5 Tips That Will Make Your Half Guard the BEST Ever

5 Tips To Improve Your Half Guard by Bernardo Faria &Tom DeBlass

When it comes to training or competing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu your guard is your first line of defense. Your legs and hips are the strongest part of your body. Combine that with concepts like framing with your arms, you are the one who dictates how much space there is between you and your training partner. One of the most common guard positions is half guard. Why is it so common? Half guard is a fundamental grappling technique. It is easy to learn, hard to master. Some of the highest level BJJ players in the world use half guard as their primary position to mount attacks and submissions from. What was once seen as a last ditch effort to keep your opponent from escaping your full guard is now looked at as a very dynamic position to be in.

The way to look at half guard is that you are either in half GUARD or half PASSED. Dealing with a strong hip switch passers requires a strong half guard. It just so happens that Tom Deblass is a master of the half guard for sweeps, submissions and recoveries.

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With all that in mind, it is important for you to focus on just how good your half guard game is. Are you being passed easily? Do your opponent’s tend to control your legs or go nail quick submissions? This may be a sign that you need to improve the quality of your guard. It really does not take much to do this. In fact, today we are going to explore 5 simple tips to improve your half guard with Bernardo Faria and Tom DeBlass. Both off these world class BJJ legends have established a reputation for being very good half guard players. So it is safe to say these are the guys you want showing you how to have a strong half guard. Watch the video below and then we will break down the technique. Check it out now!

Tip #1: If you are going for any sweep or single leg from the half guard you need to get as deep as possible. Remember that your opponent is going to be trying to flatten you in order to smash pass. If you are not really deep your training partner will easily be able to get the cross face or a whizzer.

Tip #2: You should be utilizing framing to control distance. Do not just use the frame to be defensive. Use the frame to create a reaction from your opponent. You can use your opponent’s momentum to get a sweep or a leg lock.

Tip #3: Get used to shoulder pressure. Yes, it sucks having your opponent’s shoulder pressuring your face. It is just something you are going to have to get used to. Remain calm, it is not a submission, it is only pressure.

Tip #4: How you deal with the cross face and under hook from bottom plays a huge roll in how effective your half guard will be. Roll your hips by using your training partner’s legs and arm to make them post with the hand that has the under hook.

Tip #5: Probably one of the most important details is how you pull half guard. Do not do it in a manner that allows your opponent to get the under hook and cross face. Close the distance and take away your training partner’s space.

Remember these 5 simple tips the next time you are working your half guard. Over time these types of details will become automatic as you start to grow more efficient with your movement. Now get out there and train some half guard!

Learning to fight from half guard will not only help prevent your guard from getting passed so easily, but also give you a strong attacking guard as well. Tom Deblass's DVD / On Demand Series called Half Dominate will give you the tips and skills to control and win from the most dynamic position in grappling - the half guard.

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