Guard retention
The skill of keeping meaningful leg and frame connections while an opponent changes angle.
How to read it
What this entry helps you see
Retention is a sequence of small recoveries. Track the passer, protect the inside space, rotate through shoulders and hips when needed, and rebuild a recognizable guard before the passer stabilizes a pin.
Study cues
- Track shoulders and hips before reaching
- Keep knees and elbows available to reconnect
- Recover structure before launching a counterattack
Common errors
- Following only with the feet
- Waiting until the passer controls the head and far hip
- Turning away without a planned recovery path