Half Guard 101 - What To Do When You Have Someone In Your Half Guard

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TESTIMONIALS
‘Started hitting the moves laid out in these courses the very next class...extremely uplifting to have such a quick improvement in my game’ - Houston, TX
‘I’m the only white belt in the academy doing these moves…I’m suddenly competing at a blue belt and above level…thanks Coach Tom’ - LA, California
‘Some of the best strategies you are going to see for control and submission’ - London, UK
‘The detailed way Prof Tom breaks down his moves into the absolute essentials is just next level for me. This is absolute gold‘ - Sydney, Australia
‘Most of the guys at my Academy, have about 60lbs on me, but since purchasing your ‘Kimura Attack system’ and ’14 days’ everything has changed. I feel much more confident, roll better and the guys on the mat have commented on the same. Thanks, Coach Tom’ - Dallas, TX
‘I know you have your names for your courses, but I’ve renamed them the ‘Zero to hero’ courses, I went from getting constantly owned, to now being completely dominant on the mat in no time at all’ - San Diego, California
‘I use the course material heaps, and just recently put it into action at a local comp, walked away with double gold. No one was more surprised than me! - Miami, Florida
‘As a new white belt, these classes have helped me so much, Prof Tom’s technique, the details, and his attitude. I love how Prof. Tom shows the ‘mistakes people make’ and then shows the correct way of doing things. The only one I have ever seen do this’ - New York, New York
Great videos, great instruction. I just watch them for hours…Melbourne, Australia
‘The instructional saved me big time at a recent comp, my opponent was def more experienced, but that was ok, coz I had Prof Tom’s video in my brain. Nailed it and scored gold’ - Colorado, Denver
‘All of it. Everything you show in your awesome videos are now my ‘go to techniques’. Thanks for your vids Prof, Tom’ - Houston, TX
‘You really have to watch every second of the video because Prof, Tom drops these little nuggets of gold throughout the course. And they make ALL the difference. The only one doing this. Keep them coming Professor’ - NY, New York
‘If I could only be taught from one person, Prof Tom would be it. I can’t wait to train in person one day’ - Dallas, TX
‘Went to a recent competition with these videos fresh in my mind. I knew I had an edge and the confidence this gave me was unreal. Got the gold. All submission wins! - LA, California

[@Kevlar_soul]

Could u please do this for each major position. This is extremely helpful for us white belts.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

That is the plan! (-: Coach Tom

[@timotheesadowski8967]

That's great! I like this format a lot, it might be more informations, but it has more context than a video for a single technique...

[@jamesalafayette8255]

Still training? What belt?

[@rick-grim]

yes

[@TylerFrankenstein]

0:12 intro 1:11 - half guard ideal situation (from both perspectives) 2:30 - plan a - basic strategy - get to back 3:13 - plan a (again) 3:39 - plan a (again) 4:05 - plan b - dealing with a wizzer, sweep 1 4:56 - plan b - "old school sweep", sweep 2 5:37 - plan b - sweep 1 again 6:03 - plan b - sweep 2 again 6:34 - worst case scenario (cross faced, under hooked, and flat on back) 6:57 - worst case scenario - plan c - get to guard 7:31 - worst case scenario - plan c (again) 8:10 - summary 9:01 - outro

[@fatsock1]

Thanks for showing the last one...flattened out is how I play my half guard most of the time...ha ha

[@ncooty]

Thanks, Tom. A suggestion: It's easier to see what's going on when you and the other person wear clothing with higher contrast. Black-on-black makes details hard to see, especially when viewed on a phone.

[@dimwitsadvocate6264]

Yes, even on full screen on my computer, it is very difficult to see what is going on because they're both wearing the same color.

[@jingomcbright3687]

My first thought was about the clothes but about the different sleeves. I keep thinking he has one bare arm (bear arm, lol) and one sleeve. It's distracting... oh no, here's the hook. Now he got the whizzer on me. I love this so much.

[@mr.b9079]

I am a 2 year white belt and I think your videos are a goldmine!

[@ThanksGuy01]

Its crazy ive spent some decent $$$ on bjj instructionals but I find your down to earth language easier to follow along with and I get more out of your short yt videos than a master-class on one move from someone like John danaher.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

🙏🥰

[@therealcameronmaltby]

I like the addition of the rock climbing wall at your gym.

[@davidleitman]

Thanks for sharing this coach

[@ronphipps5694]

The transition to full guard looks great... Thanks!

[@CMIN_CLOUDY]

im a 2 week old white belt and this is literally the exact video i need right now for when im rolling.

[@kellyhaws9741]

Your "worst case scenario" counters are so great for a newer white belt like myself. Thanks, Professor Tom!!

