Rubber Guard

Rubber guard is a high-level flexible guard system, popularized in no-gi and MMA contexts, where the practitioner uses their top leg’s grip—often around the opponent’s upper back or shoulder—to control posture and prevent strikes. This guard allows for precise control while setting up submissions such as triangles, omoplatas, and gogoplatas.

The system emphasizes mobility, hip flexibility, and continuous control, with the bottom player often keeping the non-controlling leg active to maintain balance and create attack angles. Rubber guard is especially effective against larger or stronger opponents, as it relies on leverage and positioning rather than brute strength.

Mastery of rubber guard involves chaining attacks fluidly and maintaining constant tension on the opponent, ensuring that escapes are difficult. Its complexity has made it a hallmark of high-level no-gi and MMA grappling, showcasing the intersection of sport BJJ with practical application.