How To Build The Perfect Half Guard Game by John Danaher

[@BernardoFariaBJJ]

What is your favorite half guard sweep?

[@lee9576]

Kimura trap sweep

[@mindlybody]

And we are still on lecture one after 3.5 hours 😂😂😂

[@eirikmonsen9359]

When Danaher teaches, the use of "Professor" in BJJ really makes sense.

[@tribunation]

Absolutely. Details.

[@UserName-ii1ce]

He has a PhD in philosophy

[@meerkatairforce8182]

Professor of Strangles

[@hueguy]

@@UserName-ii1ce That explains it. I love how he always talks about the jiu jitsu theory that is related to the technique he is about to explain

[@Maximo10101]

His PhD in philosophy is in Epistemology. Epistemologists study the nature of knowledge.

[@slavicvolk]

9:30 Knee shield - managing distance 10:10 Underhook - managing distance 10:32 half guard sweep 11:05 Hand control - managing distance 13:40 knee shield/hand control back roll sweep (cross grip) 17:00 repeat 19:10 knee shield/hand control back roll sweep (belt grip) 20:05 repeat 22:15 repeat (focus on push pull)

[@CDABXXX]

Thank you for this. Wish the video would’ve outline this like you did.

[@BarChordA]

He does not appear to be employing even the low knee shield in the belt grip sweep at 19:10. Can anyone confirm/deny? Also, is this sweeping option negated if the top player gets the underhook?

[@slavicvolk]

@@BarChordA correct, looks like he’s from a regular half. There is no shield not sure if on purpose

[@Breeze954]

A frog Against Time!

[@NaruIchiLuffy]

Bernardo and John are a blessing for the Jiu-Jitsu community worldwide! John's ability to distill techniques and positions in layman's terms + Bernardo's openness to learning and passing this knowledge through his business. Both will go down as game-changers in BJJ history. Thank you and capitalism!

[@nicocontreras5366]

Totally, both are gentlemen destroying the stereotype of tough guys street lutadores BJJ black belts.

[@AntiM1001]

Is it more capitalism, or more socialism?

[@bradvincent2586]

@@AntiM1001 do you see a government involved? Then it’s capitalism. Capitalism is the kinder, more free, more fair, more even system

[@petermuskett3414]

@@bradvincent2586 troll.

[@JohnnyRugged06]

Nice to see John, Bernardo, and capitalism all getting the love they deserve!!

[@samueladams7102]

Danaher: Bernardo you were great at half guard Also Danaher: half guard is more suitable for slower, older, and less gifted athletes Bernardo: say what?

[@Monna7777777]

haha you se B head go: huh?

[@Tentacl]

O belive he is mature enough to understand that's exactly what he is - a less gifted athlete in terms of power and explosion that won based on inteligente and technique. Not bad if you actually want to learn to defeat faster, stronger and more athletic people. And I believe that's why we all train BJJ.

[@counterhit121]

Lmao

[@user-xy8cq5oi9f]

I know it wasn't intended this way, nor Bernado took it this way, but this comment made me laugh out loud and cracked me up hahaha

[@cas1994]

The B in BJJ actually stands for bernardo

[@lukerobinson9646]

Ok guys huge honour for me.

[@phantom_mist1726]

He is awesome

[@itchykami]

And the J stands for John. and the second J stands for Danaher.

[@funkyforager3897]

@@itchykami As it is written. Bernardo John Danaher (BJJ)

[@MikeVieira]

Ha! Bernardo John Jitsu!

[@castejb]

This guy is putting up the best JiuJitsu content period on the web. Plus Danaher is just like listening to a encyclopedia. Only person I have heard speak with such detail is Pedro Sauer

[@suby300club]

(content period) or (content.)

[@SceneByScott]

Bernardo talks: *turns down volume 25%* Danaher talks: *turns up volume 100%*

[@grammarsoundz9479]

Lmao!!! Facts!

[@nicocontreras5366]

Totally but both so well articulate.

[@bigbay1159]

As soon as Danaher spoke and I saw this comment I died laughing. It is so true

[@otalaedwin]

nobody: Bernardo: ALRIGHT GUYS !!!!! still love him tough. My favourite human being in BJJ

[@mantis_monk]

lmao! You win the intrawebz...

