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Ep 1:Pt 1 – TAoF Andy Murasaki X-Guard

Series

the art of funneling

Primary Athlete

Andy Murasaki

Athletes Featured

Igor Joaquim Akira UrataJung HeesungJaime CanutoMauricio OliveiraNatan Chueng FreitasIgor TanabeEthan Roy MajorLeonardo SouzaMatheus GabrielGustavo BatistaJoão Gabriel Galvão Da SilvaMathias LunaWallisson OliveiraJackson SousaIsaque BahienseLuiz Paulo Carneiro MedeirosJackson Nagai Hatchwell JuniorPedro MaiaManuel Ribamar

Techniques / Concepts

De La Riva (DLR)Headquarters (HQ)Single Leg X (SLX)X GuardModified XFunnel SystemGuard TransitionElevationOff-BalancingGrip ControlSleeve ControlLeg Entanglement EntryCome-Up Threat

Study Focus

De La Riva (DLR)Headquarters (HQ)Single Leg X (SLX)X GuardModified XFull X-GuardK GuardSpider GuardClosed GuardWaiter GuardSquid GuardCrab RideSit-up GuardShin on ShinKnee shield

sequence count

33

Summary

This study breaks down Andy Murasaki’s Part 1 “initiators” that funnel into X-guard systems, using DLR as the primary path and other guards as alternate routes. Across the sequences, Andy uses grip selection (sleeve/collar/belt) to control the opponent’s posting options, then layers off-balances (stomp/tilt, overhead pull, HQ elevation) to open the pummel lane underneath. The result is a connected chain where positions like HQ, SLX, Modified X, and X-guard flow into each other instead of being isolated guards.

key takeaways

– Treat DLR as the main “funnel” path and use other initiators (closed guard, spider, knee shield, underhook DLR) as alternate entries to reach the same leg-underneath positions. – Use grip choice to dictate the opponent’s base: far sleeve/cross sleeve/collar/belt grips decide whether the cross-side arm can post, stuff the leg, or rotate. – Create entries by layering off-balances (overhead pull, stomp/tilt, collar pull + knee lever) and “stacking” threats until the pummel lane into SLX/X/Modified X opens. – Connect guards as pathways: DLR ↔ HQ ↔ SLX ↔ Modified X/Full X, with quick switches (e.g., switch SLX) when the opponent turns in or tries to deny the first route. – Finish many sequences by combining elevation (crotch/groin lift, HQ elevation) with immediate come-up/wrestle-up threats so the opponent can’t reset posture or re-guard.

study notes

Main Focus
– Building X-guard entries through an “initiator” funnel, with DLR as the main pathway.
– Using grips + off-balancing to open the pummel lane underneath (SLX / X / Modified X).
– Treating positions like DLR, HQ, SLX, Modified X, and X as connected steps rather than separate guards.

Key Patterns
– DLR → HQ is a frequent connector point before elevating into SLX / Modified X / X.
– Repeating grip themes: far sleeve, cross sleeve, far collar/cross collar, and belt to control posture and posting.
– Layered off-balancing: stomp/tilt + elevation (crotch/groin lift) and overhead pulls to shift weight off the target leg.
– Switching sides/angles when opponents turn in or stuff the free leg (e.g., “switch SLX” style transitions).
– Sit-up guard and shin-on-shin show up as intermediate steps that keep momentum and maintain control.

What to Watch For
– When the opponent’s cross-side arm is allowed to post vs when it’s trapped by sleeve/collar/belt control.
– Timing: the off-balance happens first, then the leg pummel happens as the base is “saving” itself.
– How Andy keeps the upper-body connection during elevation so the opponent can’t re-posture or step out.
– The specific moment HQ becomes “his” position (opponent’s free leg stuffed between) and how he uses it to enter underneath.
– Transitions that don’t require re-gripping: grip stays, hips rotate, and the position changes (DLR ↔ SLX ↔ Modified X).

Training Ideas
– Drill DLR → HQ → SLX and DLR → HQ → Modified X as a repeating chain (focus on one grip at a time: far sleeve, cross sleeve, far collar, belt).
– Build a 2-step entry series: stomp/tilt → elevation → (SLX or Modified X), emphasizing the weight shift before the pummel.
– Add “switch” reactions: partner turns in/stuffs the free leg → you switch hips and re-enter SLX/X on the other side.
– Positional rounds starting from HQ (bottom) where the goal is only to off-balance and get underneath (not finish).

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