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I Ranked 10 Half Guard Instructionals: Here’s the One I’d Buy First
Half guard used to be a stalling position. Now it’s one of the most offensively dangerous places in jiu-jitsu. I’ve watched and compared every major half guard instructional on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced BJJ World, Reddit, and specialist blogs, and ranked the 10 best by teaching quality, technique depth, and real-world applicability.
Heads up: the BJJ Fanatics links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them I earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes the rankings – every pick is judged on teaching quality, technique depth, and real-world applicability first.
Jump to a pick
- 1. The Half Guard Anthology
- 2. Half Guard: BJJ Fundamentals (Go Further Faster)
- 3. Make Z Guard Great Again
- 4. The Coyote Half Guard
- 5. The Battle Tested Half Guard
- 6. High Precision Half Guard & Reverse Half Guard
- 7. Connected Reaction: Half Guard
- 8. Half Domination
- 9. Simplify the System: Half Guard Mastery
- 10. Systematically Attacking From Half Guard
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionThe Half Guard Anthology
Lachlan GilesCovers every half guard family with troubleshooting for each. The most complete single purchase.
≈10 h · gi & no-gi · all levels · ~$77Half Guard (Go Further Faster)
John DanaherThe deepest conceptual treatment of half guard. Trilemma framework, whizzer solutions, knee lever series.
≈11 h · gi · all levels · $197Make Z Guard Great Again
Craig JonesThe definitive knee shield system. Covers attacking AND passing Z guard with elite leg lock entries.
≈5 h · no-gi · all levels · $197Half guard used to be a stalling position. Now it’s one of the most offensively dangerous places in jiu-jitsu, with entire systems built around the knee shield, dogfight, deep half, and coyote guard. I’ve watched and compared every major half guard instructional on BJJ Fanatics, cross-referenced community reviews from BJJ World, Reddit, and specialist blogs, and ranked the 10 best by teaching quality, technique depth, and real-world applicability.
Last updated: March 2026. Prices checked at time of writing.
The Half Guard Anthology
Lachlan GilesThe most complete half guard instructional you can buy. Giles covers every family (knee shield, underhook, dogfight, reverse half, RDLR, sit-up guard, shin-to-shin) with dedicated troubleshooting for each position. If you only buy one half guard instructional, this is the one.
What it covers
The Anthology is organized by half guard family. DVD 1 covers entries against kneeling and standing opponents. DVD 2 handles crossface underhook recovery, switch base, and quarter guard escapes. DVD 3 is the Z guard/knee shield volume with kimura systems and troubleshooting. DVD 4 covers underhook half guard principles and counter-strategies. DVD 5 addresses the kneecut underhook, reverse half guard, backstep half, and dogfight attacks. DVD 6 introduces sit-up guard and shin-to-shin. DVD 7 covers reverse De La Riva with back attacks, spinning attacks, and waiter sweeps. DVD 8 features narrated rolls with Kit Dale showing the full system in live sparring.
Why it stands out
- Troubleshooting sections for every position tell you exactly what to do when your attacks get shut down. No other half guard instructional does this.
- Covers transitions between half guard families, so you know when to switch from knee shield to underhook to dogfight based on your opponent’s reactions
- Kit Dale narrated rolls on DVD 8 show real-time decision-making under pressure
- Equally applicable to gi and no-gi training, unlike most half guard sets that favor one format
- Best hours-per-dollar ratio: 10+ hours at ~$77 compared to Danaher’s 11 hours at $197
Complete half guard system that covers absolutely everything. Organized in a system that not only teaches you but encourages you to build upon it.
BJJ World (5/5 rating)
Covers breadth over depth in some positions. If you want the absolute deepest coverage of Z guard specifically, Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again goes further. For deep half specifically, Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested is more focused. Giles gives you a strong foundation in everything, but specialists may want a second, focused instructional for their primary position.
The single best purchase for anyone who wants one instructional covering all half guard positions. Ideal for intermediate practitioners filling gaps in their game.
you already have a complete half guard game and only need specialist-level depth on one specific position.
Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again for deeper knee shield work, or Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested for deeper deep half coverage
Half Guard: BJJ Fundamentals (Go Further Faster)
John Danaher11 hours of Danaher’s signature conceptual instruction applied to half guard. The Trilemma framework, Paradox of the Half Guard concept, and dedicated Whizzer Solutions volume address the strategic thinking that separates good half guard players from great ones.
What it covers
Volume 1 introduces half guard fundamentals and the Paradox concept: half guard is simultaneously strong for sweeping and passing. Volumes 2-3 cover elbow escape series, sumi gaeshi, and half butterfly transitions including scoop butterfly to deep half entries. Volume 4 introduces dominant grips with the nearside underhook and the Trilemma decision tree for opponent responses. Volume 5 lays out half guard “rules and laws” including parallel vs. perpendicular alignment and kuzushi principles. Volume 6 is the Whizzer Solutions volume addressing the 5 most common whizzer problems with specific counters including the limp arm technique. Volume 7 covers gi-specific lapel attacks. Volume 8 features the knee lever series, deep half entries, and reverse half guard concepts.
Why it stands out
- The “Paradox of the Half Guard” reframes how you think about the position strategically, not just technically
- Whizzer Solutions (Vol. 6) directly solves the single biggest problem half guard players face: the top player’s whizzer defense
- Trilemma decision trees give clear “if opponent does X, you do Y” logic rather than disconnected techniques
- Knee lever series in Vol. 8 offers unusual leverage-based attacks most opponents haven’t encountered
- Part of the Go Further Faster curriculum, so it connects seamlessly with Danaher’s guard retention, passing, and submission systems
There’s hardly a better half guard instructional out there, gi or No-Gi.
BJJ World (5/5 rating)
11 hours is a serious time commitment. Some advanced practitioners find Danaher’s fundamentals pace too slow, spending time on concepts they already understand intuitively. At $197, it costs 2.5x more than Giles’ Anthology which covers similar breadth. The gi-specific lapel volume (Vol. 7) has limited no-gi application. If you want technique density over conceptual frameworks, Craig Jones or Lucas Leite deliver more moves per hour.
Practitioners who want to understand why half guard works, not just what to do. Long-term students willing to study systematically over weeks.
you prefer concise, technique-focused instruction, or you primarily train no-gi and don’t want to pay for a gi-heavy lapel volume.
Danaher’s Guard Retention GFF for a complete bottom game, or Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again for knee shield depth Danaher doesn’t match
Make Z Guard Great Again
Craig JonesThe definitive knee shield/Z guard instructional. Craig Jones covers both sides (attacking from Z guard AND passing it), with devastating kimura chains, Choi bar setups, and leg lock entries that make the knee shield a complete offensive platform.
What it covers
DVD 1 covers Z guard positioning, retention, and developing a dynamic knee shield. DVD 2 is unique: it teaches how to pass Z guard with the hip switch pass, headquarters position, weave pass, and the “Jason Rau Unassuming Bastard” pass. DVD 3 introduces the kimura system with thumbs grip variation, kimura-to-armbar chains, and Achilles triangle. DVD 4 covers the Choi bar (inverted armbar), armbar variations, “Yoko Ono” triangle, and omoplata entries. DVD 5 addresses leg locks with K guard back takes, single leg X entries, cross ashi garami finishes, and the “Floating Z” concept. DVD 6 covers exiting the guard and reinforced half guard.
Why it stands out
- The only half guard instructional that covers both attacking from AND passing Z guard. Understanding both sides gives you a massive competitive advantage.
- Kimura chain system is devastating: kimura > armbar > triangle > Choi bar creates a submission chain opponents can’t simply defend one piece of
- Leg lock entries from Z guard (cross ashi, backside heel hooks, outside heel hooks) turn the knee shield into a leg lock platform
- Filip Zanki at BJJ World gave every category 10/10, calling it one of the best instructionals he’d reviewed that year
- Craig Jones’ humor and engaging teaching style makes dense material digestible across belt levels
I don’t think anybody on this earth knows more about Z guard and knee shield than Craig Jones. One of the best DVD instructionals I’ve seen this year.
