Alias · Guard
Open guard
Also known as Seated Guard — the canonical term used on this site.
Training background: general term — seated guard is a specific variant
Generic — guard category without closed-loop leg connection
Open guard is the generic category name for any guard configuration without a closed-leg loop around the opponent’s torso — covering the seated, supine, and standing-bottom variants that share the open-leg structure.
Etymology. “Open” specifies the leg configuration (open rather than closed); “guard” attaches the position-family. The label is the broad umbrella term for the family of variants — distinguishing them from closed guard (legs closed around opponent) and half guard (one leg trapped).
Mechanics. The open-leg configuration produces sweep, leg-attack, and distance-control options that the closed configurations do not — the trade-off is closer-range close-loop control for broader-range option-set.
Cross-reference. “Seated guard,” “long guard,” and “butt scoot guard” are specific configurations. Full mechanical coverage on Seated Guard.