3 Part Lesson — [I] Success in breaking open the Closed Guard while standing involves timely coordination of your limbs; if your opponent tries to pick your heel (outside grip around foot), kick forward and step back as you crank his ankles. If he slips inside and under-hooks your leg, raise your leg out of the position with a high-Knee during the break. Before the disconnection occurs, toss the opponent's legs away and land for Side Control. [II] If you fall backward from your opponent's trip, post your arm behind to keep upright, but keep your head away from triangle, and prevent him from sitting up by pushing his hips. Regain your base and try again, but this time, intercept his Ankle Trip and trap his hand behind his back. Pick him up off the mat with his own arm and press down on his knee to break his guard. Slide your cross knee over the top of his thigh and land tightly in Side Control. [III] If you have trouble picking your opponent up, try grabbing onto the back of his head as you do so. If still you encounter trouble, keep your balance and keep pressing his knee, perhaps, even with several attempts before you drop back down to safety.