Closed Guard using 2 on 1 Grip: X-Guard to Leg Drag Sweep - Gi

Closed Guard using 2 on 1 Grip: X-Guard to Leg Drag Sweep - Gi

Master the Closed Guard to Leg Drag transition with this high-level BJJ technique! This 10 second Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu video demonstrates a brilliant attacking sequence from coach Jason Hall, focusing on controlling the opponent's posture and seamlessly transitioning between multiple advanced guards. It helps develop precise grip control and smooth hip movement, making it ideal for intermediate to advanced practitioners. This setup is a high-percentage sweep that leads directly into a dominating guard pass, ensuring you score two points for the sweep and three points for the pass in competition.

The full chain is an attacking BJJ transition drill designed to negate strong posture by manipulating the opponent's arms and isolating a leg.

How and When to Practice

Struggling with opponents pressuring from the standing guard or closed guard? This drill helps you counter strong posture. Practice this movement to solve the specific problem of opponents refusing to engage in your closed guard. The key is controlling the sleeve grip and off balancing your partner with dynamic leg movement (X-Guard). Use this technique 2-3 times per week to build the muscle memory required for a fast, surprise attack. This technique works effectively for all body types because it relies heavily on leverage and grip control rather than sheer strength. It is ideal against bigger and heavier opponents, specially when you get under them which gets them off balanced.

Steps: The Closed Guard to Leg Drag Sequence

1. Establish the 2-on-1 Sleeve and Elbow Control

Starting in Closed Guard, secure the arm-isolating 2-on-1 grip:

  • Use your cross-sleeve grip (e.g., left hand on the opponent's left sleeve).
  • The same-side hand (right hand) grips behind the opponent's left elbow.
  • This combination breaks the opponent's posture and isolates their arm.

2. Transition to Key Master (Advanced X-Guard Entry)

  • Open the Closed Guard and place your 2-on-1 grip side foot (right foot), on the hip to maintain distance.
  • The left leg is placed on the opponent's bicep.
  • Release the elbow grip (right hand) and grab the opponent's same side ankle (left ankle). Move your hips away then again under the right leg, to get to the Key Master Position, a powerful transition to get under the hips.

3. The X-Guard Sweep and Leg Drag Entry

  • Use your X-Guard hooks to lighten the opponent's front leg (the one you are controlling with your hands).
  • Execute the sweep by pushing your opponent back, with your legs and off balancing the opponent.
  • As the opponent falls, drag the isolated leg over your body and immediately transition to a dominant top position.

4. Finish in Leg Drag Pass

  • You will land directly in the Leg Drag Guard Pass position, which instantly removes the opponent's ability to recover guard.
  • Maintain a strong cross-face and hip pressure to secure the Side Control pass.

How to Drill It

Start with Step 1 and 2. After a few minutes, add Step 3-4. Ideally you would do this for 5 minutes. Stick to one side and move on to the other once you get comfortable.

When to Use

Use this technique when your opponent is standing up to pass your Closed Guard or when they are trying to pressure you from a standing position. This sequence is the perfect counter for the modern standing pass, forcing them to address your lower body attack and leading to a high-percentage sweep.

Why It Works

This sequence works because it is a multi-layered attack. It first uses the 2-on-1 grip to control the upper body, which prevents posture. It then uses the Key Master entry to transition into the X-Guard position. The combination of pushing with your legs and pulling with your grips makes this sweep very powerful against a standing passer, as you their break posture and base.

Common Mistakes

  • Releasing the 2-on-1 Grip Too Early: Wait for the opponent to stop resisting. Eventually you can do these transitions very quickly and it won't matter how are the opponent is trying to escape.
  • Not Hipping Out: Failing to create the angle to get behind the knee for the Key Master.
  • Losing foot on the bicep: Probably the most important grip in this sweep. Do not allow lose the foot on the bicep until you are in Key Master position.

Related Techniques & Chains

FAQ

What is the most important detail for the 2-on-1 Closed Guard sequence?

The most important detail is the moment you transition from closed guard to an open one with your 2 on 1 grip. The whole thing will fall apart if the foot on the bicep is lost.

Difficulty

Advanced

In Action

Lots of videos from John Danaher, Clark Gracie and Rafael Lovato Jr. Try it on your opponent, they'll hate you for it!