[@TheDomLouis]

This video is a goldmine of information! It's not just about half guard back rolls. It also covers • when legs positions can and can't control distance • balance fundamentals(the quadrants he mentions), • how to remove bases of support • how to maximise your sweeps by getting under their centre of gravity. • initiating strategic reactions, again to maximise your sweeps. As a relatively clueless white belt this is gold for all aspects of my BJJ ❗

[@IndexFossil1]

I love your humility Bernardo, such an amazing practitioner with an admirable attitude to always keep learning.

[@Tacticalteabag]

Holy crap. The professor just blew my mind. I cant wait to start grapple feinting.

[@canoincorporated]

I’ve never seen Bernardo so intensively paying attention. Bernardo was the main reason I fell in love with the bottom half. I can’t wait for this half guard release

[@danduster4951]

I think I fall in love with John Danaher teaching methods. Such a wise man. So detailed explanation. Each and every move has his optimal mechanical explanation. Now when I will roll and try to execute it I will think and control every step of the move. Thank you John and Bernardo for sharing this. Imaging what knowledge men can get from the full instructional video. Amassing. No wonder that Johns students dominating the grappling game.

[@hmzoh2065]

Litteraly the most pedagogical and understandable instructional video about half guard in BJJ. Danaher have a such knowledge for teaching things it's like a second nature for him. Everything is clear, well explained, it's such a pleasure to listen to a such type of man ❤

[@joeheiler9616]

4:46 Bernardo mounts him: “Here there’s obviously a tremendous sense of connection”

[@Sevisija]

I'm a purple belt and I'm like "whaaaat" :p love these fundamentals!

[@itchykami]

His knee shield is entirely different than how we learned it.

[@nasgaf]

Right!?!

[@JessBess]

Half guard back roll sweeps from bottom position Concept: - Take away 1 quadrant base of support - Make sure the guy/girl on top doesn't pin your head or shoulders. This is done through knee shields, under hooks to grab their waist and hand control. - Scenario 1: Low knee shield, cross collar grip + grab their wrist 13:40 - Scenario 2: Opponent has chest to chest contact. Make sure you grab their wrist to prevent cross face. Grab their belt on the far side of their hip (take armpit over to cover their shoulder) 19:10 The sweep: - Get under their centre of gravity - Push into the opponent to get a reaction. When they push back, that's when you sweep backwards Pros of this technique: - Minimal effort and old people can do it too xD

[@Madmac79]

Roger Gracie used the same 2nd variation of that sweep more than once. Back in the times it looked like magic!

[@vikingtarot]

6 months as a white belt, I love the way John explains his mechanics. I cannot wait to absorb and use it in the gym.

[@xavierc.4102]

Hey, are you still training jiu jitsu till this day?

[@vikingtarot]

@@xavierc.4102 Yes, I am a one stripe Blue Belt now! Still training.

[@Firas-R]

As a newer (5 month white belt), older (43 yr old) and smaller (5'5", 120 lbs) player, I find myself in bottom half guard a lot. I love this video and Danaher's principle based explanations of how to use half-guard to slow down and use your partner's weight against them. Looking forward to learning and developing a half-guard game.

[@nguyenvantankiet6624]

R u still there

[@assisousana6558]

23:40 If you incorporate this, if you embed it in your game at every level, you will discover a new world. Not just sweeps. A knockout is much easier when a faint, a misdirection, is employed. This can not be overstated.

[@richardwilliams9542]

who'd of thought a video where John spent most of the time rocking back and forth and playing twister would be so darn valuable!!

[@Jack_all]

wow, this man is such a sage. I've heard his interviews and he often sounds like a wise philosopher but after seeing him teach, i'm convinced he's a Jiu Jitsu wizard.

[@Nexus6B.runnerr]

the true meaning of being a Jiu Jitsu student every day learning Jiu Jitsu with these incredible masters

[@1987msr]

Love the way how these guys teach and what they are producing. I own both of JD’s fundamentals series (and also Bernardo’s fundamentals series), and I’m so happy with their content. Can’t wait for this next volume to come out. It’s truly amazing how the internet and technology has dramatically augmented how we learn.

[@BodyByBenSLC]

This is really good. I honestly don't even think submitting should even be taught until purple belt. This is what white and blue belts needs solid defensive and practical basics.

