Half guard from the bottom: knee shield: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Half guard · 9 minute lesson Pro

Using the knee shield to stay safe and keep distance.

Watch it on YouTubeSearch: Bjj knee shield half guard basics tutorial. Videos by other coaches.

Bottom half guard has two jobs: stop being flattened and create angles. The knee shield does both. Your top knee sits across their chest like a shield while you stay on your side.

Stay on your side. Flat on your back, half guard is a losing position. On your side with a frame, it is a safe and active place to work.

Key points

Lie on your side facing them. The shield knee is on their chest or hip.
Hold their sleeve or collar with your top hand to control the distance.
Keep the bottom leg locked round their trapped leg, ankles hooked.
Work a hip escape to keep the angle. Do not lie flat.
Always protect your near-side arm: an underhook for them is a pass for them.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Lying flat on your back. Turn to your side with the shield between you. Flat means crushed.
Giving the underhook. Keep your elbow tight. If they have it, they will flatten you.
Pushing without framing. Use the knee and a frame together, not just arms.

The rest is in the app

The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Half guard module of Jiu-jitsu foundations.

Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.

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Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.