Keenan's New Mantis Guard

[David Rosado]

Kind of. What he's talking about is what he called the Terra Guard, which is just RDLR/Spiral. What Keenan does here has a 2nd hand grip. Whether or not that should warrant this being another guard than RDLR/Spiral is another discussion and worth a debate. But what Keenan is showing here is definitely not exactly what Caio terra showed on his 111 half guard techniques dvd set.

I think the 2nd grip is part of Caio's DVD set. But my memory is rusty.

In my opinion, this is just a RDLR variation and not an entire system of moves. Similar to how Schembri would pull his leg up into what appears to be mission control but people just called it high guard or an omoplata set up. I think the nomenclature is great for learning and for coaching, but I don't think debating the name or originator of this "guard" is that big a deal. Some moves have different names in different schools. Names aren't that important. What's important is that it works.

[David Rosado]

Looks interesting. Seems like it would pair well with quarter guard. But it seems like it's really leaving your arm open for a rolling kimura.

Damn I wish I had your eyes. I can't see it. How do you rolling kimura with your leg tied up? Just go for it and kick your leg out with the free leg? or is the actual kimura irrlevant and you're just trying to get something else?

[Mike Nall]

This was on facebook:

Jay J Pages

Caio, isn't this the Terra guard you've been showing for years? If I remember correctly, isn't this on your 111 half guard dvd set?

Keenan replies

"I hear some people saying it's just rdlr. But it actually fits more into a deep half category. This is the most basic of the setups. Unfortunately I cant show all the secrets but the other sweeps and submissions from here are in a league of their own. Most of which would not be able to be set up from rdlr. It's instinct to see a position that looks familiar and be like "hey that's just this other position I'm familiar with!" But if you are experienced you know that their are so many variations and options from newer positions. I could go into detail explaining the differences on video but I don't have time and it would probably be ignored by the people I'm trying to explain too. But maybe in the future will show some of the other positions from Mantis. "

[Brandon Mccaghren]

i just wanted to take this opportunity to reaffirm my love for Keenan. I would be his sugar daddy.

Carry on.

[David Rosado]

Keenan replies

"I hear some people saying it's just rdlr. But it actually fits more into a deep half category. This is the most basic of the setups. Unfortunately I cant show all the secrets but the other sweeps and submissions from here are in a league of their own. Most of which would not be able to be set up from rdlr. It's instinct to see a position that looks familiar and be like "hey that's just this other position I'm familiar with!" But if you are experienced you know that their are so many variations and options from newer positions. I could go into detail explaining the differences on video but I don't have time and it would probably be ignored by the people I'm trying to explain too. But maybe in the future will show some of the other positions from Mantis. "

You know. I believe him. I was doing some brainstorming and it does seem like there are a few cool things you can do from there. But, until I see it for myself, to me, it's just a rdlr variation.

[Ben Eddy]

Damn I wish I had your eyes. I can't see it. How do you rolling kimura with your leg tied up? Just go for it and kick your leg out with the free leg? or is the actual kimura irrlevant and you're just trying to get something else?

You hold onto the kimura, roll onto the back of your shoulders, then use your free leg to kick out. But that's just what it looks like is open, will have to play around with it. Also I'm sure it's not as open as it looks if this is one of Keenan's go to guards, he I'm sure has felt the counters enough to know it's balanced before putting it out.

[Mike Bushby]

For as much as Terra seems like a decent guy most of the time I sure didn't appreciate his dig at both Keenan and Eddie on FB.

[Chris Herzog]

I dig it!

[Marc Montano]

For as much as Terra seems like a decent guy most of the time I sure didn't appreciate his dig at both Keenan and Eddie on FB.

what did he say? links?

Edit: Found it; it was probably in jest https://www.facebook.com/caioterrabj...90740104332873

[Keith Kavanagh]

Looks interesting. Seems like it would pair well with quarter guard. But it seems like it's really leaving your arm open for a rolling kimura.

One of the guys was trying it on me during live rolls and that's exactly what I went for. He was able to keep the grip on the leg for a sec but the kimura grip helped me kick out. He had only drilled it a few times though, we're gonna keep playing around with it.