TFS#87: The Guard That Can Save You Today And Tomorrow

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Now on to today’s topic…

Negate The Smash

Everyone ends up in Half Guard at some point.

It’s not a bad place because it’s still a guard and there are a lot of options available to you.

But like any guard, you can’t expect to trap a leg and expect to hang out there.

You’ll still need to fight for a better position.

So here are 2 options for you.

Get A Butterfly Hook

Okay, you don’t want to give them the cross face to begin with.

But if you’re hanging out in Half Guard while trying to hold your frames, it’s going to get smashed eventually and they’ll get the cross face.

So you’ve given up the cross face, your goal is to get a butterfly hook.

🔑 Key Detail: Move your shoulders first then move your hips. Straight out your body to create the space.

Moving your hips is hard because if you try to move your shoulders second, it’s limited by the floor. Also, moving your hips makes it easier for your opponent to continue to smash pass your guard.

You want open up their side, so you can fit your knee in. (Image below)

Once you get the bottom knee out, make sure to get a butterfly hook.

The butterfly hook will give you the option to sweep.

(Another option is to get the butterfly hook with the outside leg.)

Submission Alternative

If you’re feeling a little more confident in your escapes, you can start looking to attack.

Simply escape your inside knee again (“simply”) and pinch their thigh with your knees. (Image below)

🔑 Key Detail: Don’t commit your top knee too far deep, otherwise your opponent can smash and pass.

From here, chest escape, get your bottom knee out in front and throw your top leg over, pinching their shoulder. (Image below)

Check out the clip for the Armbar setup, here.

Iron Core = Iron Guard

If you don’t actively work on it, your guard will suffer for a few reasons:

1. Your knees won’t stay close to your chest; passing your guard becomes much easier.

2. You can’t bridge properly; you’ll find it hard to transition and move.

3. Your technical stand up will be difficult.

Those are only a handful of effects for neglecting your core.

But building core strength doesn’t have to be difficult.

Try these 7 Core Work Outs.

You can do one a day, or mix and match on different days.

Work for your core. Even if it’s not for Jiu-Jitsu, your old(er) body will thank you.

More Resources

🥋 This 4 minute article might be worth reading if you’re considering HIIT for your Jiu-Jitsu. (link)

🥋 Here’s 5 ways to ease your learning experience as a lower belt. (link)

🥋 These 2 submissions from Half Guard are creative and fun. (link)

👉 You can’t be consistent if you can’t stay healthy. Build functional mat strength and durability for Jiu-Jitsu with one move. (link)

*Links with 👉 emoji is an ad or affiliate link.
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Closing Thought

For this year, don’t be afraid to invest in yourself.

Spend the time to stretch and get the proper recovery tools like foam rollers, massage guns, or occasional massages.

Whatever it may be, look at it as an investment in your body.

This is the same body you’ll be walking around with when you’re 70 years old.

Be patient with the process…mostly with yourself.

Your improvement is worth the wait.

I’ll see you on the mats,

Wayne

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