X-GUARD
By Burton Richardson
The X-guard is an advanced position, but once you are comfortable with the details, you can off-balance and sweep an opponent who has great balance.
Against a standing opponent who has his right foot forward, place your left arm inside his right leg and grip his knee. Pull your head close and get his ankle above your shoulder. This secures his right leg. At the same time, place your feet in an “X” position on the opponent’s left thigh. Your left foot goes on top, your right underneath. Hook and pull with your toes to grip his thigh with your feet. Your right hand secures his wrist to avoid punches. From here, immediately lift with your legs to off-balance him. Push and pull, then find one of the many sweeps to put you on top!
