Jiu-Jitsu can really get awkward at times. The Gentle Art is only gentle when you’re manipulating someone against their will by using technique and pressure. Once you’re on the opposite side, nothing about it feels gentle. The same holds true for some of the positions Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gets us in. Just think about it. The art has them all, from torturous positions like knee on belly to stuff like the North-South, probably only a part of Kama Sutra before BJJ. And then, there is the inverted guard. A position so awkward it feels just as uncomfortable as it looks. Especially when you have someone trying to smash their way past it. Is it effective? By all means yes. But the cost of going inverted might not be worth all the hassle. At least in the long run.
The inverted guard is part of the new school Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Actually, it might be the spark that gave birth to the Berimbolo, Tornado guard, and countless other modern grappling concepts. Going inverted is now an integral part of Jiu-Jitsu, at every level of the sport. It is not uncommon to see white belts going upside down in an attempt to do something even they don’t understand. Actually, does anyone truly understand what the inverted guard does? I don’t mean in the sense of preventing your opponent from passing or attacking. I mean internally, what is the cost that our body has to endure for us to fight from a position not really meant for human beings?
Most inverted guard variations need us to be on our neck. Even in a best-case scenario, we need to be on our upper back/traps in order to be effective. Unless we can use such a pivot point, our hips won’t have the mobility to truly do anything from the position. Much like when a white belt tries to pull it off on you. However, once you go against someone really versed in inverting, you’ll ultimately be battling a human fidget spinner. There’s simply no way around. However, the more you stay in the position, the more stress certain body parts feel. As stress mounts up, things are bound to give way. It is, in short, what has happened to me, and countless other grapplers I know. But why did it happen and is there a smart way to approach the inverted game?
Anatomy Of The Inverted Guard
The inverted guard is often seen as a position for those with flexible hips. While flexibility can only help it is not a pre-requirement for the inverted guard. Actually, nowadays there are drills that people do almost every class to make them better at inverting. The Granby rolls were not always a part of the warm-up drills for BJJ. They represent a very technical way of training inversions. And inversions are integral for a top-level Jiu-Jitsu game.
What essentially happens when we go inverted is that we gain both distance and mobility. We also establish a great structure, albeit at the cost of a solid base. Once we’re upside down, our hips are too far from the opponent for effective control. Furthermore, when we’re pivoting correctly, as high as possible on our back, the hips are also extremely mobile. We can go in any direction, 360 degrees, with not much effort.
So, with the Granby roll as our perfect technical entry and all the benefits associated with the inverted guard, why doesn’t it become as normal for a grappler to use it as a half guard, for example. Well, the trick is in staying upside down. Going inverted to prevent a guard pass, or to open up space for an escape is unquestionably efficient. However, staying in that position and attempting to play an inverted game has not been proven sustainable. At least not this far. The main issue that arises, is in staying inverted for too long. Regardless of the nature of your game (offensive or defensive), the inverted guard is not a long-term position you need to be considering.
The Price Of Going Upside Down
As we said before, going inverted means we end up pivoting on our traps and/or neck most of the time. getting to a position of the inverted guard is not uncommon for gymnasts or Yogis worldwide. Yet, none of them seem to share the ailments that grapplers end up with when going inverted. The reasoning behind this is very simple – other athletes do not have someone actively trying to smash and tear them apart.
An external force is a factor that leaves most inverted guard enthusiasts (me included) with a spinal hernia of some sort. It may be the neck, upper back or lower back. It might be mild or aggressive, and it’ll certainly become chronic if you keep on inverting. Going inverted puts enormous stress on the spine of the neck and upper back This inevitably results in faster degenerative processes and all the side effects that come with having a spinal hernia.
As we age, our disc spaces tend to become constricted even without the stress of grappling. Discs become more brittle and degeneration slowly develops in everyone. Now, add to that the stress of grappling with all the chokes and cranks and you already have more stress than the body can handle. If you end up staying inverted, while carrying the weight of a partner on top of that, you have a real disaster. Don’t take this lightly as having a hernia means that you’ll have to change your whole game if you want to keep training. It may even end up sidelining you for good.
Finding Balance
So, from all the conflicting evidence above we learned two things by now. First, the inverted guard works like a charm to prevent passing and get you out of tight spots. Second, staying inverted for too long might cost you your BJJ career. That’s a gut-wrenching dilemma if ever I saw one. However, nothing is finite and there’s always a way to find balance.