Filip Zanki, BJJ World (10/10 rating)
At $197 for ~5 hours, the price-per-hour is steep compared to Giles’ Anthology ($77 for 10 hours). It covers Z guard/knee shield only. If you need deep half, underhook half, lockdown, or half butterfly, you’ll need a second instructional like Giles’ Anthology or Danaher’s GFF. Primarily no-gi focused, so gi players may find some grip sequences less applicable.
No-gi grapplers and ADCC-rules competitors who want elite knee shield details. Leg lock enthusiasts who want Z guard as a launching platform.
you need a complete half guard system (this covers one family only), or you’re on a budget and can only buy one instructional.
Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology covers the half guard families Jones doesn’t touch. Lucas Leite’s Coyote Half Guard adds the dogfight game that complements Z guard. Cheaper alternative: Craig Jones’ Z Guard Encyclopedia (~$77) covers the basics if $197 is too much, though MZGGA supersedes it in every way.
The Coyote Half Guard
Lucas LeiteThe system that defined modern underhook half guard. Leite’s Coyote guard is built around the dogfight position and uses simple, leverage-based sweeps that work against opponents 100+ lbs heavier. The ‘Carry the Baby’ sweep alone is worth the price.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers entries into the Coyote half guard, D’arce choke defense, knee slice pass prevention, and dogfight position mechanics. Volume 2 introduces sweeps from knee shield, the signature “Carry the Baby” sweep (lifting opponents even 100+ lbs heavier), Russian 2-on-1 grip sweeps, dogbar submission, and kimura trap variations. Volume 3 covers octopus half guard transitions, X-guard transitions with toe hold attacks, mount prevention, and side control escapes. Volume 4 is scenario-based with sprawl counters, weave pass defense, the “wiggle-wiggle” sweep, back takes, and narrated rolling sessions.
Why it stands out
- The Carry the Baby sweep is immediately applicable and works against much larger opponents because it uses structural leverage, not strength
- Clear decision trees: dogfight path vs. Russian 2-on-1 path give you two reliable attacking routes from the same position
- Leite competes at ~165 lbs but voluntarily enters ultra-heavy divisions, proving these techniques work despite 100+ lb weight deficits
- One of BJJ Fanatics’ best-selling instructionals of all time, with a massive community of practitioners using the system
- Dogfight mechanics explained with precision that no other instructor matches because Leite is the acknowledged master of this position
Lucas Leite truly perfected the Coyote half guard, and learning about this guard is best done through him.
BJJ World (5/5 rating, No-Gi version)
At 3-4 hours, it’s significantly shorter than Giles’ Anthology (10h) or Danaher’s GFF (11h). Focuses narrowly on the Coyote/underhook system without covering Z guard, lockdown, or deep half in depth. The Gi version doesn’t translate perfectly to no-gi (separate purchase needed). To get the expanded system with X-guard and honey hole transitions, you need the Expanded Coyote Half Guard System (additional purchase).
Smaller practitioners who need leverage-based sweeps against bigger training partners. Dogfight enthusiasts. Anyone wanting a simple, proven system to build their half guard around.
you need comprehensive half guard coverage (Z guard, deep half, etc. are missing). Giles’ Anthology covers more positions for the same price.
Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again adds the knee shield game Leite doesn’t cover. Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested adds deep half.
The Battle Tested Half Guard
Bernardo Faria5x World Champion Bernardo Faria’s half guard runs on two positions: single-leg half and deep half, with constant switching between them. It’s the most battle-tested system on this list, refined through years of winning World Championships from bottom half guard.
