Elbow-knee connection is one of the most important tools in the guard retention toolbox, and if you want your opponent to have a tough time passing your guard then you have to develop this skill. This concept and many others are covered in much greater detail in The Guard Retention Formula that I put together with BJJ black belt Rory Van Vliet – more info here: https://www.grapplearts.com/guardretention

Winning the grip battle from guard is incredibly important because you get your preferred grip then you can attack and your opponent can’t pass your guard. In this drill from https://www.grapplearts.com/gripfighting (The Gripfighting and Kuzushi Formula) Rob Biernacki teaches and then demonstrates the ‘Engagement Phase Game’ (starting at 3:27). This drill is taxing but will take your gripfighting abilities to the next level.