Alias · Leg Entanglements

Back-facing guard

Also known as Reverse Guard — the canonical term used on this site.

Training background: Alternative descriptive term.

Descriptive — back-facing body orientation

Back-facing guard is the descriptive name for the reverse guard — using “back-facing” to specify the body orientation in which the attacker’s back is toward the opponent rather than the front.

Etymology. “Back-facing” specifies the body-orientation; “guard” attaches the position-family. The compound is one of several names for the configuration alongside “facing-away guard” and “reverse guard.”

Mechanics. The back-facing orientation provides leverage for back-take and leg-attack sequences distinct from front-facing guard configurations.

Cross-reference. “Facing-away guard” is the alternate name. Full mechanical coverage on Reverse Guard.