There’s no doubt that the half guard is one of the most versatile positions in BJJ. Developed in the 1990’s by Roberto “Gordo” Correa, legend has it that Gordo developed the move as a means to prevent his sparring partners from passing his guard while rehabilitating a leg injury. He would often find himself stuck in this position, so finding ways to attack from the half guard was necessary.
Although there are many versions of the half guard, the two most commonly used positions are the deep half guard and the classic half guard. The classic half guard pays tribute to Gordo’s use of the underhook to take the back, a move that he has used against many formidable opponents in competition. Today, many of the top BJJ competitors such as Lucas Leite, Caio Terra, Ryan Hall, Bernardo Faria, and Leonardo Nogueira are all masters of the half guard.
If you’re afraid of going for the Waiter Sweep because you don’t want to be submitted by an Outside Heel Hook, then the following video from Ryan Hall will be of huge help!
Hall shows how to defend against the Outside Heel Hook when setting up the Waiter Sweep:
Attack Off Your Back With This Dynamic Half Guard System As Ryan Hall Shows You How He Uses The Waiter Position For Sweeps, Back Takes, & Devastating Submissions!
- Learn why the waiter position can become a valuable part of your arsenal and how to use concepts like base, kuzushi, and structure for maximum control of the exchange.
- See the best ways to enter into the waiter position with Ryan’s coaching on techniques from deep half, smashed half, and 1X.
