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Destroy the Competition With Your Half Guard

Author: Jason Mallory
Date Posted: September 27, 2008

The Half Guard is an intricate position with lots of details. You can easily begin to improve your half guard game. When I began learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu the Half Guard was mainly a defensive position. My goal was not to let my opponent pass my guard and reach the Full Guard as soon as possible.

When I lived in LA I had the chance to train with Eddie Bravo at 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu in Legends Gym, Hollywood. After training there the HG has become an offensive position for me.

A big part of the reason it has gone from defensive to offensive is the Lockdown. The Lockdown destroys your opponent's base. At the same time it limits their movement. This leaves them open to a number of innovative sweeps and submissions.

Another way of playing the Half Guard is the more traditional BJJ Figure Four position. This can be a very effective way of playing Half Guard especially when you combine it with the Lockdown.

A lot of people will play the HG with one Butterfly Hook in. In the 10th Planet System this is called the Stomp. This position along with the Figure Four gives your opponent space to move. As a result there is a greater chance of your opponent passing your guard.

In a street fight situation or an MMA event where you may be hit with punches, knees or elbows you will want to clinch tight to your opponent so they don't have the space they need to strike.

Your other option is to create distance between you and your opponent to avoid their strikes. In my opinion clinching and staying close is the better option.

To begin improving, start by adding 1 or 2 techniques to your game. You need a partner and about an hour a week outside of training to drill. You need to learn the mechanics of the technique and drill to the point that you can do it without thinking about each movement.

Then you need to start from your guard and try to do the technique with your partner resisting full strength. If you are not able to get the sweep or submission right away don't worry. Keep drilling, it takes time.

When you have 2 or 3 options you have your partner resist 100% but this time you go from one technique to the other. If they block one, go the next. You can even use one technique to set up the other.

There is nothing better for improving than mat time. You have to have the knowledge, drill the technique and spar in order to improve in Jiu Jitsu.

About The Author

Jason Mallory

http://www.No-gi-Grappling.com

Article Source: JKD Street Combat - online collection of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu articles.

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