[@tokinabo]

i love those long detailed videos. please keep them coming :-) awesome fundamental concepts, as always. thx for sharing the knowledge!

[@LuisRodriguez_007]

The world needs more people like Mr. Danaher........Thank you for sharing. Gold info

[@Looking-great]

Danaher had everyone in the room under a mind control paradox. A simple human could not fathom the calculations and paradoxes going through his mind in this video.

[@war13omerta66]

Funnily enough I am old and my bodies smashed up, knee replacement, left shoulder replacement right shoulder sept this year. Ive just started naturally moving into a half guard game and that is simply because for me it feels good and im happy with it. I have only just started it so i still have a long time to perfect it however i feel the most comfortable playing half guard.

[@manuelburac9474]

Oss!! Yesterday i saw the video and today a purple belt tried to pass my guard but i caught him in half guard and did the backroll sweep.always gratefull for the knowledge you give to keep improving in this fundamentals journey.im a white belt

[@lassiterleon737]

White belt represent!

[@BuddhistStoner]

A clean sweep on a purple belt is very impressive.

[@derekketcher9154]

I have always been told to keep my knee high when in half guard although I find that the lower position, right on the hip, seems more natural and allows me to be more mobile. Seeing Danaher do it makes me feel a bit better about the technique. At 155lbs playing getting my knee smashed down during a half guard pass is my nightmare.

[@Zton-yn4kc]

Thank you for finally doing this. Half guard is my favorite spot as a 10p guy

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

Mind blown just from the explanation and theory of the half guard... amazing.

[@CB-td4ck]

30 minutes free content thank you!

[@putopoveda]

Nailed this sweep couple times in class today! So sick!!!!!

[@putopoveda]

Danaher speaks, you can't help but listen.

[@AskesisGrappling]

I love the automatic subtitles, absolute gold.

[@pedrolima1790]

John tips looks always like masterclasses! His concepts and fundamentals are awesome, results of a clinical eye to the gentle art.

[@CAArrazola]

Wow this is eye opening for sure! I spend a good amount of time in half guard and have become good at not letting the opponent take upper body control. This sweep 🧹 is beautiful I’m definitely putting it on rotation ✍🏽🙏🏽🥋

[@awakenotwoke6930]

Thank you Bernardo! You are one of the main inspirations for my use of Half Guard. Your humility and insights are greatly appreciated. Oss bro! 🤙🏼 from S. Carolina.

[@thedudeabides7652]

I will add one more feature for people who use the half guard extensively (like myself) is that i have short muscular legs. So, full closed guard is almost impossible with people who have a thick midsection. I always found that trying to use closed guard hurt my hip flexors and tied to my lower back. Being 50 now, i appreciate videos like this that show and break down the techniques. Of course, it also makes me have to develop other aspects of my game as well

[@mackmartin108]

Since finding John Danaher on your videos and watching every video available from John, my BJJ game has advanced massively. Thank you guys

[@jacquelinetiongco8354]

you guys are amazing! thanks for being so thorough. the concept of 4 quadrants helps a lot. thanks!!

[@VladDrac01]

incredible, the amount of information Danaher dropped in under 30 minutes not only about half guard but, jiujitsu theory overall.

[@GrahamsYouTube]

I could listen to John all day, as a bigger slower guy I have been struggling with guys passing my guard, thanks to John for the expert advice and to Bernardo for hosting him and also being a great source of learning.

[@philt6800]

Amazing explanation about destabilizing the opponents base. This will help me improve my jiu jitsu practice a million times

[@tommybriscoe6909]

John is a wizard, really concise teaching.

[@vicn1349]

I’ve watched this video several times and as I’ve got more experience I’ve taken away new information based on where I’m at today. Great video!

[@gardennovice7896]

Thank you so much John Danaher and Bernardo Faria!!! You guys are the best!!!

[@yahyagannour8486]

0:05 John Danahers Blue steel is truly a thing of beauty

[@eren-tv2et]

Idk, kinda looked like he was going for more of a magnum look, at least in my eyes

[@TheMilford]

Half-Guard is LIFE!

[@dannykelley356]

Awesome class, thank you for posting. I will attempt to go over your lesson tonight in our advanced class.

[@blake3one6]

21:00 i LOVE the classic sweep, i use it all the time

[@SteveSarginson]

Maybe it's just my imagination but these guys seem to know a bit about BJJ.