What it covers
DVD 1 covers guard entries, the single-leg half guard concept (Faria’s signature innovation), single-leg half sweeps, counter passes, and sweep finishing options. DVD 2 addresses reverse half guard, deep half guard sweeps, grip fighting for deep half, and transitions between single-leg half and deep half. DVD 3 features the “Turkish Get Up” technique combining deep half, single-leg half, and lapel sweeps, plus defenses against kimura, guillotine, and choke attacks from half guard, and omoplata setups. DVD 4 contains four narrated rolling sessions with instructor commentary on live decision-making.
Why it stands out
- Techniques proven at the absolute highest level: 5x World Championship wins from half guard
- Simple enough for beginners to implement within a week, with immediately applicable sweeps
- Narrated rolling sessions show real-time decision-making that most instructionals don’t provide
- The single-leg half guard concept is unique and innovative, giving you a sweep path opponents rarely encounter
- Clear two-position system (single-leg half + deep half) is easy to study and drill compared to encyclopedic sets
Bernardo Faria is a 5 times World Champion, and most of his success is down to his prowess in just one position: the half guard.
BJJ World overview
At ~3 hours, it’s considerably shorter than Giles (10h) or Danaher (11h). Gi-focused with no dedicated no-gi version (you need his separate No-Gi Half Guard release). Doesn’t cover Z guard, knee shield, lockdown, or half butterfly. Less conceptual depth than Danaher: Faria shows what to do but less of the strategic “why.” No dedicated troubleshooting sections like Giles offers.
Competitors who want proven World Championship techniques. Beginners who want immediately applicable sweeps. Deep half guard specialists.
you train primarily no-gi, or you want a comprehensive system covering all half guard families. Giles’ Anthology offers much more breadth at the same price point.
Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology fills in the Z guard, underhook, and RDLR positions Faria doesn’t cover
High Precision Half Guard & Reverse Half Guard
Jake MackenzieJake Mackenzie is Canada’s most decorated BJJ athlete, and his reverse half guard system is genuinely unique. No other instructional covers this position with comparable depth. His knee cut pass defense section alone justifies the purchase for anyone struggling against modern passing.
What it covers
The instructional opens with positioning fundamentals, underhook battles, and Mackenzie’s unique belt grip control system. Offensive attacks include the butt drag to double leg, back takes via underhook entries, Lucas Leite sweep variation, Ryan Hall variation, and deep half sweeps. The submission section covers the “Pretzeltine” (his guillotine variation), Palmieri lock, and omoplata finishes. The standout section is the complete reverse half guard system with sweeps and back takes. The knee cut pass defense section addresses the most common modern passing threat with the “Jedi Mind Trick” technique, transitions to X guard and De La Riva, omoplata counters, and back takes against the knee cut passer.
Why it stands out
- Reverse half guard system is genuinely unique: no other instructional covers this position with this depth
- Knee cut pass defense section directly addresses the #1 modern passing threat with multiple counters
- Belt grip control is an unusual approach that gives opponents problems they haven’t trained against
- Ryan Hall endorsed Mackenzie as “among the foremost experts in the world on the use of the half guard”
- Bernardo Faria saw Mackenzie’s reverse half guard and was ‘amazed’ because he’d ‘never seen it before’
Jake Mackenzie is among the foremost experts in the world on the use of the half guard.
Ryan Hall
Heavily gi-dependent with belt grip and lapel grip reliance. Limited no-gi application. Mackenzie is less well-known than DeBlass, Faria, or Danaher, so there’s less community discussion and supplementary YouTube content. Less comprehensive than Giles’ Anthology or Danaher’s GFF across all half guard families. No narrated rolling sections for real-world application context.
Gi competitors looking for an unconventional half guard system opponents haven’t seen. Anyone struggling against knee cut passes.
you train primarily no-gi (the belt grip system doesn’t translate), or you want a complete system covering all half guard families.
Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again for the knee shield game Mackenzie doesn’t emphasize, or Lachlan Giles’ Anthology for comprehensive coverage
Connected Reaction: Half Guard
Paul SchreinerPaul Schreiner teaches the chain reactions between half guard positions. Where most instructionals show isolated techniques, Connected Reaction teaches the flows and transitions that connect them into a complete game. This is the thinking person’s half guard instructional.
What it covers
Schreiner’s approach focuses on connected reactions: how your opponent’s defense to one attack creates the opening for the next. The instructional covers underhook sequences, knee shield transitions, how sweeps chain into back takes, and the positional flows between different half guard families. Rather than teaching 50 disconnected techniques, Schreiner builds a network of reactions where each defensive response from your opponent feeds your next attack.
Why it stands out
- Teaches the connections between positions rather than isolated techniques, giving you a flowing game
- Concepts-heavy approach builds problem-solving ability that adapts to any opponent’s reactions
- Schreiner’s teaching style is precise and methodical without Danaher’s verbosity
- Applicable to both gi and no-gi, with grip adaptations for each
- Fills the gap between knowing techniques and flowing between them in live rolling
Less well-known than the other instructionals on this list, so less community discussion and troubleshooting resources. Not ideal for beginners who need concrete techniques first before understanding flows. Shorter and less encyclopedic than Giles’ Anthology or Danaher’s GFF. If you need specific technique solutions (e.g., “how do I sweep from deep half?”), more focused instructionals like Faria’s Battle Tested deliver answers faster.
Purple belts and above who already know half guard techniques but need to connect them into a flowing system. Concept-oriented learners who want reaction-based training.
you’re a beginner who needs concrete techniques first. Start with DeBlass or Faria, then come back to Schreiner.
Tom DeBlass’ Half Domination for foundational techniques that Schreiner’s concepts connect
Half Domination
Tom DeBlassTom DeBlass teaches half guard with a safety-first philosophy: framing and retention before offense. His approach emphasizes efficiency over athleticism, making this the ideal starting point for beginners and older grapplers who can’t rely on speed or flexibility.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers bottom half guard fundamentals: knee shield basics, framing philosophy, retention before offense, and butterfly half guard variation. Volume 2 moves to top half guard with guillotines, arm locks, and guard passing options. Volume 3 covers advanced bottom attacks including kimuras, toe holds, the signature “Spartan Push” for leg lock entries, and recovery paths. Volume 4 is the guard retention workshop covering knee slice prevention scenarios and retention drills, described by BJJ World’s reviewer as “pure gold.”
Why it stands out
- Guard retention workshop in Volume 4 is the standout section: BJJ World’s reviewer called it “pure gold”
- Safety-first approach teaches proper frames and retention before any offensive techniques
- Simple, effective techniques without excessive complexity, applicable across body types and ages
- Covers both bottom AND top half guard, unlike most sets that only address the bottom game
- Spartan Push opens leg lock entries that many opponents won’t anticipate from half guard
A game changing set that is a must have for any serious BJJ practitioner.
BJJ World reviewer “colleric” (5/5 rating)
At ~4 hours, it lacks the depth of Giles’ 10-hour Anthology or Danaher’s 11-hour conceptual breakdown. Practitioners wanting a complete system with troubleshooting for every scenario may outgrow it quickly. Some overlap with DeBlass’ other releases (Half Guard Domination 2.0, Deep Half Domination, Butterfly Half Guard), so buying multiple DeBlass sets gets expensive compared to a single comprehensive set like Giles’ Anthology.
Beginners who need a solid half guard foundation built on proper defensive habits. Older or less athletic grapplers who need efficiency-based techniques.
you already have solid half guard fundamentals and want advanced material. Giles’ Anthology or Danaher’s GFF provide much more depth for the same or slightly higher price.
DeBlass’ Butterfly Half Guard for an expanded DeBlass system, or Lachlan Giles’ Anthology to upgrade to a complete system
Simplify the System: Half Guard Mastery
Brian GlickBrian Glick strips half guard down to its most essential components. Where Giles gives you everything and Danaher gives you the theory, Glick gives you the minimum effective dose: a small number of high-percentage techniques connected by clear principles.
