Breaking Closed Guard to Pass

As is evident in the above photo from this past Springs Grappling Games, I have a hell of a time breaking closed guard to pass. The reasons are simple. 1. I always try the push and blade away technique. 2. Most people will just open their guard and then I pass (Ive gotten by on luck).

Last night my coach Mike Ellefson (Brown Belt under Chris McCune-Rigan Machado) worked one on one with me on this aspect of my game. He told me what I already knew (I only try the one option) but then gave me the seeds of knowledge (other options/techniques)that I need to get better.

Here are my "go to options" for breaking closed guard (If they don't just open it for me. :).

1. Push and blade (my old stand-by)
2. Double Wrap the legs and sprawl back.
(Over hook each of their legs and cup the inside of each of your own legs. Place head into their solar plexus. Sprawl and create pressure).
3. Head to the mat and kick one leg up from a failed option #2 (if opponent is able to control your head/posture).
4. Single wrap one leg gator roll(using both arms - same side arm tight below the knee and the far arm wrapped under the hamstring). > Then sprawl, dive head just below crotch/in between legs, and roll under the controlled leg.

These notes are more for my own reference but feel free to comment or give me your two cents as well.

Till next time!

Jason