Hey guys!
I'm new to this group, but let's see if I can't make up for lost time. I'm a Judo black belt, and BJJ blue belt. If you have any questions, I can help out no problem.
In reference to the rubber guard, being flexible is a must, but becoming flexible is not that difficult. I'm a big guy with lots of muscle, but whenever I sit on the computer, watch tv, etc, I stretch, and stretch, and stretch. Eventually you will sit through an entire movie without even realizing you have been stretching the entire time.
When I run classes we always have a little loosening up (light running, Jiu Jitsu Chess, etc.) then a good blast of stretching.
I have been adapting my ground game and I have added the rubber guard in with mixed results. I recommend not to try and use it if your strength lies in other aspects of the guard. However this can be extremely effective in terms of controlling your opponent and throwing submissions at them.
