How to Execute the Faria Sweep
For a few years, deep half guard was one of the most popular positions in Jiu Jitsu. In its time, it was kind of like how leg locks are now with everyone researching them and trying to learn them as quickly as possible.
The deep half guard is one of the safest and best positions to play from on the bottom. The main thing that deep half guard does which separates it from the rest of the guard is it allows you to sit directly under your opponent. Having your opponents hips so high over your hips in other guards isn’t a good thing, but the way deep half guard works makes it possible.
Pritt Mihkelson describes his training as “functionalistic minimalism” – based on fundamental postures and movements that ever grappler needs to know.
The value of being directly under the top players hips is that it it is easy to off-balance them, and therefore sweep them. The most difficult part about deep half guard is actually just getting to the position. Because deep half guard is so powerful, guard passers are often to wary to get stuck in it. This is why it is so important to find creative ways to establish the position.
If you don’t already know, Bernardo FariaIs one of the best black belts of our time and also happens to be an excellent instructor. Bernardo Faria is known for his half guard game, using deep half guard to beat some of the best opponents of his time.
In the following video, Bernardo shows us how to effectively pull deep half guard and then execute the sweep named after him, the Faria sweep. See below:
When playing deep half guard, there a few details which are vital to know. First, you must keep your elbow tight. If it’s not, the top player can get a kimura or under hook and stop you. Another detail is to keep your head straight and pressing against the top players leg. If you don’t do this, they can slide their leg around your head and escape the guard.
Bernardo Has Become World Renown For Teaching Older Guys Because His Moves Require Almost Zero Strength, Speed or Flexibility... How?
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