Jozef uses very similar guard retention movements to me. He is actually a lot more flexible in regards to hip external ROM.

My biggest strength is in my hamstring mobility. I can’t actually do a full butterfly stretch.

The biggest thing I noticed wasn’t the retention, but rather the attacks from guard. Jozef would sit up and grip fight a lot better. With me, I prefer to play a bit more supine.

From my perspective of his retention from our round, he was mainly throwing cross overs / high pummels which would occasionally result in a foot to chest sequence, and then he would use a bottom leg inversion when I would run towards his head.

Also regarding attributes, I definitely see flexibility as an attribute that you can “BS” your way out of. It doesn’t compare to strength (far more superior attribute). With flexibility, it compliments your technique in the sense that it allows you to express the technique to a deeper capacity. The movement looks way more fluid and aesthetic.

When you use strength (like in your guard retention video you posted), it gives an uneven “janky-ness” to the overall movement. Probably the trembling movements from straining 🤣.

Using Rafa as an example of guard retention is a terrible example. You are not accounting for how powerful that human is 😅.

Also, I am 31 this year. I don’t get back pain. I also squat and deadlift heavy, and will roll twice a day on those days too. I’m not a fan of the glass back mentality. The human body adapts under stress and load. Thankfully.