What type of guard should I focusing on?

[Michael "Mikey" Bunten]

I had my first class tonight. I felt bad for the poor saps that got paired up with me. I easily out weighed them by 125 pounds. As expected my belly got in the way. We ended the class by rolling, I felt like a bull in a china shop, I did not know what to do and I was worried about squashing the other guys.

In a previous thread someone said that I should "Develop a solid open guard, sweep, and kill from the top. Butterfly guard should be your best friend." Is this the best strategy for me for now, until I lose some major weight? Keep in mind that I am 5'7" and 325.

Thanks,

Mikey

[Corky]

Hubber guard

[Sean Marshall]

might have to experiment for a couple months/years to see what feels good to you. How much experience did the guys have that you were squashing?

[Muhammad Abdou]

butterfly guard is awesome regardless of size, in my opinion.. its like eddie said, no one guard is perfect. you use them in conjunction with each other to achieve success, eg. someone posts out from your butterfly guard so you transition to rubber guard to attack around their arms, or someone stacks your rubber guard so you transition to butterfly guard to sweep out their legs.

[Jack LaBarge]

Half guard & butterfly guard! If your new I'm sure your going to be working on whatever your Instructor tells you.

[Michael "Mikey" Bunten]

We drill then we had open roll time at the end. I figured I would work on what works best for me during that time.

[chronic_jiujitsu]

I seem to have the biggest problem with larger opponents when they have a really good side control or north/south.. so i would suggest either of those. you have size.. use it to your advantage.. gravity is your friend in this scenario..

[Lance L]

Developing a game that is customized to your body type, flexibilty and strength is essential. Find the next biggest dude in your class and become his best friend. Pick his brain for what works for him. Dont try to imitate anyone elses styles, take what works for YOU, discard the rest. Stretching 10-15 mins every day you train would be a bonus. Other than that, roll, roll, roll, You'll be a monster in no time.

[Matthias Sieber]

At this time (only) work on that what your instructor (and your training partner) is showing you.

[The kza]

i would suggest working from the guard in as many ways as possible.

DeLariva guard, open guard, x-guard, spider guard, rubber guard if you can get the flexibility, closed guard, and butterfly guard. Takes time and devotion but once you can understand these and use them in conjunction you will be a dangerous opponent off your back.

The one person on the top hhas an advantage: gravity adn technique vs bottom( technique only)