Z-Guard / Knee Shield Techniques
6 TECHNIQUESA half guard variation using your knee and shin as a frame to control distance.
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Z-guard basics
John Wayne sweep
Butterfly sweep from half guard
Half guard basics
Old school half guard sweep
Clamp guard basics
Z-guard basics OPEN | TV Tum Voorn | GUARD |
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 |
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About Z-Guard / Knee Shield
Z-guard (also called knee shield) is a half guard variation where your top knee creates a frame across your opponent's body. This shield keeps them from smashing into you and gives you space to work sweeps and transitions.
The knee shield is your best friend in half guard. It stops pressure passes, creates angles for underhooks, and sets up sweeps. Many high-level grapplers use Z-guard as their primary half guard position.
Use your shin across their body and angle your knee toward their shoulder. Combine this with collar grips or underhooks. From here you can sweep, take the back, or transition to deep half or full guard recovery.
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