Random Ramblings

Worked the half guard tonight and I was instantly taken back to my last tournament where I was ineffective while working the bottom half guard. It is frustrating to see the holes in your game! Its a good thing to know where they exist, but god it sucks to know this part of your game needs work. Do you play the traditional half guard, use the lockdown, or venture in the newer stuff (ie: deep half guard)? I was grateful to my coach Tim for working top and bottom half guard with me after class. Reps are whats needed!!! Its not like I haven't studied or drilled the half guard in the past 2.5 years. The reality of it is that I haven't drilled it enough to be comfortable and effective using it. What works for you guys? Seriously. I wanna hear from others.

My biggest problems.
1. Staling in the lockdown.
2. Being flat WAY too much (especially cross bodied).
3. Getting my knee shield smashed and fold passed.
4. Getting my under hook whizzerd.


Help a brother out with information and I will hit the mats and rep it out!!


Oh yeah,,,there's that passing from the top too. Maybe I'll fuss about that next time. ;)

Too bad we only get one lifetime to learn this stuff. I could use at least 5!

The Over Under Half Guard Pass

According to Marcelo Garcia, "The Over Under Pass is the most efficient and safest way to pass the half guard." (mginaction.com). This is something I need to work on. Getting stuck in half guard and playing the scramble game is not conducive to gaining a dominate top position. Digging for darces/brabos or sitting out guillotine attempts didn't work well while training tonight. Fighting for the far under hook was somewhat of a battle that I will need to work on. Next Wednesday we should drill this!!!

Keys To Remember:

Use the Over Under Control for Gi and the Under hook and Head Control for Nogi.
*Approach the pass with the intent to gain these positions!!

Re-pummel using your opposite arm to force his under hook down, and swim in for the control.

If the opponent pushes away to resist your guard pass, he will create space for the Under Hook.

If you cannot pummel for the control, drop your weight behind your opponent's elbow as a substitute for the Under Hook instead.

Do not float over your opponent/Stay off the middle of his body.

Bring your knee close to your elbow to press down for the pass.

Push the knee and slide the locked leg through.