[@monkeyrook]

What an amazing instructional , you have to watch over and over to get the details - thank you !

[@FitV05]

I feel so educated when i watch John , i feel like im going for a phd 😀. Good stuff

[@odysseyjiujitsuatl]

This is utterly BRILLIANT

[@razormind8120]

Fantastic, I love how well this is taught in this video

[@chrisbaldwin3148]

Danaher is an extraterrestrial from some far away planet where understanding of jiu jitsu is 200 years more advanced than on Earth.

[@HippieSlayer17]

Thank you John and Bernardo for both the amazing instruction (as usual) but also the confidence boost you have given me in losing my hair.

[@veiledallegory]

Excellent explanation, Thank you John and Bernardo. I was forced to learn half-guard by a previous instructor even though I hated it. Thanks Andre! Now, it's my go to position. Of course, I'm an old guy so I guess it helps slow down those youngsters!

[@toolate6971]

Very good video detailing the science of jiu jitsu. I love this type of tutorial.

[@yagoalonso9914]

Pure Gold

[@exerxes95]

Wow! Just wow! Love the way he teaches! Mind blown!

[@Onico_xx]

Saw this sweep from half, years ago on a Jean-Jacques Machado instructional. It works real good. 👍

[@phredbookley183]

Your quadrant explanation is far superior to the 'tables of a leg' explanation. Love it. Thank you.

[@urbansamurai261]

Legs of a table is where you went wrong

[@CH-tv1cy]

@@urbansamurai261 lol right. This guy thinks legs have tables.

[@urbansamurai261]

@@CH-tv1cy as John was explaining his philosophy it's the first thing I thought of lol, I guess its how you think about things

[@MikeVieira]

I could listen to John for hours!

[@fitepitsnbonfires]

Very interesting stuff i haven't played with half guard in a while good video !

[@folieadeux5463]

these series are insanely helpful. I love it!

[@phantom_mist1726]

Yes! I love half guard! Thanks guys! Cant wait for the dvd! 🙏

[@willbrown1197]

phantom_mist17 when is it out?

[@brotendo]

Being that half guard is really good for bigger, slower, and older players, it's only fitting that this video was released on my 38th birthday and I'm also 6'1" and 242lbs.

[@MrSinusu]

So I wonder when this video would come out. I've already bought some of his videos such as armbar, kimura, guard retention, pin escape, etc, from which I learned a lot and made a great breakthrough in my bjj. Especially, guard retention helped me a lot, and made my bjj more balanced, because I had a serious weakness in defense and I couldn't figure out what to do systematically in order to address the issue. I guess that the next video seems to be about how to do guard games, and that is a logical extension from guard retention, and I definitely want it. So please let me know when this video comes out.

[@coachsamlouie]

This is so good…never knew why I liked a slower game as an older player…even though I need work on my 1/2 guard, I now understand why this is so…OSS John Danaher!

[@bil-alak3382]

Too much wisdom in one video. Amazing...

[@callummackenzie5207]

Awesome video. So much hidden knowledge here

[@r3771-n2r]

8:41 you can push from half with a lockdown. Just lock the opponents leg and you can get some downward leverage or at the very least arrest his motion up your body.

[@jimo559]

russell timmerman Yup. Eddie Bravo built a whole system of attack that STARTS with Flat Half Guard with your shoulders and head pinned to the mat.

[@LoneWolfShepherd]

Platinum level unlocked!

[@julianfischer1485]

Foundational concepts and general strategies with a few specific techniques. Good stuff.

[@sschuyler1]

Terrific details. Theory and application

[@cjb8001]

A wizard in action

[@franciscoquiroz1749]

