Unlock the Octopus Series from Closed Guard: Rodrigo Cavaca's Essential BJJ Techniques

Mastering the Octopus Series: Elevate Your Closed Guard Game with Rodrigo Cavaca

In the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the closed guard remains one of the most versatile positions for controlling opponents and launching attacks. Black belt maestro Rodrigo Cavaca, a veteran coach with deep roots in Gracie lineage training, breaks down his signature "Octopus Series." This sequence transforms simple scissor sweeps into a fluid chain of transitions, entries into octopus guard, and devastating back takes. Whether you're a BJJ practitioner, MMA fighter, or wrestler looking to sharpen bottom-game offense, these moves offer game-changing options.

Cavaca's approach emphasizes timing, grips, and hip movement—fundamentals that translate seamlessly across grappling arts like submission wrestling and no-gi MMA. We'll walk through the entire series step by step, adding tips for drilling, common mistakes to avoid, and variations for different opponents. Gear up with a reliable BJJ gi or rash guard from Apollo MMA to practice these safely and effectively.

Why the Octopus Series Rocks Your Guard Play

Traditional closed guard sweeps like the scissor can feel predictable against savvy opponents. Cavaca's innovation lies in chaining them into an "octopus" web of attacks: if one fails, another fires immediately. This keeps pressure on your opponent, forcing reactions you can exploit.

• Benefits for BJJ: Builds offensive pressure from bottom, ideal for tournaments.


• MMA Applications: Bridges guard retention with takedown defense and transitions to top control.


• Wrestling Tie-In: Enhances hip escapes and sweeps against heavier foes.

Step 1: The Entry Setup – Classic Closed Guard Grips

Start in a strong closed guard with your opponent posting a hand on your chest or belt to block hip movement. Your feet are locked, right ankle over left shin.

1. Secure the Grips: Grab their right sleeve cuff with your left hand. With your right hand, control their right tricep or elbow, pulling it across your centerline.
2. Break Their Posture: Shrimp your hips slightly left, using your left foot on their hip to off-balance them toward your right side.
3. Hip Preparation: Open your guard just enough to insert your right knee inside their left thigh, framing for the scissor.

This setup disrupts their base, making the sweep inevitable. In MMA, this grip fighting prevents punches while you work.

Step 2: Fire the First Scissor Sweep

With posture broken, explode into the scissor:

1. Foot Placement: Left foot flat on the mat near their hip, right foot slicing across behind their left knee.
2. Hip Lift: Drive hips up explosively, scissoring your legs to flip them over your left shoulder.
3. Finish Strong: As they lift, pull their sleeve and push their head/neck to complete the sweep, landing in top mount or side control.

Common Mistake: Don't rush the hip lift without posture break—your opponent will post and stall. Add a fake hip bump first to bait their reaction.

Variation for Muay Thai/Kickboxing Grapplers: If they sprawl heavy, transition directly to the next step instead of forcing the sweep.

Step 3: If They Block – Transition to Octopus Guard Entry

Savvy opponents post their left hand on the mat or widen their base. No sweat—flow right into octopus guard:

1. Release and Regrip: Let go of the sleeve, swing your right leg over their right shoulder (the blocking arm).
2. Octopus Hook: Thread your right foot inside their right armpit, toes pointing left. Your left leg stays hooked around their waist or thigh.
3. Pull and Rotate: Yank their right arm across with both hands while hip escaping left, forcing their torso to turn.

Now you're in octopus guard: one leg over the shoulder, the other controlling the hip. This is gold for back attacks in BJJ comps.

Pro Tip: Wear mouthguards and headgear during rolls to protect against accidental elbows—MMA-ready habits.

Step 4: The Back Take Explosion

From octopus, chain to the back:

1. Shoulder Grip: Overhook their right arm with your right arm, gripping their shoulder.
2. Leg Propulsion: Push off your left foot, swinging your hips high to circle behind them.
3. Seatbelt Lock: As you pass, secure the seatbelt grip (one arm over, one under their armpits).
4. Hooks In: Insert both feet inside their thighs for deep back control.

Drilling Hack: Slow-motion reps first, then add speed. Aim for under 5 seconds per transition.

Step 5: Backup Plan – The Low Scissor to Mount

If they defend the octopus entry by basing out wide:

1. Low Frame: Drop both knees to the mat, framing their hips with your shins.
2. Double Scissor: Explode both legs in a low scissor motion, flipping them sideways.
3. Mount Chase: Follow their fall into full mount, knees high and tight.

This low variation shines against taller opponents or in no-gi wrestling scenarios.

Advanced Chains and Counters

Cavaca stresses fluidity—link these endlessly:

• Failed Back Take? Drop to armbar or triangle.


• They Stack Octopus? Bail to single-leg X or ashigarami for leg locks.


• Standing Opponent: Use the sleeve-tricep grip to pull into a hip bump sweep.

Training Tips for Real-World Dominance

• Warm-Up Drills: 5 minutes closed guard posture breaks, then 10 scissor reps.
• Partner Resistance: Blue belts block 50%, purples go full defense.
• Gear Essentials: A durable BJJ gi prevents rips during explosive hips. Pair with quality mats to avoid slips.
• Progression: Week 1: Sweeps only. Week 2: Full chains. Week 3: Live rolling starts.

Why Add This to Your Arsenal?

Rodrigo Cavaca's Octopus Series isn't just moves—it's a mindset of relentless offense. Fighters like those in ONE Championship or UFC grapplers thrive on such chains. Whether competing or training at your gym, this elevates you from reactive to proactive.

Ready to level up? Browse Apollo MMA for top-tier BJJ gear, from gis to rash guards, and start drilling today. Your closed guard will never be the same.

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