Knee Shield | BJJ Technique Guide
Complete guide to the Knee Shield in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — mechanics, entries, sweeps, submissions, and how to use it in competition.
The Knee Shield is a fundamental half guard variation that uses your inside knee as a structural frame across your opponent's torso — creating space, preventing pressure, and opening attacks.
⚙️ Step-by-Step Guide
From the bottom, trap your opponent's near leg between both of your legs. Your outside leg hooks the calf, and your inside leg acts as a frame against their hip or thigh.
Rotate your inside knee so it points across your opponent's torso — from their hip up toward their opposite shoulder. Press firmly and maintain knee-to-chest contact to control their posture.
Use your top elbow to create a secondary frame against your opponent's bicep or shoulder. This dual-frame system (knee + elbow) makes it very difficult for them to close the distance and flatten you.
From the knee shield, your primary mission is to fight for the underhook on the far side. The underhook is your key to the dog fight position, sweeps, and back takes.
With the underhook secured, come up to the dog fight position. If they counter, use the sweep — push their near knee away with your free hand and roll. Alternatively, shoot for the back as they try to base out.
🔑 Key Details & Common Mistakes
Angle your knee correctly: The knee should cross diagonally — from your hip to their shoulder — not just sit flat. A flat knee gives no structural strength and will get smashed easily.
Don't overextend your frame: Keeping your elbow bent and close to your body gives you much more structural integrity than a straight arm push. Think "shelf," not "push."
Stay on your side: Lying flat on your back while using the knee shield kills all your offensive options. Stay on your side to maintain the shield angle and keep your hips active.
Protect against the whizzer: If your opponent gets the whizzer (overhook on your underhook arm), immediately switch tactics — go to the back step or recover guard before they can pass.