Struggling on your back against larger, stronger opponents? The chances of beating someone shaped like a mountain in the takedown game are slim and you can probably count on one hand the number of times heavier rolling partners have elected to play guard on you. There aren’t many guarantees in jiu jitsu, but you can bet your bottom dollar no matter which guard you like to play, larger opponents are looking to pass by crushing you in half guard. And the worst part is, when they sink the crossface, they’re always extra generous with their weight on your chest, neck, and face. It’s like they’re not aware of any size difference or something.

Be honest, do you play half guard, or do you hold on to half guard? Real talk, the problem here isn’t being under the half guard… the problem is how you think about half guard.
“Half guard is half passed” = Wrong.
“I carry too much of my opponent’s weight in the half guard and I get tired there” = Couldn’t be more wrong.
“The half guard is only a defensive position, there aren’t any attacks from there.” = That’s a paddlin’.
“The half guard is a white belt position and doesn’t work at higher levels.” = You better believe that’s a paddlin’.
If you’ve ever said any of those comments above… then what you’re about to see is going to change your mind, for good.

How would you like to turn your biggest weakness on the mats into your biggest strength? The truth is, your half guard doesn’t have to play more of a part in your opponent’s passing game than it does in your own. When you understand how the half guard works: the intricacies of technique, body positioning, knee torque, and how they all link together, you’ll have more than just a defensive position at your disposal. You’ll be able to… Transform your opponent’s best passing position into your ticket to winning gold by becoming a lord of the half guard with Jake Mackenzie. Forget everything you know about playing half guard; this is the missing link in your game you’ve been waiting for.

Join 3rd-degree black belt and jiu jitsu cult hero, Jake MacKenzie, on a journey to reinvent your half guard and get more sweeps, more backtakes, and ultimately — win more matches!