Watching most of Eddie and Royler this morning, an important distinction for BJJers to make is understanding the difference between knowledge and mechanical advantages.
Something we often take for granted is, if some one has a lot of knowledge in a structurally disadvantageous position, they can make it work advantageously. This to me is the core principle of the Guard, and Jiu-Jitsu as a whole.
On this note, something I missed for the longest time is seeing structural disadvantages for what they were. I’d set out to learn half-guard for example, without acknowledging its built-in limitations.
So, the key here is trying to understand the whole both before and while you specialize, as the learning process is ongoing. This way you’re learning how to maximize structural advantages as well create opportunities through knowledge from disadvantageous positions.