3 Part Lesson — Marcelo opens the Closed Guard: [I] Before you stand up to your feet to break open your opponent's Closed Guard, it is important to neutralize his plans of attack before initiating your rise up. If he pummels under your leg, press down on his hips and sprawl free your leg. If he sets his hand in your collar, use both hands to break it off. After you've blocked the attack, keep a hold of his arm by the sleeve to help yourself create unhindered base on that side. Once you pop up to your feet, immediately push down on the inside of his knee with both hands to break open his guard for a pass. [II] If your opponent tries to yank you back down after you've stood up, try your hardest to resist with counterbalance and keep upright against his tug. [III] Don't stop pushing down on the opponent's knee when he tries to jerk you back down to the mat. You will increase your chances of success in breaking open his guard if you apply constant pressure to his legs while standing.