The Gripless Guard – In-Depth Review

Build a backup bottom game that works when your grips are gone and pressure is on.

The Bottom Line

Gripless Guard teaches you to survive and reset when opponents strip grips. It is retention- and reattachment-focused. Use it as a second layer under your main open guard.

⚡️ Quick facts

Best for: Guard players under pressure

Skip if: You want submissions

Tech focus: Guard Retention, Hook Frames, Seated Guard, Inversion Escapes, Inside Passing Defense, Outside Passing Defense, Re Attachment

Biggest takeaway: Retention first, reattach second

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What You'll Learn

A defense-first bottom game for when opponents break sleeve and pant grips. Using hooks, frames, and hip angles, you learn to retain, invert when needed, and re-attach to attacks without relying on fabric. It creates a second layer beneath your primary gripping game.

Primary Techniques You'll Drill

Guard Retention
Hook Frames
Seated Guard
Inversion Escapes
Inside Passing Defense
Outside Passing Defense
Re Attachment

Format & Level

Instructional style: Conceptual, Technique Collection, Drill Heavy
Skill level: Intermediate
Format: Both
Runtime: 1 hour and 31 minutes
Volumes: 3
Released: 2022

Should You Buy It?

Wait for daily deal. I like using this as a safety net before reattaching to my main guard.

Why Rafael Lovato Jr?

Lovato proposes a grip-agnostic retention layer using hooks and frames to buy time and angles. It blends seated guard, inversions when needed, and quick reattachment to offense.