Minimize Attack Vectors

Position your body to reduce the places your opponent can attack you.

Be mindful of your arms, legs, and head at all times.  Remove opportunities for your opponent to grab your extremities and use them for leverage.

In addition to being a solid defensive strategy, this reduces your opponent's options and makes it easier to guess his next action.

Some examples of minimizing attack vectors:

• Adopting a staggered stance when standing up, rather than facing your opponent square
• Adopting strong posture when in your opponent's guard, to prevent your head and collar from being pulled down
• Keep your feet tucked during leg entanglements, to prevent the risk of leglocks
• Keeping your head down when on top in side control, to prevent your opponent from pushing your head.