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

My pleasure Kelly! Happy rolling (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@royramonal3449]

Thank you so much for this! I just started BJJ and find myself in this position all the time tangling up my partners leg with no clue what to do next. Now I can't wait to get to class and try these out. 47 year old whitebelt - never too late to start!

[@theratrace2153]

hey, Roy, hows everything going? Did you manage to do the half guard escape?

[@vivekunnithan]

I don't have the words to describe my admiration for Professor Tom. Everything from his demeanour to providing a contigency to a contigency itself absolutely blows my mind. Keep up the brilliant work!

[@robmichel7669]

I love that there are so many attacking options from half guard as well. I've had a lot of success with the scenario "a" example, but instead of taking the back, I grab an arm-in guillotine. I've gravitated to playing a half guard game as previous groin/hip flexor injuries have made playing closed guard uncomfortable. Thanks for posting these videos Coach Tom, they're a pleasure to watch and learn from.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

My absolute pleasure Rob! So glad you have found a guard game that works for you on your mats. Take care and happy half guarding! (-: Coach Tom

[@chrism1610]

Great video. I like how you explained a logical progression. If one move doesn’t work, do this, etc. This makes it easier to learn Subscribed!

[@samwilliams9694]

Brilliant video I’ve been doing bjj for 7 months and I’m a short 15 year old rolling with a lot of bodybuilders and athletes at my gym so I end up here a lot thank you for sorting this out I’m sure I’ll get passed less now. I really appreciate it

[@TheStudiolight]

Great format. You are a very articulate coach.

[@psyience3213]

My half guard is really the last position I need to get decent at to be a well rounded beginner. This video was awesome! Thank you

[@jt1985]

Great video - I especially like the summary at the end, reviewing the options that had been presented. Thank-you!

[@andrewdenton2582]

That reguard from the flattened half is great. Super simple and effective. Superb video as usual.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Thanks Andrew yes that reguard has saved my butt a ton of times! (-: Tom Davey

[@shaunparry123]

I love these sweep transition videos. I'm a brown belt that had a really strong half guard at blue and through time off through injury I'd forgotten a lot. I used to do all these sweeps and the back take and can't wait for training to use them again

[@ironpatriot344]

Shut up bish

[@jonathanfields1687]

Some of the best instructional videos! Keep it up🤙🏼

[@0207612]

Man, Professor Tom is absolutely up there with Danaher for me. I love these videos, have learned so much.

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

right, sometimes danaher is just too boring and super slow

[@cbaileychamp]

@@wyattbreymeyer4033 yeah i agree. This guy is really good because hes straight to the point.

[@wyattbreymeyer4033]

@@cbaileychamp yea he isnt teaching stuff that you need to teach a little kid like yes we get it, i dont actually need a 1.5 hrs seminar on why a foot placement is important in a specific sweep

[@melzy0146]

Kurt Osiander, brings a new/old meaning to straight to the point lol

[@bradwilliams4063]

Thanks for this! I get smashed flat in half-guard all the time because...I am bad at jiu jitsu. Lol. But now I can think about what I should have done next time I am flattened out and am hanging onto someone's leg in a desperate attempt to keep them from getting mount. :)

[@Brian-qo1sd]

I've only recently found Coach Tom and his channel, I love it though...very systematic and articulate instructionals. There's a few wee details here that I can definitely use to improve the efficiency of my escapes from half guard. Respect, coach!

[@aprendeanestesia6938]

Best basic half guard video. Thank you so much.....much clearer now

[@87licorice]

Thanks mate I’ll rip into this Thursdey

[@chtopteam]

The technique at 7:34 is superb. Thanks for sharing!

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

So glad you liked that one! (-: Coach Tom

[@toejamr1]

Thanks, man! I'm a half guard guy so I really appreciate these half guard tutorials.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

My pleasure Brad! (-: Coach Tom

[@clintwood1983]

Thanks for this. This is the first tutorial that really breaks down the position to the very basics.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Glad you enjoyed it David! Happy half guarding!

[@reptilianjiujitsu4036]

Awesome little half gaurd video, thank you very much!

[@jacquidavey8807]

I wish I had seen this BEFORE the comp yesterday 😔 I was struggling in that 'worse case scenario' for what seemed like an eternity, but at least now I know what I'm going to be drilling over and over again when I'm back at training. I might have a tougher time against girls who carry their weight in their hips and thighs, (like the girl I was up against yesterday) but I'll definitely try my best. Rinse and repeat right Coach Tom! Thank you for making this video 🙏🏼

[@zachz129]

Awesome video. Always found myself getting stuck in half guard. Can't wait to try this out.

[@jlziux]

You are the Mr Mackey of BJJ. Great tutorial!

