Today’s lesson is about the octopus guard. I’ve been hit with this so many times by higher-level belts but am just now starting to learn it.

We start from the bottom half guard position; having a knee shield in place would be an advantage, easing the pressure and slowing the pace. Your partner is likely to pressure in with a crossface. At that point, you need a two-on-one grip (or burrito grip) on their crossface arm. Take advantage of their momentum and bring their arm over your head; this will open up space for you to circle behind their back. Let go of the knee shield and bring your arm underneath theirs, using your elbow to block their tricep and shoulder while grabbing their far-side armpit (this is to prevent them from crossfacing you). Start building a base with your arm and move around their back. As your head is higher than theirs, switch your hips so both your butt cheeks are flat on the mat. Switch your grip from the armpit to their hip, ensuring your head remains higher than theirs.

To start sweeping them, use your outside leg and scoop their leg with a kosoto hook (it’s a knee reap—bring their shin outside and bend their knee inward) or a butterfly hook.Since the octopus guard is more about scrambling than anything else, you must anticipate your partner’s reaction in advance, feeling their weight and hip position to be able to sweep them.