Half guard was once considered a failed full guard, but modern BJJ has revealed it as a powerful position in its own right. The key battle in half guard is the underhook—whoever wins the underhook usually controls the position. From bottom half, the underhook lets you sweep, take the back, or recover to full guard. Half guard is where many rolls get decided.
🎯Key Details
The underhook battle
Fight for the underhook like your life depends on it. Underhook = offense. No underhook = survival mode.
Knee shield
Your inside knee creates a frame against their body. Strong knee shield = distance and options. Flat = you're getting smashed.
Stay on your side
Flat on your back in half guard = crossface pressure and passing. On your side = you can fight.
Lock your legs properly
Don't just cross your ankles. Inside foot hooks their leg, outside foot controls and prevents passing.
Attacks from half
Old school sweep, plan B sweep, back take from underhook, leg locks—half guard has real attacks.
⚠️Common Mistakes
No underhook
Fight for the underhook immediately. Without it, you're defensive.
Flat on your back
Turn to your side facing them. Flat back = pressure and passing.
No knee shield
Knee shield creates space and frames. No knee shield = they crush you.
Ankle crossing only
Control their leg properly with inside hook and outside foot. Simple crosses are weak.
🚀Setups
- •Guard recovery goes to half
- •Pulling guard to half
- •After they almost pass
- •Sweep gets stuffed, land in half
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Cross-face pressure
- •Underhook whizzer
- •Knee slice pass
- •Over-under pass
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
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