However, this video on one of the most common positions in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the guard, emphasises once again the importance of Rickon Gracie’s Zero Point concept, which was explained to me by 5th Degree BJJ Black Belt John Frankl. Essentially we need to control the position from Closed Guard Top by neither pushing or pulling, but instead finding the equilibrium zero point, upon which we can begin to make moves against our opponent without consequence.
In particular, we look at avoiding getting two hands on one side of the guard, and how if someone grips or double grips one of ours, how the external rotation of the thumb can significantly increase the resistance to their pull. Also bringing the same side knee around also helps.