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Mmmkay..... (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@markgove-moore4711]

this is awesome, ive learned nothing on HG so far but spend a lot of time with someone in my HG when rolling. Thanks for this!

[@miguelpagan8436]

Thank you, I really enjoy this. Now time to apply.

[@deqnski890able]

Really, really cool techniques...thank you

[@rickschulte2839]

Coach Tom your my favorite person to learn from on you tube. If your ever doing a seminar in my area, I'll be there. Thank you for all you do

[@davemascetti9964]

Fantastic video. I tend to get lost in this position more than any other; don't think that will be the case much longer. Thanks for a great corona training sesh!

[@vincechanhealthy6373]

This is a fantastic video. I have been getting flattened lots recently but just starting to turn the corner. This is really going to add to my sweeps and escapes.

[@carzoparazzo9698]

Thanks bro, you really explain so well. It helps a lot!!!!

[@johnandre8837]

Thanks so much !

[@paulvalachovic8128]

Thanks! Always love you videos.

[@Rockstarmama310]

You got yourself another subscriber!! :) I love how informative and easy to follow your videos are. I just started bjj going on my second month and I really want to progress with the art of jiujitsu! Thank you for sharing

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Awesome Jasmin I am so glad you enjoy the channel and well done starting your BJJ journey! It only gets better and more fun! Happy rolling (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@davidescobedo5965]

amazing video, literally answers all of my half guard questions, and addresses missing details on these basic techniques, which ive been struggling with for too long 💪🏻

[@shaynegreen]

Fantastic teaching, and great content. Thanks so much!

[@brendanclune1316]

These vids are so so helpful, thank you Professor Tom!

[@iceackbjj7591]

Thank you for this!

[@matthewparsons6496]

This was excellent. Thank you.

[@edwardskrod]

Fantastic sir!

[@michaels3379]

Thank you for your extremely detailed teaching material they're a thing of beauty and are helping me and those who I pass your knowledge to a very strong foundation.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Thanks for the kind words! Happy training (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@robotchicken80]

Great explanations! Thanks!

[@MichaelSmith-ds4jt]

Brilliant, thank you.

[@danieljoachimnielsen6379]

Absolute gold!

[@ersantosjr]

Wish I saw this before my class today. Some scummy purple belt always put his weight on me and I have to go into him and get the under hook. Will definitely try this on Wednesday! OSS

[@narnba1071]

Thank you Master, very cool

[@x426x]

Very nice video. Thank you!!!

[@pierrebridenne8870]

Thanks sir !

[@sageedwards7866]

What an awesome video, thanks a lot for these techniques ✌✌✌

[@spamevader]

Nice video! Thanks

[@paulvalachovic8128]

I love this!

[@jacobmoorman2720]

Thank you for the greate video!

[@lalillou]

Dude , great video thanks alot am gonna be subscribing

[@ewan9886]

Thanks Tom

[@xpansionteam1537]

Beautiful cheers

[@fabian13333]

Thank you

[@GunnedDownAtrocity]

from worst case scenario we are taught to use both palms to push them away from us by their chin / face. it doesn't take much space before you can shoot your underhook back in. once you have the underhook, you can start working your way to your side.. i like the regaurd, but wondering if it's as effective no-gi. look forward to trying it out!

[@STR3AK]

GunnedDownAtrocity you are referring to the jaws of life and yes they do work.

[@PeterJames143]

thanks

[@bernardod.c.1193]

Thanks!!!

[@patrickmcinerney9491]

"flip that rainy day upside down" the Bob Ross of bjj

[@tommyhammer4301]

"now this game isnt fun for me anymore" lol

[@leafsfan71]

Aweome!

[@Jmb426]

Super old but thank you. I love me some half guard

[@snabelkeso1]

Gold!

[@cm1212]

My go to from bottom of half guard is lockdown. When bigger guys get me in your worst case scenario situation I throw on a lockdown and relieve all the pressure on the face and neck. After the "whip up" I'm having trouble with "old school" sweep when they hide that foot and haven't successfully caught a "plan b" yet but did get a tap to a banana split the other night. (Yeah watched a lot of 10th planet videos) Your stuff is awesome btw!

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Thank you CM! Yes the lockdown can be a handy tool! HAlf guard is a great game to play! (-: Coach Tom

[@jitsulee652]

I use to play lockdown and catch a lot of electric chairs but i have realized that the only good usage of it is to use it as emergency option to prevent guard pass and gain the underhook by using whip up and then slide underneath using whipdown. But using it really wastes a lot of energy specially against heavier guys in GI as you are constantly smashed by some sort of death grip that they can get. I am now focusing more on the knee shield half guard to solve this problem and branch out my half guard game more.

