Half Guard
Half Guard
Intermediate ground position where the bottom fighter traps one of the top fighter's legs with both of theirs.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[haf gahrd]/
Alternative NamesHalf guard position, Single leg entanglement
Definition
Half Guard evolved from a desperate defensive hold into a highly sophisticated offensive system in modern BJJ. Bottom players utilize underhooks, knee shields, and deep half positions to execute sweeps or take the back.
Related Terms
GuardGuard
Core BJJ bottom ground position where a practitioner controls the opponent using their legs.
Sweep / ReversalSweepTechnique executed from the bottom Guard to reverse position and land on top.
Guard PassGuard PassBJJ tactical sequence where the top fighter bypasses the opponent's legs to establish side control.
Side Control / Yoko-shiho-gatame横四方固め / Side ControlDominant top ground pin position perpendicular to the opponent's torso.