Private with Coach Daniel

Its amazing what you'll learn from a world champion :) I know that sounds stupid but I can't help saying it. I have been completely frustrated with half guard for the last several months. Its not that I haven't been trying to learn it. I have tried to commit the SBGi Half Guard and Harness DVD to memory, taken notes after classes where coach has taught half guard and attempted the position in sparring......and gotten CRUSHED in my attempts.

So, I just went to the source today during a 1 hr private with Coach Thomas. I didn't simply want to learn how to "pass" half guard. I want to learn how to "feel" half guard and what good positions are on top and bottom. Then, the flood gates opened :) We worked only four passes, but that spawned correct positioning on the top and bottom, plus counters...top and bottom. It completely revolutionized the way I look at half guard. We looked at Tripod pass with under hook, Cross face pass (toe/heel pass blocking the hip), Negative half guard sit out pass, and double leg sprawl pass from top.

All of these positions had time spent working good hip position, good grips, timing, etc. At the end of the day the best lesson I learned from top side half guard was take your time and don't rush into trying to pin the bottom. Move and kill the hips first. For the bottom it was learn the top game and know how to feel where they're trying to go to pass. Then, work your sweeps for top :)

Daniel Thomas pearl of wisdom for half guard #1: "The more you can get when looking for cross face and under hook the better."

Daniel Thomas pearl of wisdom for half guard #2: "Half guard is half way to everything."

- Amen coach!