Here are a couple of things I learned in class today about the bottom half guard position from Coach Alan:

The High Knee Shield Position

Where you have your knee or shin on your opponent’s shoulder. This is great if they have a tendency to come forward and smash you. It maintains distance and creates space, giving you opportunities to build frames or engage in hand fighting.

The Low Knee Shield Position

Where you have your knee or shin on their hip or waistline, and you can cross your feet to prevent them from escaping.

The Mid-Knee Shield Position

Where you have your knee or shin on their torso. If you’re in this position, it’s best to break their posture with your collar tie.

From what I’ve learned in class, the priority for both individuals in the half-guard position is to secure the inside position with an underhook or arm drag, moving the opponent’s hand past their centerline to set up either a sweep or a back take.

Tip

You can cup or pinch their elbow to limit its mobility, thereby reducing their ability to move their arm back toward you.

Quick Principle for the Bottom Half Guard Position

• If their hip is heavy and low, and they’re basically sitting on your leg → engage in hand fighting, find the inside position, and perhaps secure an underhook.
• If their hip is light and high → consider putting them back into open guard or pulling them in close to trap them in position with the low knee shield.

Tip

When you’re coming up from the bottom guard position to take their back, start with your shoulder, flare your elbow, and swing your arm around to grab their shoulder with your hand. Remember to perform the windshield wiper move on their leg. You don’t want their hip facing you, because if it is, they’ll be able to smash down on you with their body weight.