A posture-breaking open guard system that funnels to sweeps and back takes.
The Bottom Line
You learn to anchor posture, then flow into Bear Trap overhooks, sweeps, chokes, and back takes. The structure reduces speed requirements and helps smaller grapplers. You will not get meta leg locks; this is classic control with modern grips.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: guard control lovers
Skip if: you chase leg locks
Tech focus: Anchor Guard, Overhook Bear Trap, Butterfly Sweep, Back Take, Cross Collar Choke, Leg Anchor
Biggest takeaway: Break posture to slow passes.
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What You'll Learn
Anchor Guard adapts armdrag-style control into a sticky open guard that ties posture to your anchor points. Lyman layers attacks through the Bear Trap overhook and cross grips.
It is designed for control-first open guard that scales down athletic demands, making it a helpful teaching model for hobbyists and coaches.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Anchor Guard
- Overhook Bear Trap
- Cross Collar Choke
- Butterfly Sweep
- Back Take
- Leg Anchor
- Lasso
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 1 hour and 26 minutes
- Volumes: 3
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I placed this fourth because it is a teachable, posture-centric guard that many hobbyists can adopt quickly.
Why Chad Lyman?
Lyman coaches at Xtreme Couture and is known for pressure-aware guard tactics that keep your head safe and your grips meaningful. His teaching emphasizes simple routes to the back and top without chasing risky scrambles.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- People found his two-on-one control ideas useful in guard exchanges.
- Viewers like his hand-fighting-from-guard lessons for setting overhooks.
- Students appreciate posture control options that slow bigger passers.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some argue anchor-style grips can be countered if opponents know the escapes.
- One comment joked anchor guard can fail without the same body type or leverage.
- Sport players may prefer more modern leg entanglements instead.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Glover Approved Guard Retention by Jeff Glover – If posture breaking is your main concern. (Price: $97.00)
- Position, Transition and Submission by Eli Knight – Generalist fundamentals that complement Anchor Guard. (Price: $79.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View The Anchor Guard on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.