7:50 how do i deny control of head and shoulders if on bottom half guard? Name the 3 methods 8:05 1st problem: most form of guards allows push and pull Methods: 9:30 how to controll distance from bottom half guard? Knee shield the left shoulder or left hip with a left hand cross facing 10:10 * how to control distance from half guard? Underhook the same arm from the knee shield. Underhook the same arm by kicking the knee through, shuck the opponent’s right shoulder forward as well as pushing the left knee to the opponent’s right hamstring to add to the shucking motion. Pull out the right foot/hook and step over with left to secure back mount 11:05 how to control distance from half guard bottom? Hand control; If the opponent gets a underhook immediately grab opponent’s free wrist, by wrist/hand control we can prevent a cross face 11:50-12:10 3 methods review 12:19 How does hand control relate to reversals out of BOTTOM half guard? Back roll sweep What are the two grips for back roll sweep? Answer: 1. hand on opponent’s lapel cross griping 2. hand on opponent’s belt 13:02 rolling onto back exactly like warm ups 1st grip: 13:40 * Back roll sweep with hand on lapel left knee shield to opponent’s right hip, left hand cross facing and cranking to the left, right hand is controlling opponent’s left hand/wrist Step 1: kick left knee shield in Step 2: acquire deep under by diving to the right snd underhooking opponent’s left thigh. Make sure the right hand can touch your head once through. The deeper the better 🤔 15:24 Quadrant theory Like a Cartesian plane in math, if you bring a quadrant into another quadrant Ex: top right quadrant (positive x and y axis) to bottom left (negative x and y axis) problems occur with balance and any small force wether internal or external will cause a reaction 17:00 proving Quadrant theory by controlling top left quadrant Ex: @ 17:10 John controls the Top left quadrant (negative x axis and positive y axis) t 17:59 what happens if i do everything correctly but misdirect? 18:13 notice how the Top left Quadrant is taken away but the direction of the top left quadrant is not going Northwest, but Northeast. Therefore Quadrant theory cant apply, the opponent’s right hand basing out ON the Top right quadrant proves this. 2nd grip: 19:00 back roll sweep with chest to chest and left armpit over opponent’s shoulder and left hand latching far-side of belt 19:35 - 20:00 Make sure left armpit is over opponent’s left shoulder, then grab the FAR SIDE of the belt, then do EXACTLY 13:02 2nd grip @ 20:20 * what i wrote down is different from the video, these are techniques that i learned from half guard using the knee shield, essentially you can take back mount or sweep them in dog fight position

[@martialfitnesswithtywesley6853]

Thank you Gentlemen, great video!

[@MikeJonesjitsukinda]

Thank you both 🍻

[@mstripling86]

i could listen to john talk about anything, hell he could talk about grass growing and it would still be intriguing lol.

[@juliarmbar]

Even though I don't know what is the next instructional about I want to spend my money already.

[@alexandreaffoque1182]

Thank you Professors.. OSS

[@senseisambo]

I see a lot of fans of Prof. Danaher here. I highly recommend you check out one of his top students Brian Glick. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@zedayar2867]

nobody: John Danaher: Mmmkay?

[@mangarific1]

Danaher knowingly or unknowingly, has applied the first principles thinking of classical physics, into Jiu Jitsu. Pretty fucking awesome.

[@MrSplitSpades]

As always fantastic videos.

[@justinheaney4323]

John, you are a true professor and academic!!!! Great video!!!!!! Go the wallabies!!!!!!

[@petarbjelogrlic4771]

Absolutely incredible explanation! Best trainer in sport of bjj! Something like Jose Mourinho of bjj! Love it!

[@cmt1912]

Pilhcouety ysanjpilhcourt right guy pilhcouety day Next not not not sure wx experience can get it done dear friend pilhcouety day he was is not sure what people think pilhcouety ysanjpilhcourt even close to the right direction as well pilhcouety day Next not not sure what are still interested in your home pilhcouety ysanjpilhcourt so much pilhcouety Saturday evening dresses dresses quality work has appeared on the phone

[@peterciampa5102]

You are a godsend

[@OliChe]

I'm sure I saw John Danaher wearing a Jungle fightwear rashguard at a seminar last summer. I HAVE to see him do the animal combat talk in one of these

[@mr-vm1nu]

Thanks a lot for all your videos, they are quite informative and a delight to watch ☺☺☺

[@punksnotdead4766]

Love any video with JD in it

[@danielandrews8142]

When will this half guard system instructional be realised?

[@anthonymaloney6838]

The future is now old man!

[@jrock2019]

Einstein of jiu jitsu

[@chtopteam]

Mr Faria, Thank you for sharing this valuable information. You always have very good guests on your channel. This video really helps me understand what is going on in this position. A lot of small details make a huge difference . I already own 5 different Danaher videos from bjjfanatics, all are worth every penny. Thanks again, keep up the great work!!