Ballet of Violence

YES! A long time in the closed guard means a loss by decision.. If I am in the closed guard position, I have to recover quickly.. it is united technique of submission, sweep, and stand-up..

— Shinya Aoki responding to John Fitch proclaiming the death of the closed guard in MMA, unless you’re Demian Maia or Shinya Aoki. (via bjjlog) I think the take away point here is you can’t SIT in the closed guard, you must attack, you must be active.  Sweep, submit, or get the hell out of there (which, of course, requires opening your guard).