"Thrown guard" refers to a defensive technique commonly employed in various combat sports, especially in martial arts and wrestling disciplines. This term is primarily associated with grappling-based disciplines, such as Brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo, and amateur wrestling, where it denotes a defensive maneuver used to counter an opponent's attempt to throw or take them down.
When an opponent initiates a throw or takedown, the defender employs the thrown guard technique to evade being brought down to the ground forcefully. The defender typically uses their arms, legs, and body to create a strong defensive barrier that prevents the opponent from successfully executing the throw or takedown. By adjusting their body positioning, grabbing onto the opponent, or destabilizing their balance, the defender can effectively neutralize the opponent's attack.
The thrown guard technique incorporates various defensive movements, such as sprawling, stiff-arming, posting, or sprawling their legs backward. These actions aim to disrupt the opponent's balance, prevent them from securing a dominant position, or create an opportunity for the defender to counter-attack.
Effectively utilizing the thrown guard requires timing, agility, and an understanding of body mechanics. It is an essential skill for practitioners looking to defend themselves in a competitive wrestling or martial arts setting, as it allows them to nullify opponents' attempts to take them down while maintaining control and potentially transitioning into their own offensive maneuvers.
Overall, the thrown guard technique is an integral component of defensive strategies in grappling-based combat sports, providing a means for fighters to thwart their opponent's offensive attacks and maintain an advantageous position.
