4 Part Lesson -- Marcelo offers his preferred strategy for mitigating risk against the Closed Guard: If you can control your opponent's hands first, you can pop up to your feet and begin applying pressure to the inside knee for the Closed Guard-Break. If your opponent won't give you his or her hands, they may be waiting to attack your legs when you stand. If this is the case, pop up to your feet but bring your opponent with you; grab both lapels and yank your opponent up off of the mat. Hold the opponent close while you push the leg to break open the guard. When the ankles uncross, immediately force your pass; whether it be a Circle Pass or Knee Cut. [03:24] If your opponent is trying to hug close to you while carried, use one arm to keep them at distance while you work against the leg. [07:52] Staying inside the Closed Guard may seem like a small risk to take, but Marcelo insists on managing the bigger risk of standing up to play against an Open Guard over remaining inside the Closed Guard where his opponent can constantly threaten a finish. [10:10] Work with a partner to break open the Closed Guard by standing up and bringing your partner up with you. Have your partner work to keep his or her guard closed for as long as possible to help simulate this technique scenario.