If you have not heard about the Rubber Guard then lock and load. It is an innovative guard coming out of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Eddie Bravo is the leading developer of this unique way of playing guard.

Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-jitsu for MMA Competition is Eddie's in depth book exposing his techniques. It is an awesome guide to lead you down the path of developing this cutting edge guard!

The goal was to develop a style of guard that did not rely on grabbing the opponent's sleeve or collar for control or submission set ups.

In the world of Mixed Martial Arts the application is obvious. MMA fighters do not wear the traditional kimono of Brazilian or Japanese Jiu Jitsu. As a result there was a need for a guard style that did not utilize the gi.

This style of guard breaks your opponent down and uses over hooks and under hooks along with locking your legs over your opponent's back to control them and set up submissions.

I had the opportunity to train with Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Los Angeles CA and learned these techniques first hand from him. I have also developed a number of techniques myself including some of the techniques below.

If you are interested in competing in grappling tournaments or MMA then you should consider this guard style. It will take time to develop the flexibility for some of the moves but with stretching and conditioning you will be able to apply the techniques.

Like most things in life it takes time and effort to develop this style of guard. You can learn the techniques in a matter of minutes but it will take a lot of work and constant drilling to develop your guard to the point where you can apply the techniques on an opponent that is resisting 100%.

As Eddie says “prey on the weak.” Start with people your same skill level and below. You have to be able to run a clinic on the new guys. Then you work on schooling guys your same skill level. Only after you can do that should you expect to be able to catch more experienced players.