10/06/2026
What is defence?
Defence is making space and getting your legs between you and your opponent.
How do we make space?
With principles and frames.
Broadly speaking, defensive principles and frames look like:
- Get a frame in place, either long arm, or elbow preferably.
- Make space with your hips – bridging, sh*****ng, scooting, etc.
- Hold the newly found space with the frame – remember, frames don’t push, they’re a stick, or wedge, that holds something in place.
- Fill that space with your legs – closed guard, half guard, open guard, etc.
- Get your head and chest away from your opponent.
By understanding this principle, you have the keys to a powerful concept which exists in boundless defensive situations.
Don’t think “I know a side control escape from here” or “I don’t know any specific mount escapes”.
Think: “I need a frame in place and when it is in place and strong, I’m going to make space with my hips. Now I have made space, I’m holding it using my frames long enough so I can get my legs back between me and my opponent.”
Thoughts?
Phil.
