The 3 Guards That Work For Self-Defence
Built For Real Situations. Safe From Strikes. No Inversions. No Gymnastics. Just Guard That Keeps You Protected.
Perfect for practitioners who want guard that works when someone's trying to hurt you - not just pass you.
Why Sport Guards Fail In Real Situations
Sport Guards Get You Hurt
Spider guard. De La Riva. K guard. They may work in competition. But what happens when someone's throwing punches? You get smashed. These guards were designed for competition points - not self-defence.
Your Face Is Exposed
Most modern guards leave your head wide open. Someone on top can rain down punches, headbutts, elbows. You're stuck on your back with no protection. That's not Jiu-Jitsu - that's target practice.
Guards That Require Perfect Conditions
Sport guards mostly need a gi. A soft mat. Rules. Gloves on pavement? Someone in street clothes throwing haymakers? Your berimbolo isn't going to save you.
No Strike Protection
The guard was designed for one thing: how to fight when you end up on your back. Staying safe from punches, headbutts, real violence. But sport Jiu-Jitsu forgot this. Now we're left with guards that crumble the moment strikes enter the equation.
You're Training The Wrong Thing
If your guard only works when no one can punch you, what are you actually learning? You're spending hours perfecting techniques that fail the moment reality hits.
Why The Guard Deep Dive Works For Self-Defence
You don't need 50 guards. You need 3 guards built for real situations. Guards that protect you from strikes and give you control.
Built For Strikes — Not Points
These guards were designed for real violence. Protection from punches, headbutts, and strikes. Your face stays protected. Your posture stays strong. Control when someone's trying to hurt you - not just pass you.
Works With Or Without The Gi
Real fights don't happen in a gi. These guards work on the street, in street clothes, on concrete. They're built on body positioning and control - not fancy grips that disappear without a gi.
Manage The Distance To Manage The Damage.
If they can touch your face, you're in danger. These guards manage distance so strikes can't land effectively. The last thing you want in a fight is 50/50 situation. You want the odds in your favour at all times.
Simple. Effective. Violent When Needed.
No fancy grips. No inversions. No gymnastics. Just 3 guards that keep you safe and give you the tools to finish the fight. Safe for your body. Dangerous for theirs.
Train What Actually Matters
Stop wasting time on sport guards that crumble in real situations. These are the guards Rickson taught. The guards that work when violence is real. Train for reality - not competition points.
Why Is The Guard Important?
The guard is Jiu-Jitsu's gift to martial arts.
Naturally, the person on top has the advantage. But a good guard flips the table. You need to know how to fight when you're on your back.
Here's something no one talks about: Sport Jiu-Jitsu has changed the nature of guard.
The guard used to be simple. It was designed for one thing — how to fight when you end up on your back. Staying safe from strikes. Protecting yourself from punches, headbutts, bites. Controlling someone who's trying to hurt you.
That's what guard was FOR.
Now? It's become about flashy inversions, spinning into footlocks, wrestling up for points, and Instagram highlight reels. Guards that require you to be a 22-year-old gymnast just to attempt them.
The honest truth? Guard is actually simple. But it's become needlessly complicated.
And I fell into the same trap.
My name is Chris "Bones" Burns, a 3rd degree black belt under Master Rickson Gracie. I spent years chasing the newest guard, the flashiest sweep, the latest competition technique. I did so much inverting that I couldn't stand up straight for years. My spine was wrecked. My body was destroyed — all from trying to play "modern" guard.
Everything changed when I met Master Rickson Gracie.
He taught me what the guard is actually FOR — and the most efficient way to play it. No inversions. No flexibility requirements. Just control.
Most students learn guards that set them up to fail. Spider guard that requires immense grip strength. De La Riva that contorts your knee. K guard that requires inverting.
These 3 guards are different. They're more efficient, more practical, and easier to learn. They won't destroy your body. And they actually work.
The 3 Guards You Need
You don't need 50 guards. You need 3. Each one is built on control. Each one works for self-defence. Each one is safe for your body.
