This week on Gracie Barra Blog we are looking at some ways to pass the Half Guard by Gracie Barra black belt instructors direct from Brazil.

ㅤ

It is quite common to see tournament matches where the bottom player frustrates the top passer with a strong defensive half guard. There is the threat of sweeps, back takes and submissions while you are trapped in your opponent’s half guard.

ㅤ

If you don’t have a solid strategy and a few half guard passes to address the various half guard situations, you might find yourself stuck in your opponent’s half guard. Different types of half guard variations require different solutions and fortunately, our Gracie Barra instructors have some great techniques for you to add to your passing game.

Let’s take a look at some Half Guard passing techniques as taught by our Brazilian Gracie Barra instructors.

1) Half Guard pass #1 / Passagem de Meia Guarda #1

In this video, Glaucia Braga demonstrates some gripping details to pass the Knee Shield type of half guard

2) Half Guard pass to Back Take / Passagem de Meia com Pegada das Costas

The leg work on this sweet half guard pass by Prof. Ramos is something intermediate to advanced passers should add to their passing arsenal.

3) Half Guard pass to Back Take #2 / Transição da passagem de meia guarda para as costas

Prof. Vanessa Silva shows a tricky way to utilize our opponent’s lapels to quickly get to the back position off of the pass.

4) Lapel assisted Half Guard pass / Passagem de meia guarda dominando a lapela

This Half Guard pass as taught by Prof. Fabiana Borges is my favorite way to pass a tight half guard. Note how Prof. Fabiana uses the opponent’s lapel to keep them flat for the pass.

5) Half Guard Gi Choke / Estrangulamento Partindo da Meia Guarda

If you divide your half guard strategy between threatening to pass and submit, your opponent may give you the opportunity to choke.

See also on Gracie Barra : GB Technique : Attacking the Turtle

Credits: Mark Mullen

Gracie Barra Black belt based in Asia