While the sporting application of the guard is undeniable, the waters become increasingly muddied when applied outside the relatively controlled environment of the octagon or tournament scene. Not that there isn't any overlap or consistency, because there is - rather they're not exactly the same thing. In my experience as a bouncer and as a rather unrefined young man, fights and situations demanding self defence rarely commence with two individuals squaring off on their feet with few people within arms reach. Rarely, did 2 (or more) individuals skilled in striking stand up and bang. What typically happened is that the combatants would get close by throwing some big looping fists and would then attempt to put the other in a headlock (headlock defences are very important!) and try to muscle the other to the ground while punching and kneeing them in the face. Other typical scenarios included someone being thrown to the ground in a bar or attacked from behind (among many others). It's a BJJ truism to say that many fights and self defence situations end up or start on the ground.
BJJ players are taught (or at least I was) to control the situation, inflict as little damage as possible to this end, and (most important) get away with your life. Many jiu jitsukas would prefer never to go to the ground in self defence, but control the situation on the feet through a combination of base, posture and technique. As such, the guard, or even the ground for that matter, is not the first line of defence. Even when the conflict hits the ground there is no guarantee that the individual trained in BJJ will flop to guard. Instead, many will attempt to control the situation through leverage, posture and technique from the top position (knee on belly, side mount, mount, back mount, etc.).
The guard may then be used when the player finds themselves on their backs with few other options. Indeed, if while on my back I can escape or inflict damage without putting someone in my guard, I'll do it. In self defence situations, guard may be a go to position when individuals find themselves on their backs and in trouble. From here they can control the other's posture and body, rest and look to escape.
All this being said, I am never going to willingly go to my back on the streets! I feel waaaaay more comfortable fighting from the top and have a greater arsenal from this position for controlling the situation and ending it quickly. Moreover, if I find myself on my back I don't ever have to "let" someone in my guard or close to me to control the situation. I can use additional techniques to create space and escape or inflict damage.
Okay, coming back to the original question: in a self defence situation context - as with everything - determines the strategy's efficacy. Guard is an obvious and requisite tool in the self defence arsenal - but it's not the only or most important one. The ability to control the situation, control the attacker, and escape (relatively) unharmed all the while controlling oneself is paramount. The guard is just one of the jiu jitsukas weapons in a multi-tiered and faceted arsenal. Taken by itself, the guard suffers from a certain lack, but is dangerous and potent when situated within the BJJ complex or network of techniques and strategies.
I hope all this makes some sense. I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Bryan
bjjstudy@gmail.com
