Half - Guard Retention

Half guard retention is a critical defensive skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that focuses on preventing your opponent from passing your legs and securing a pin when you are in the bottom half guard position.

: When your shield is flattened, you may need to "low leg" or shrimp out to create space and re-insert the top knee to reset the distance. Highly Recommended Instructionals Half Guard Retention

: If an opponent tries to circle around your legs, you can use an inside spin across your shoulders to re-insert your knees and recover a full guard or a better half guard. Half guard retention is a critical defensive skill

: Use a knee shield (top leg across the chest or hip) to keep the opponent's weight off you. If they collapse the shield, use your bottom leg to pull yourself in or re-adjust your position. : Use a knee shield (top leg across

: Gaining an underhook on the opponent’s far side is a powerful way to move from a defensive position to an offensive one, often leading to sweeps or taking the back.

: Use your arms to create "frames" (stiff structures) against the opponent's neck, shoulders, or hips to prevent them from securing a cross-face or chest-to-chest control.

: Effective half guard is played from your side, not flat on your back. Shrimping and hip-pivoting help you maintain this angle. Common Retention Techniques