What it covers
Glick focuses on a streamlined approach to half guard with core sweeps, retention concepts, and a small number of submission entries. The system emphasizes doing a few things very well rather than trying to master every variation. Key positions include underhook recovery, basic knee shield retention, and high-percentage sweep paths that work in both gi and no-gi.
Why it stands out
- Minimalist approach: teaches a small number of high-percentage techniques rather than overwhelming with options
- Clear principles that connect each technique, making the system easy to remember under pressure
- Applicable to both gi and no-gi without grip modifications
- Good for busy practitioners who can’t dedicate 10+ hours to studying an encyclopedic set
- Clean, precise instruction style that gets to the point quickly
Significantly less comprehensive than Giles’ Anthology, Danaher’s GFF, or even DeBlass’ Half Domination. Advanced practitioners will find the material too basic. Lacks the specialist depth of Craig Jones for Z guard or Leite for dogfight. Less community discussion and supplementary content compared to the bigger-name instructionals.
Beginners who feel overwhelmed by 10-hour instructionals. Practitioners who want a quick-start half guard system they can implement in a week.
you already have solid half guard fundamentals, or you want the depth of a complete system like Giles’ Anthology.
Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology when you’re ready to expand beyond the basics
Systematically Attacking From Half Guard
Gordon RyanGordon Ryan’s half guard instructional brings his signature level of detail to sweeping and submitting from bottom half guard. Ryan’s competition record validates every technique, but the length and price tag make this a harder recommendation than the top picks.
What it covers
Ryan covers his approach to attacking from bottom half guard with the systematic methodology he’s known for. The instructional addresses underhook battles, knee shield work, sweep chains, and back takes from half guard. Ryan’s approach emphasizes positional dominance through grip sequences and hip positioning, connecting half guard attacks to his broader competition game plan.
Why it stands out
- Every technique is validated by Ryan’s unmatched competition record in no-gi grappling
- Systematic methodology connects half guard attacks to the broader positional game
- Level of detail on grip sequences and hip positioning is characteristically thorough
- Back take chains from half guard reflect Ryan’s competition preference for positional dominance
- No-gi focused content directly applicable to ADCC and submission grappling competition
Expensive ($197+) and lengthy, with Ryan’s characteristically verbose explanations. Giles’ Anthology covers more positions at a fraction of the cost. Danaher’s GFF provides the conceptual framework that Ryan’s instruction sometimes assumes you already have. For no-gi knee shield specifically, Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again is more focused and equally competition-proven.
Dedicated no-gi competitors who want the Gordon Ryan methodology applied to half guard. Practitioners who already own Ryan’s other instructionals and want a complete set.
you’re on a budget (Giles’ Anthology covers more for less), or you want a concise, focused instructional. Ryan’s teaching style requires patience.
Gordon Ryan’s other positional instructionals for a complete competition system, or Craig Jones’ Z Guard for a different perspective on knee shield
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Half Guard Anthology | Lachlan Giles | ~10 hours across 8 DVDs | All levels (intermediate ideal) | Gi and No-Gi | Overall half guard system | $ | Check price → |
| 2 | Half Guard: BJJ Fundamentals (Go Further Faster) | John Danaher | ~11 hours across 8 volumes | White belt through black belt | Gi-focused (concepts transfer to No-Gi, except Vol. 7 lapel work) | Conceptual half guard system | $$ | Check price → |
| 3 | Make Z Guard Great Again | Craig Jones | ~5 hours across 6 DVDs | All levels (Filip Zanki: ‘literally everybody can use’) | No-Gi focused (applicable to Gi) | Knee shield / z guard system | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | The Coyote Half Guard | Lucas Leite | ~3-4 hours across 4 DVDs | All levels, especially smaller practitioners | Gi-focused (No-Gi version available separately) | Underhook / dogfight system | $ | Check price → |
| 5 | The Battle Tested Half Guard | Bernardo Faria | ~3 hours across 4 DVDs | Beginners to competitors | Gi-focused | Deep half / single-leg half | $ | Check price → |
| 6 | High Precision Half Guard & Reverse Half Guard | Jake Mackenzie | ~4 hours across 4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | Gi-focused (heavy gi grip reliance) | Reverse half / knee cut defense | $ | Check price → |
| 7 | Connected Reaction: Half Guard | Paul Schreiner | ~4 hours estimated | Intermediate to advanced (purple belt+ ideal) | Gi and No-Gi applicable | Conceptual / transitional half guard | $ | Check price → |
| 8 | Half Domination | Tom DeBlass | ~4 hours across 4 DVDs | Beginners to intermediate | Gi and No-Gi applicable | Foundational half guard | $ | Check price → |
| 9 | Simplify the System: Half Guard Mastery | Brian Glick | ~3-4 hours estimated | Beginners to intermediate | Gi and No-Gi applicable | Simplified half guard | $ | Check price → |
| 10 | Systematically Attacking From Half Guard | Gordon Ryan | ~8-10 hours estimated | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Competition half guard | $$ | Check price → |
Why these 3?