[@GunnedDownAtrocity]

i'm just starting to branch out from the electric chair myself. i like going back and forth from electric chair to dog fight or sometimes a single butterfly hook sweep (not sure what it's called). it was funny the first time an upper belt realized that i was trying the electric chair. i am a white belt and i had a tenuous grasp of white belt basics at best. he laughed and helped me out. it worked for me, ended up being my first reliable technique, and was my gateway into developing a game and a conceptual understanding of jiujitsu.

[@Smile-of3dj]

Thanks

[@mikeelward6567]

good instruction

[@ericcartman8593]

You are awesome

[@BarryPaste]

This is huge

[@Jknudsen0523]

A wizard. 😂 so true.

[@mcanu667]

This video is great! I often end up in half guard as a white belt. Actually, the worst case scenario is where I am mostly :/ But I have one problem. When an opponent has an underhook under my head, for me, it is basically game over. I get choked, with the opponent pushing his second hand on my throat and in the same time applying shoulder pressure. I think that getting into closed guard won't help me that much.

[@Juzam777]

This submission you're talking about is called "Ezekiel"

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Defend you neck first always. Once you do, this technique will become a useful tool in your arsenal. (-: Coach Tom

[@jitsulee652]

If they are trying to ezekiel you from half guard, they must be giving you under hook. Next time be aware when they try to switch to ezekiel and use the underhook to bump them forward and take their back.

[@bilbobaggins7095]

I've been asking for basic info like this for years. What's my gaol in each position?

[@theohuioiesin6519]

Best instructions on the www

[@theohuioiesin6519]

Happy you saw the comment! Good teaching is such a gift. Knowing what is a main point and what NOT to say. Me and a few guys at my club are enjoying Your videos very much and are greatly aided by them.

[@TheSuperpickles123]

Thanks! Would it be possible to show these moves from different angles? It's a bit difficult to see what's going on on the side opposite the camera.

[@morganmartin4383]

Hey Coach, I'd like to start by saying that I love all your videos they help me out a lot. I have a question about what happens from close guard when you've broken down their posture and they are lying flat on you. I'm a white belt so I'm not really sure what can be done once I've broken someone posture down to that point.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

WOrk on taking the back if there arms are on your body or kimuras and omoplatas if their arms are by your sides. I know it can be frustrating but they are at your mercy there! (-: Coach Tom Davey

[@SnowMan2595]

Beautiful (:

[@lespleiadesdutaureau7349]

Very useful video, pity you both wear a black gi, it's difficult to see the leg positioning

[@irongrip]

For so long I thought it was called a "Wizzard" haha. I also thought Knee on Belly was called "Neon Belly". (I'm not a native English speaker!)

[@eljonnymac]

Cool video. Use different colored gis next time please.

[@dubbeking]

Man, I hate this position. It's so tough to play. But I suck from the back mostly anyhow.

[@AlShekh_Eid]

Big thanks however if you can shoot the videos with 2 camera with 2 angel it will be better in the explanation.

[@mr.berimbolo827]

Editor Mohamed Metwally agreed, or moving cameraman

[@joshgarza7491]

Great video! Just one issue. Next time could you make sure you and your partner are wearing different colored pants so it’s easier to see what you’re doing with your legs?

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Haha yes we normally do! It must have been laundry day! Happy rolling (-: Tom Davey

[@conor-_C]

Is there a sweep from worse case

[@hirepwrd]

Can the very last escape work in no gi?

[@americanmanx]

This may be a dumb question. Can you grab Toes in IBJJF if you are a white belt? If not what would be an alternative?

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Yes totally legal just grab all of them

[@americanmanx]

@@TheGrapplingAcademy I'm still learning. thanks a lot. love your content.

[@gavblack1081]

Diferrent angle's please. Cant see your feet movements.

[@eddietasker9110]

I hate being under in half guard. I can't do subs from there apart from Ezekiel, which as you know is hard to get on a good fighter. I like being on top but when someone else is on top, it's just wasting points to me, whenever someone gets it I just transition to guard. What other subs (preferably chokes) do you recommend for half guard. I watched a video online of some weird choke which I can do but it's not enough just two.

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

Opt for moving to z guard and working the triangle, guillotine and leg attacks plus of course the kimura. (-: Tom Davey

[@eddietasker9110]

@@TheGrapplingAcademy thanks for the advice, I'll be sure to give the triangle a try (I bash triangle chokes lol), will try guillotine also. This is why I love your channel, you post so many good techniques and you're so knowledgeable, but you also care about your audience and help us guys out. Respect and love to you and your whole team.

[@Arkadiy93181]

9 people got smashed in half guard

[@Chuckh116]

Would that sweep be considered an foot lock?

[@TheGrapplingAcademy]

No

[@masuriasudjana9732]

I hope you will invest in a good mic proff...will really make everything better :)