG head first and then overhook the arm. Always keep your head protected as shown below.
Pulling guard is our next best option if we can't execute a takedown and achieve the mount.
It is safer than standing and exchanging punches. As long as you master distance management, you will remain safe from punches.
