A lot of beginners have trouble maintaining top position in guard. They get swept and wind up flat on their back. But even worse, they have no idea how they got there. “It happened so fast,” they’ll say. While the person lying on the ground may not know how it happened, their opponent had been working the sweep for a full 30 seconds before he made the move. Observers saw it coming but the victim had no clue.

The secret to avoiding many sweeps is preventing your opponent from establishing points of control.

Anytime your opponent has three points of control, you’re in extreme danger of being swept. A point of control could be a grip, a hook, a shin across your body, a foot in your hip or bicep.

Try to picture it in your head:

One point of control is a problem.

Two points of control spells trouble.

Three points of control equals danger.

Even when your opponent only has two points of control, you cannot allow him to keep them. The third grip or hook is coming any second. Think of the Tripod Sweep. Your opponent has one heel controlled and his foot in your hip. Any second, he will hook inside your calf and initiate the sweep.

If you wait until he has that third point of control it will be too late.

You must not allow your opponent to take anything. You can’t wait until you’re in danger. Neutralize your opponent’s control early. If you see it coming, you can stop the sweep before it starts.

As you go through a match it is important to continually clear the points of control before your opponent can take advantage of them. This not only keeps your safe, but thwarts your opponents plans, often distracting and frustrating them.

Stop your opponent before he even has a single point of control. If you take care of each problem as it arises, you’ll stay out of trouble and never be in danger.

To practice this method, the next time you roll attempt to break your opponents grip immediately and don’t let him secure a hook. If your opponent attempts to control you with a foot in your hip, drive toward him to throw him off balance and remove his foot. Do not let your opponent latch on to a point of control. By keeping your opponent uncomfortable you also are breaking his concentration.

Jiu Jitsu isn’t checkers. You should never wait for your opponent to make a move before you counter. You need to anticipate, cut him off and take control of the situation.

Once you’re in control you can begin to work your game, pass the guard and move into a dominant position.

Draculino’s online training site is known for the best in BJJ training. Also check out his jiu jitsu iphone apps and practice your game anywhere.

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