BJJ Half Guard Sweeps
BJJBJJ App TeamΒ·β±οΈ 1 min readΒ·π Mar 31, 2026
Master BJJ half guard sweeps: the lockdown, old school sweep, dogfight, knee shield half guard, and the underhook battle that decides half guard.
Contents
The Underhook War
Half guard is decided by the underhook battle. Whoever wins the underhook β the arm threaded under the opponent's armpit β controls the position. Bottom player with underhook = sweep opportunities. Top player with underhook = smash pass opportunities.
Half Guard Variations
| Variation | Key Feature | Primary Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Half Guard | Z-guard/knee shield | Prevent smash, build to underhook |
| Deep Half Guard | Dive under their hips | Elevator sweep, back take |
| Lockdown | Figure-four the leg | Control movement, old school sweep |
| Knee Shield Half | Knee in their belly | Create space, reach underhook |
Half Guard Sweeps
- Old School Sweep: Lockdown + underhook, crawl out the back while extending lockdown leg
- Waiter Sweep (from deep half): Elevate their near leg, roll under them
- Dogfight to Back Take: Both have underhooks standing β use forklift, trip, or back take
- Knee Shield Sweep: Knee shield in belly, extend leg while pulling collar
π‘ Underhook or die: Before attempting any half guard sweep, check β do you have the underhook? Without it, most sweeps fail. Recovering the underhook is the first priority in half guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lockdown in half guard?
The lockdown is a figure-four leg entanglement around their near leg from half guard. It prevents smashing and creates the old school sweep. Eddie Bravo's 10th Planet system is built around the lockdown.
How do I get the underhook from half guard?
Shrimp away to create space, swim your arm through their armpit, pull their body toward you to prevent them recapturing it. Alternatively, use the knee shield to create space first.
Is half guard good for beginners?
Yes β half guard is more forgiving than full guard for beginners because it's harder to submit from and gives clear positioning goals. The knee shield version is particularly beginner-friendly.