Why these 3?
Why these 3?
These three picks dominate different half guard niches:
- Lachlan Giles (#1) earns the top spot because no other instructional covers as many half guard families in one package. Knee shield, underhook, dogfight, reverse half, sit-up guard, shin-to-shin, and RDLR are all addressed with dedicated troubleshooting sections. BJJ World gave it 5/5 and called it a system that “not only teaches you but encourages you to build upon it.” At ~$77 for 10+ hours, it is the single best value purchase for half guard.
- John Danaher (#2) gets the nod for practitioners who want to understand why half guard works, not just what to do. His Trilemma concept, Paradox framework, and Whizzer Solutions volume address the strategic decision-making that separates intermediate from advanced half guard play. BJJ World: “There’s hardly a better half guard instructional out there.”
- Craig Jones (#3) is the pick for knee shield specialists. Filip Zanki at BJJ World scored it 10/10 across every category and wrote: “I don’t think anybody on this earth knows more about Z guard and knee shield than Craig Jones.” The unique dual-perspective coverage (attacking from Z guard AND passing Z guard) is something no competitor offers.
Each remaining review targets a specific half guard style or budget, so you can find the right fit regardless of your preferred position or price sensitivity.
Which Half Guard Instructional Fits Your Game?
Answer a few questions to find the right half guard instructional for your game.
Pricing & Deals
BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (often 40-50% off). Listed prices are approximate retail. If something isn’t on sale now, it likely will be within a few weeks.
| Instructional | Instructor | Hours | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Half Guard Anthology | Lachlan Giles | ~10h | ~$77 | Check Price |
| Half Guard GFF | John Danaher | ~11h | $197 | Check Price |
| Make Z Guard Great Again | Craig Jones | ~5h | $197 | Check Price |
| Coyote Half Guard | Lucas Leite | ~3-4h | ~$77 | Check Price |
| Battle Tested Half Guard | Bernardo Faria | ~3h | ~$77 | Check Price |
| High Precision Half Guard | Jake Mackenzie | ~4h | ~$77 | Check Price |
| Connected Reaction | Paul Schreiner | ~4h | ~$77 | Check Price |
| Half Domination | Tom DeBlass | ~4h | ~$77 | Check Price |
| Simplify the System | Brian Glick | ~3-4h | ~$77 | Check Price |
| Attacking From Half Guard | Gordon Ryan | ~8-10h | $197+ | Check Price |
Half Guard Glossary
- Knee Shield (Z Guard): A half guard variation where you place your shin across your opponent’s torso, creating distance and framing. The go-to defensive half guard position for creating space and attacking.
- Dogfight: A neutral position where both players are on their knees, competing for underhooks and head position. Half guard players reach the dogfight through underhook half guard and use it as a sweep launching point.
