Many beginning martial artists such as students of jujitsu have difficulty learning to maintain a top position while in guard. When these students get swept they land on their backs. What is worse is that they typically can’t even tell you how they ended up in that position. They may say “It happened so quickly”, because BJJ is a fast sport that has specific movements, sweeps, and counters to every move. 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.

By constantly clearing points of control before your opponent can establish them you keep yourself safe, frustrate your opponent and take them out of their game.

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.

Next time you roll, try breaking your opponent’s grip as soon as he establishes it; don’t let him secure any hooks; if he puts his feet in your hips, drive them forward to clear his feet off them. Don’t let him get a single point of control. Keep him uncomfortable to help him lose focus.

Jiu Jitsu isn’t checkers. You can’t wait for your opponent to make a move before you make yours. 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.

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