Rubber guard is a highly technical guard system developed by Eddie Bravo. It is controversial in traditional BJJ circles but undeniably effective in submission grappling and MMA. This guide breaks down the rubber guard system for practitioners curious about this unique approach.
What Is Rubber Guard?
Rubber guard is a high guard position where you control your opponent is posture using your legs, particularly by breaking their posture down and controlling their head with your legs. It requires significant flexibility and technical knowledge.
Key Positions in Rubber Guard
Stage 1: Mission Control
The entry position. One leg over opponent is shoulder, foot hooked under their armpit. Opponent is posture is already broken.
Stage 2: Zombie
Your foot moves from armpit to behind their neck. You are controlling their head with your leg.
Stage 3: New York
Your leg is deep behind their neck, controlling their posture completely. From here, multiple attacks open up.
Stage 4: Chill Dog
High level position. Your leg is controlling their head while you isolate an arm for submissions.
Submissions from Rubber Guard
Gogoplata
Using your shin across opponent is throat while pulling their head down. A signature rubber guard submission.
Omoplata
Transitioning to the omoplata shoulder lock from rubber guard control.
Triangles
Various triangle setups from the broken posture positions.
Armbars
Isolating arms when opponent defends the choke threats.
Why Rubber Guard Works
Posture Control
Traditional BJJ emphasizes posture. Rubber guard makes good posture nearly impossible.
Unfamiliarity
Most BJJ practitioners do not train rubber guard defenses regularly. The positions are confusing.
MMA Effectiveness
In MMA, rubber guard neutralizes ground and pound while setting up submissions.
Requirements for Rubber Guard
Flexibility
You need flexible hips and hamstrings. Most people cannot immediately get into the positions.
Strength
Holding your legs in position requires core and leg strength.
Technical Knowledge
The system has specific paths and transitions. You cannot improvise effectively.
Training Rubber Guard
Solo Drills
- Stretching routines for hips and hamstrings
- Mission control position holds
- Transitions between stages
Partner Drills
- Entry from closed guard
- Maintaining control as opponent moves
- Submission chains
Defending Rubber Guard
Prevent Entry
Maintain posture. Do not let them break you down.
Strip the Leg
Two-on-one grip on the controlling leg, strip it off.
Stack Pass
Drive forward, stack them, collapse the guard.
Stand Up
If possible, stand and open the guard completely.
Controversy in BJJ
Traditionalists argue rubber guard:
- Relies too much on flexibility over technique
- Is not effective against elite competition
- Is a gimmick system
Supporters counter:
- Works at highest levels (MMA)
- Eddie Bravo students prove effectiveness
- Adds necessary diversity to BJJ
Is Rubber Guard for You?
Try It If:
- You are naturally flexible
- You train 10th Planet or open-minded gym
- You compete in submission grappling
- You train for MMA
Avoid It If:
- You have limited flexibility
- Your gym does not allow it
- You are focused on IBJJF competition
- You want fundamentals first
Bottom Line
Rubber guard is a legitimate system that works when trained properly. It is not for everyone – the flexibility requirement eliminates many practitioners. But for those who put in the work, it offers unique control and submission options unavailable in traditional guards.