Half Guard Techniques
6 TECHNIQUESYou control one of your opponent's legs between yours, creating a versatile guard position.
Use the search and filter functions below to find specific techniques by instructor or category. All techniques include video demonstrations from world-class instructors.
John Wayne sweep
Butterfly sweep from half guard
Half guard basics
Old school half guard sweep
Clamp guard basics
Z-guard basics
John Wayne sweep OPEN | SHBG Shintaro Higashi, Brian Glick | SWEEP |
Butterfly sweep from half guard OPEN | VR Vitor Ribeiro | SWEEP |
Half guard basics OPEN | ST Sam Tweeds | GUARD |
Old school half guard sweep OPEN | RC Roberto 'Gordo' Correa | SWEEP |
Clamp guard basics OPEN | BG Brian Glick | GUARD |
Z-guard basics OPEN | TV Tum Voorn | GUARD |
Explore other positions
Closed Guard Techniques
14 techniques available
GUARDZ-Guard / Knee Shield Techniques
6 techniques available
GUARDButterfly Guard Techniques
5 techniques available
GUARDOpen Guard Techniques
3 techniques available
GUARDDe La Riva Techniques
3 techniques available
GUARDX-Guard Techniques
3 techniques available
About Half Guard
Half guard is one of the most common positions in BJJ. You trap one of your opponent's legs between yours, which stops them from completing a pass while giving you sweep and submission options.
Half guard used to be considered a last resort before getting passed. Modern BJJ has turned it into one of the most attack-rich positions in the game. Underhooks, knee shields, and deep half entries give you real offensive tools.
Your first priority in half guard is getting on your side and establishing an underhook or knee shield. Staying flat on your back here is a losing strategy. Get to your side, control the distance, and start working your sweeps.
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