Do you hate it when people pull guard? If so, you’re not alone – some professional athletes do as well.For example, Kade Ruotolo.
Ruotolo argued that guard pulling can lead to stalling, as it allows competitors to sit back and wait rather than actively engage in the match.While Ruotolo admitted to using guard play himself, he suggested that the rules should be revised to encourage more dynamic and engaging matches.
However, in a recent podcast, Nicky Rodriguez shared his own thoughts on the contentious issue of guard pulling in grappling competitions…Also emphasizing the need for offensive action and entertainment in matches:
When it comes to guard pulling, I don’t like when somebody pulls guard and they just wait for you to enter…If you’re going to pull guard, be offensive, make it entertaining, and try to get your offense going.
Nicky Rod acknowledges the strategic aspect of guard pulling.However, he also encourages practitioners to use it as a launching pad for attacks rather than as a defensive tactic:
I mean, I definitely agree with the Ruotolos in a sense…It sucks sometimes when somebody pulls guard.
But if they’re pulling guard and attacking, they’re being offensive, then it is what it is.