For starters, lay off the inverted guard as your first choice. Do not go upside down immediately after the slap’n’bump. Furthermore, avoid staying in an inverted guard any longer than actually required. And finally, try to avoid using it unless you absolutely have to.
That said, going inverted as opposed to playing an inverted guard should be something you have in your toolbox. Whether it is for pass prevention or some fancy modern leg lock entry, you need to have the skill to invert. What you do not need is a hernia, so make sure you manage how often and for how long you use inversion in BJJ.
If you’re on the lookout for a guard that works to replace your inverted guard, then your search is over. Neil Melanson has a whole DVD set by the name of “the Ground Marshall Guard” that’s the answer to all your prayers. It’s unorthodox, effective and is going to spare your spine any additional stress.
Why You Need The Technical Stand Up For High Level Jiu-Jitsu
Next, you’ll spend some time discussing the subject with the coach. In some cases, the subject matter might be agreed upon beforehand. In others, you’ll inform the coach right then and there. whatever the case, a discussion is sure to follow. This is when the coach is going to ask you about your experience with the subject as well as suggest the best path to approach it. Sometimes, you might not like the direction a private takes, but you need to listen to the coach.
One great reason for taking private Jiu-Jitsu classes are tournaments. However, do not confuse taking a private with competition classes. First, take a private before a tournament, when you need to discuss tactics and strategy with a coach. Make sure you outline your ideas for a game plan and listen to what they have to offer as feedback. Try to have that instructor in your corner. Next, go for a private after a tournament, especially one you lost. This is where you work out all the mistakes.
This is the breakfast for people on the go, who still have 10 minutes to spare in the morning. First and foremost, start your day off right by drinking a glass of water. This sets you up perfectly for your day. next, brew yourself a cup of your favorite pick-me-up. It could be some kind of tea or just a regular cup of Joe. Adding coconut oil and/or butter to your coffee is optional and only limited by your preferences.
The second version of this breakfast requires a couple of minutes of your time. Put a fruit (or more), some protein powder, and some oat in a blender. Top it off with milk, or better yet use coffee. That way you get everything you need in a bottle and are ready to go. On top of everything, it’s going to keep you completely full until your next meal. A simple recipe includes a banana, some berries, rolled oats, a tablespoon of peanut butter/coconut oil, and a double shot of your favorite coffee. Enjoy!
Also, try to keep a steady pace. Even if the technique is an explosive one, there’s no need to get all bent out of shape doing it. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Instead of rushing moves, learn to do them so precisely that slow is going to be lightning fast. Also, try and find a training partner that understands this. People that spaz during techniques are ones to avoid in every moment of class.
For those OGs that actively compete there’s also the old man BJJ tournament gameplan. Rolling is way easier than competing, meaning you need an even better strategy. First and foremost, you’re going to start your match standing. The rule here is simple – pull guard. It is the safest way to stay safe and get into a superior position. If you really insist, make sure you go for simple stuff like arm drags and or trips instead of full-blown takedown attempts.
While signing up you’ll need to clarify a few things that have to do with BJJ rules. The major one is the category in which you plan to compete. In BJJ categorization of competitors is based on weight age, sex and belt level. As such you’ll need to make sure you choose the best one for you. Since most people have no trouble with their age, sex or belt level, weight is where things get confusing. If you register for one weight class and end up too heavy a couple of days before a tournament, there’s no way to change it. It means you’re now ineligible for competition and your registration fee is lost.
It is very important to understand the knee reap rule as it often happens involuntarily. The thing is that you can’t place one of your legs in between the opponents an then loop it around one of theirs. IF you do so, you’re in the knee reap position which is an instant DQ. So be very mindful of this when you’re in open guard.
For regular bouts, there’s just one overtime round at the end of each regular time match. In the finales, there are three. Furthermore, the limit of an overtime round is 5 minutes. That means that in 5 minutes the attacking grappler needs to finish, or the defensive grappler to escape the position. If there’s no winner by submission at the end of overtime, the grappler who escaped the fastest gets the victory.
On the negative side of things, the spider web position is much easier to escape than back control. While some general armbar escapes (like the hitchhiker) do not work as good, there are ways to defend and get out. IF you’re looking for ride time, this is definitely not the position to choose. If you’re in a hurry to escape though, the spiderweb is your best bet.
What back control brings to the table is ride time. When you have seatbelt control and hooks, you can keep your opponent there as much as you want. Slapping on a body triangle is also a good strategy, as proven throughout EBI so far. This is a notoriously difficult position to escape from, and you can also get a submission if you’re persistent.