1. Closed Guard (Clinch)
I'm going to show you how to make your closed guard a nightmare for your partner. How to create angles, break posture, and exhaust your partner.
2. Closed Vale Tudo
This is the game over position. Your partner cannot move, cannot escape, and submissions come easily.
3. Open Vale Tudo
This is when your guard gets opened. I'm going to show you how to manage the distance, keep your spine straight, and stop your partner from touching your face.
3 guards. That's it. Simple. Safe. Effective. No inversions. No gymnastics. Just guard that works for your body — at 40, 50, 60, and beyond.
What's Inside Guard Deep Dive
A complete guard system built on control. Each module is clear, structured, and designed specifically to teach practitioner's 3 guards that have real life application.
The Complete Guard Deep Dive System Includes:
Everything designed with the 40+ practitioner in mind
Additional Course Features
Lifetime Access
Review lessons whenever you need at your own pace
Stream Anywhere
Watch on any device — phone, tablet, laptop, or TV
1 Month Free Golden Goats
Access the full course library and community
Perfect For BJJ Practitioners Over 40
This complete guard system is designed specifically for practitioners who want guard that works without destroying their body — built on control, not athleticism.
What Are People Saying
Don't just take my word for it. Here's what other practitioners have experienced:
See It In Action: Sneak Peek
These videos give you a taste of what you'll learn inside the Guard Deep Dive course.
How To Not Get Picked Up In Guard
Chris shows the invisible principles of connection and weight distribution — and how to transition from Closed Guard to Closed Vale Tudo.
Open Vale Tudo Guard: Stop Your Partner From Passing
How to change the frame and keep your partner from passing. So simple. So effective.
These Videos Are Just The Beginning
The full Guard Deep Dive course includes 95+ lessons designed specifically to work for you.
The Complete Guard System For Over 40
3 guards. Built on control. Safe for your body.
Here's What You'll Get:
- Guard Deep Dive Course — 95+ lessons teaching the only 3 guards you need ($299 value)
- Closed Guard Challenge — Put your skills to the test with structured drills ($97 value)
- 1 Month FREE Golden Goats — Access to our entire course library for 30 days ($97 value)
- White Goat Community Access — Get support from other practitioners
- Lifetime Access — Keep Guard Deep Dive forever, including all future updates
Total Value: $493
Today's Price:
$97
One-time payment. Keep Guard Deep Dive forever.
After 30 days, Golden Goats continues at $97/month (cancel anytime).
🛡️ 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
If Guard Deep Dive doesn't transform how you play guard on the mats, email us within 30 days for a full refund. No questions asked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
What guards are covered in this course?
Guard Deep Dive covers 3 guards: Closed Guard (Clinch), Closed Vale Tudo, and Open Vale Tudo. These are the only guards you need. Each one is built on control, works for self-defence, and is safe for your body at any age.
Is this a one-time payment or subscription?
Guard Deep Dive is a one-time payment of $97 — you own it forever. The Golden Goats Community trial is free for 30 days, then $97/month if you choose to continue.
How does the Golden Goats trial work?
You get 30 days free access to Golden Goats Community. Cancel anytime before your 30 days and you won't be charged. We'll send you a reminder before you get billed so there are no surprises.
What if I'm not satisfied?
We offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you've watched the course and found it's not for you (which is really rare), simply send an email to will@thebjjproject.com for a full refund.
Can I download the lessons?
Lessons are streamed (not downloadable) due to piracy concerns. However, you can watch on any device — phone, tablet, laptop, or TV — anywhere with an internet connection.
Do I need to be over 40 to benefit from this?
No! While the guards are especially valuable for practitioners over 40, anyone who wants guard that actually works will benefit. These guards are built on control — not athleticism — so they work regardless of age, size, or flexibility.
I'm a complete beginner. Is this for me?
Yes. Guard Deep Dive is designed for white belts and blue belts. Chris breaks everything down step by step. You don't need any prior guard knowledge — just a willingness to learn the right way from the start.
