Straight Punches

Straight Punches from the bottom have the advantage of having the most reach of any upper body tool. You can keep you Guard locked or unlock it when you deliver straight punches. It’s usually best to aim straight punches up the middle but they can come from the outside as well. You can trap an arm and punch straight or do it without an arm trapped.

Hooks

Hooks (circular punches) have a little less reach but a lot of power. Circular punches are usually aimed around the outside of his guard. If you trap an arm, he’ll be open on that side.

Hammer Fists

Hammer Fists are a great weapon for MMA. They are devastating and perfectly legal. You can hit with the fist or the forearm. From the Guard Position, it’s best to trap an arm when he punches to set up a Hammer Fist.

Elbow Strikes

Elbow strikes are devastating, even from the bottom. Elbow’s can open up big cuts and potentially end a fight. Trapping an arm sets up the elbow very nicely. Aim for the eye brow or the nose.

Straight Punches

Straight punches are very functional basic strikes from within an opponent’s guard, especially when he’s covering the side of his head, leaving an opening up the middle. Aim the punches between his arms (guard). Lifting one knee off the mat can help you generate more power.

Hooks (Circular Punches)

The second striking option from within the guard is hooking punches (hooks). Hooks are very powerful from the top. Hooks are most effective when the opponent has a a vertical guard covering the centerline and should come from the outside of his arms (guard).

Body Hooks

Hooking punches to the body (Body Hooks) are very effective on the ground. Hitting the body keeps you busy and helps to soften him up. Aim for the liver, kidney or spleen. Hitting the body helps to set up punches to the head, guard passes etc.

Elbows

Elbow strikes are devastating from any position and especially functional from the top. Striking with the point of the elbow can open big cuts and potentially end a fight.

Elbow Variation

When the opponent grabs your wrists to prevent you from punching, strike with downward elbow strikes without even breaking his grip.

Strikes From The Top (Guard Position)

The top in the Guard Position is a good position to "Ground and Pound" your opponent. Because you are on the top, your strikes are powerful. Be careful though because you can easily be submitted from this position.

Submissions From The Top (Guard Position)

There are only a handful of submissions from the top in the guard position. It is often better to strike or to pass one or both legs to get a better position.

Strikes From The Bottom (Guard Position)

Striking from the bottom in the guard position can be very effective even though you’re on the bottom.

Submissions From The Bottom (Guard Position)

From the MMA Guard Position on the bottom, there are many effective submission holds that can be applied. If you have to be on the bottom, this is the best position to be in.