HALF GUARD: neck problems

masada555 · 07-23-2008, 06:46 PM

I like to play a half-guard where I dive my head underneath and go for sweeps.

However a lot of people will grab my neck when I go underneath. Sometimes they go for a brabo. Sometimes they just hold on tight and crank the hell out of my neck. It's not like tweaking on my neck is going to submit me from that position; however, I started to develop some chronic neck problems (muscular pain and numbness radiating down my left arm).

I took some time off and I am feeling better healthwise.

Can you please advise on how I can play a sweepy half guard game and not have to worry about having chronic neck problems down the road? I'd rather not play the "deep" half guard that's so popular right now. I'm really looking for tips on how to play the "classic" underhooking half guard safely.

Is it just a question of waiting for the right time to dive under and then quickly going for the sweep? Maybe you can't get your head to their hip and then just wait for an opening?

Thanks ahead of time for your input.

damit2hell · 07-23-2008, 06:52 PM

eddie bravo has a good underhooking and lockdown half guard

**Zankou** · 07-23-2008, 07:32 PM

The paw, man, the paw.

Never let that protective paw go unless you are too deep to crossface.

Otherwise, always block the crossface with the paw. If you let go of the paw and still get crossfaced, you are not deep enough behind the guy.

Personally I go for deep half guard or half butterfly these days, but everybody's got a preference.

damit2hell · 07-23-2008, 07:38 PM

half butterfly and deep half guard is my favorite aswell, only time i can sweep my instructor or even threaten a sweep

BJJ Beginner · 07-23-2008, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zankou

The paw, man, the paw.

Never let that protective paw go unless you are too deep to crossface.

Otherwise, always block the crossface with the paw. If you let go of the paw and still get crossfaced, you are not deep enough behind the guy.

Exactly. And make sure your underhooking arm is strong and keep your elbow tight against your ribs until you are ready to extend it. A weak underhook will get you darced in a hurry.