- Deep Half Guard: A variation where you scoot your body underneath your opponent, controlling their far leg. Used for sweeps against larger or heavier opponents who flatten you in standard half guard.
- Coyote Guard: Lucas Leite’s underhook-based half guard system built around unique leg-trapping mechanics and the dogfight position. Named after Leite’s academy.
- Reverse Half Guard: A half guard variation where you face away from your opponent’s upper body. Jake Mackenzie’s primary system, offering unusual sweep angles opponents rarely train against.
- Half Butterfly: A hybrid position combining one butterfly hook with half guard leg entanglement. Prevents smash passing and creates natural entries to leg locks and X-guard.
- Lockdown: A half guard control popularized by 10th Planet, where you use a figure-four lock on the trapped leg to freeze your opponent’s movement. Creates sweep opportunities through the “Electric Chair” and “Whip-Up.”
- Underhook: Reaching under your opponent’s far armpit from bottom half guard. Considered the most important grip battle in half guard because it enables the dogfight, back takes, and most major sweeps.
- Whizzer (Overhook): The top player’s counter to the bottom player’s underhook. An overhook on the bottom player’s reaching arm. Danaher dedicates an entire volume to solving whizzer problems.
- Knee Lever: A Danaher concept using leverage against the trapped leg to create sweep opportunities. Featured in Volume 8 of his Half Guard GFF.
- Single-Leg Half: Bernardo Faria’s signature concept where you treat your half guard position as a single-leg takedown setup, using the trapped leg as your anchor for sweep attempts.
- Choi Bar: An inverted armbar attack from Z guard, named after Korean grappler Choi. Featured prominently in Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again.
FAQ
What is the best half guard instructional for beginners?
Tom DeBlass’ Half Domination (~$77) is the best starting point. His safety-first approach (framing and retention before offense) builds proper habits from day one. Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Half Guard is a close second with immediately applicable sweeps.
What is the best no-gi half guard instructional?
Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology (~$77) works in both gi and no-gi and covers the most positions. For knee shield specifically, Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again ($197) is the definitive no-gi Z guard system.
Is the Half Guard Anthology by Lachlan Giles worth it?
Yes. At ~$77 for 10+ hours covering every half guard family with troubleshooting sections, it’s the best value half guard instructional available. BJJ World gave it 5/5. If you can only buy one half guard instructional, this is the one.
What is the best deep half guard instructional?
Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Half Guard (~$77) is the best choice for deep half. Faria built his 5x World Championship career on deep half and single-leg half guard, and the narrated rolling sessions show the system applied at the highest level.
Half Guard Anthology vs. Danaher Half Guard GFF: which should I buy?
Giles’ Anthology (~$77) covers more positions and costs less. Danaher’s GFF ($197) goes deeper on concepts and strategic frameworks. If you want breadth and value, choose Giles. If you want to understand the ‘why’ behind half guard at a conceptual level, choose Danaher.
Which half guard instructionals should most people start with?
After watching every major release on BJJ Fanatics, my verdict is to start with Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology for overall coverage, add Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again if you live in the knee shield, and pick up Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested if your game is deep half. Those three cover the positions most people actually fight from.
What is the best instructional for the dogfight position?
Lucas Leite’s The Coyote Half Guard (~$77) is the definitive dogfight instructional. Leite is the acknowledged master of this position, and his Carry the Baby sweep and decision tree system are proven against opponents 100+ lbs heavier.
Are BJJ Fanatics half guard instructionals ever on sale?
Yes. BJJ Fanatics runs frequent sales (often 40-50% off), especially around holidays, ADCC events, and Black Friday. The $197 instructionals frequently drop to $99-$120, and the ~$77 sets often go to $40-$50. Sign up for their email list for sale notifications.
Still deciding on a half guard instructional?
If you only buy one, make it Lachlan Giles’ Half Guard Anthology: the broadest coverage at the best value. For knee shield depth, add Craig Jones’ Make Z Guard Great Again. BJJ Fanatics runs ~50% codes almost year-round, so check the current price before you commit.