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!

[@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

[@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!!

[@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!

[@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...

[@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.)

[@Tacticalteabag]

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

[@Jason-eo7xo]

I could listen to Danaher all day. He's brilliant in explaining the technical "science" behind grappling.

[@quasar4601]

His videos are like 10 hours of instruction per video. Too much to absorb !! The HG bottom has always been super confusing to me. this helps with the knee on his chest.

[@joeheiler9616]

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

[@IndexFossil1]

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

[@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 ❗

[@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!?!

[@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.

[@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!!

[@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.

[@LuisRodriguez_007]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@CB-td4ck]

30 minutes free content thank you!

[@Madmac79]

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

[@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

[@AskesisGrappling]

I love the automatic subtitles, absolute gold.

[@Nexus6repli]

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

[@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.

[@putopoveda]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mackmartin108]

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

[@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.

[@putopoveda]

Danaher speaks, you can't help but listen.

[@Zton-yn4kc]

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

[@tommybriscoe6909]

John is a wizard, really concise teaching.

[@TonyFernandezjkdjedi]

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

[@yagoalonso9914]

Pure Gold

[@TheMilford]

Half-Guard is LIFE!

[@jrock2019]

Einstein of jiu jitsu

[@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 ✍🏽🙏🏽🥋

[@tokinabo]

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

[@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.

[@FitV05]

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

[@odysseyjiujitsuatl]

This is utterly BRILLIANT

[@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!!!

[@monkeyrook]

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

[@VladDrac01]

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

[@blake3one6]

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

[@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

[@pedrolima1790]

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

[@jacquelinetiongco8354]

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

[@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

[@philt6800]

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

[@dannykelley356]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@MikeVieira]

I could listen to John for hours!

[@razormind8120]

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

[@MoneyWiseMentor]

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.

[@Onico_xx]

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

[@toolate6971]

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

[@cjb8001]

A wizard in action

[@folieadeux5463]

these series are insanely helpful. I love it!

[@chrisbaldwin3148]

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

[@SteveSarginson]

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

[@exerxes95]

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

[@phantom_mist1726]

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

[@willbrown1197]

phantom_mist17 when is it out?

[@fitepitsnbonfires]

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

[@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

[@MikeJonesjitsukinda]

Thank you both 🍻

[@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!

[@matuidicharo1450]

Gold thank you danaher 👏

[@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.

[@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!

[@martialfitnesswithtywesley6853]

Thank you Gentlemen, great video!

[@senseisambo]

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

[@sschuyler1]

Terrific details. Theory and application

[@callummackenzie5207]

Awesome video. So much hidden knowledge here

[@alexandreaffoque1182]

Thank you Professors.. OSS

[@mstripling86]

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

[@bil-alak3382]

Too much wisdom in one video. Amazing...

[@chemigue]

Thank for this!🙏🏾🤙🏾🙏🏾🤙🏾

[@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.

[@LoneWolfShepherd]

Platinum level unlocked!

[@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!!

[@elosurfer6238]

So good thank you

[@devastacion241]

Amazing knowledge 🔥🔥🔥

[@julianfischer1485]

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

[@mr-vm1nu]

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

[@danielandrews8142]

When will this half guard system instructional be realised?

[@anthonymaloney6838]

The future is now old man!

[@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.

[@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

[@punksnotdead4766]

Love any video with JD in it

[@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.

[@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.

[@jdmnismo7]

What type of rash guard does John have under the gi? Is it some kind of under armour?

[@peterciampa5102]

You are a godsend