One of the most frustration additions that someone can include in their use of half guard is the lock down.   The lock down was most famously popularized by Eddie Bravo, who as a huge advocate of half guard, sought to make the position...

As Brazilian Jiu Jitsu continues to evolve, dynamic guards continue to grow in popularity.  There are so many positions these days that were not often utilized in the past.  We see complex open guards like the worm guard, lapel guard, 50/50 and many...

The more sweeps and submissions you can add to your game plan the more well-rounded and prepared you will be for the possible reactions your opponent can present to you.  Half guard is a deceptively simple and seemingly lazy position, where the bottom half...

Are you a fan of half guard?  Half guard can provide you with a super strong, but secure position that can withstand the onslaught of an aggressively passing opponent.  As you may or may not be aware, the bottom hook leg is absolutely...

Closed guard can be one of the most difficult guards to pass.  Many people have an extremely hard time opening closed guard.  They either cannot open their opponent’s legs, or they are just not able to defend themselves.  Being in someone’s closed guard...

Tom DeBlass is one of the most widely known jiu jitsu black belts, competitors, and instructors on the planet.  With over 100,000 followers between his Facebook and Instagram accounts, he has become one of the most influential instructors and motivators in the BJJ...

The closed guard has long been considered one of the best positions in bjj, MMA, and self-defense.  What makes the closed guard such a powerful weapon?  Well, it is a position where you can attack the back, sweep your opponent, submit them with...

The closed guard is one of the most popular guards in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA.  There is good reason for this popularity.  The closed guard has long been considered the foundation of the guard.  We recently wrote an article breaking down why...

The closed guard has long been considered the foundation of the guard, there are several reasons that people perceive the closed guard as the foundation.  The closed guard is one of the most versatile positions, you can have success with it in both...

If you train Brazilian Jiu Jitsu then are probably familiar with the closed guard.  The closed guard is perhaps the most popular guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and it is considered by man, “the foundation” of the guard.  Closed guard is the guard...

The longer you train BJJ and the more techniques, positions, and styles you are exposed to, you will notice an interesting phenomenon.  And if you aren't noticing it, step back and take a look.  Your first few months will be a blur of...

We start training BJJ for a wide variety of reasons. Maybe we want to get into better shape, lose weight, and improve our health overall.  Perhaps we are looking to learn some self defense concepts and techniques, increasing our overall confidence.  Whatever the...

We have been exploring half guard lately here at BJJ Fanatics and looking at all of the elements that make up a strong, basic half guard game that every BJJ student can implement TODAY to begin diversifying their guard game.   The creation of...

When done right, bottom half guard can be a safe haven where the person on the bottom can withstand a crushing amount of pressure from their opponents with relative ease.  It can also serve as a sanctuary from which to focus all of...

When it comes to training or competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, there are few cardinal sins worse than having your guard pass.  Your guard, or legs and hips is your first line of defense and if you're able to keep the enemy at...