Understanding Lasso Guard and Kneebar Threats in BJJ
Lasso guard is a staple in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), especially for players who favor open guard games. It involves wrapping one leg around the opponent's arm while controlling their posture with your other foot on their bicep or shoulder. From here, attackers often transition to dangerous leg locks like the kneebar, which hyperextends the knee joint by isolating the leg and applying leverage.
In mixed martial arts (MMA) and no-gi grappling, these positions arise frequently during scrambles or transitions from top control. Dillon Danis, a world-class grappler known for his competitive success and association with elite coaches like John Danaher, shares a crucial countermove to neutralize this threat. This defense not only saves your leg but sets up sweeps or passes, making it invaluable for competitors in BJJ tournaments, MMA fights, or even wrestling scenarios.
Whether you're a white belt building fundamentals or a black belt refining your game, mastering this will elevate your bottom game resilience.
Why Lasso Guard Kneebar is So Sneaky
The lasso guard kneebar catches many off guard because:
- Posture Control: Your opponent's lasso hooks your arm, limiting your ability to post or stand.
- Leg Isolation: Their free leg snakes behind your knee, trapping it for the figure-four grip.
- Momentum Shift: A successful kneebar flips the hierarchy, putting you on defense from a dominant position.
In MMA, this mirrors threats from wrestlers or kickboxers transitioning to grappling. Proper gi or no-gi rash guards from brands like Hayabusa or Venum provide grip for counters without slipping.
Step-by-Step: Dillon Danis' Kneebar Escape
Dillon breaks it down simply yet effectively. Follow these steps precisely during live rolls or sparring. Practice slowly at first, focusing on details.
Step 1: Recognize the Setup
As your opponent establishes lasso guard, watch for their free leg circling behind your attacking leg's knee. Their hips will angle toward your leg while they push your chest with their foot. Stay calm—panic leads to sloppy defense.Beginner Tip: Drill recognition by having a partner slowly enter the position 10 reps per side. Use a BJJ gi for realistic grips.
Step 2: Block the Entry with Your Elbow
Immediately drop your elbow on the inside of their lasso leg (the one hooked around your arm). This creates a frame preventing them from fully securing the figure-four for the kneebar.Your other hand grips their pants or shin on the attacking leg, pulling it toward you to reduce leverage. Keep your posture tall—don't let them collapse you forward.
Pro Insight: In no-gi, switch to underhooks or forearm frames. This mirrors wrestling defenses against single-legs.
Step 3: Hip Escape and Leg Clearance
Explode your hips away in a classic shrimp motion. Simultaneously, swing your trapped leg free by kicking it outward and upward, breaking their control.Dillon emphasizes rotating your hips aggressively toward their lasso side. This unravels their guard while positioning you for a pass.
Visualize It: Imagine shrimping as if escaping side control, but angled 45 degrees toward the lasso arm.
Step 4: Counter with Pressure and Sweep
Once free, drive your knee into their hip or thigh to pin their bottom leg. Post your hand on the mat for base, then circle your body to knee-cut or torreando pass.Advanced players can chain into a back take if they overcommit. In MMA, this transitions seamlessly to top position for ground-and-pound setups.
Training Drill:
- Partner starts in lasso guard.
- Enter kneebar setup 5x slow, 5x 50% speed.
- Add resistance at 80% for realism.
- 3 rounds per side.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Failing to Frame Early: Letting the figure-four lock in makes escape 10x harder.
- Static Hips: Staying flat invites the attack—always move!
- Ignoring Posture: Hunched over? You're toast.
Gear Recommendations for Lasso Guard Play
Solid equipment enhances your training:
- Rash Guards: Hyperfly or Scramble for no-gi grip and mobility.
- Shorts: Tatami or Origin split shorts prevent leg ride slippage.
- Gis: Fuji or Kingz for gi-specific lasso control.
At Apollo MMA, browse our collection of premium BJJ gear tailored for technique drills like this.
Integrating into Your Game
Beginners: Focus on steps 1-3 in positional sparring from open guard.
Intermediates: Add the pass and chain to sweeps (e.g., scissor from failed defense).
Advanced: Use in competition—Dillon's style shines in high-stakes matches like ADCC.
Relate to other sports:
- Muay Thai: Builds leg resilience against clinch knees.
- Wrestling: Improves single-leg defense.
- MMA: Perfect for cage grappling where space is limited.
Final Thoughts
Dillon Danis' countermove transforms a potential tap into an offensive opportunity. Consistent drilling builds instincts, preventing injuries and boosting confidence. Head to your academy, roll it out, and watch your lasso guard defense soar. For top-tier gear to support your journey, check Apollo MMA's BJJ selection.
Stay grapplin'!
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