A bottom game built on half and closed guard that does not need hip mobility.
The Bottom Line
You learn half guard knee-shield entries, deep half chains, and closed guard attacks that protect your joints. The plan emphasizes safe transitions between both guards. You will not get fancy lapel guards; you will get timeless, efficient positions.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Hobbyists with achy hips
Skip if: You prefer inverting guards
Tech focus: Half Guard, Knee Shield, Deep Half Guard, Closed Guard, Omoplata, Single Leg Half
Biggest takeaway: Blend half and closed to stay safe.
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What You'll Learn
If open guard inversions are not your thing, this curriculum leans on half guard and closed guard that scale well with age. You will learn simple knee-shield entries, deep half sequences, and closed-guard omoplatas that do not demand hip mobility.
Bernardo also shows how to blend between the two guards, so you can pick whichever feels best for your body on a given day.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Half Guard
- Knee Shield
- Deep Half Guard
- Single Leg Half
- Closed Guard
- Omoplata
- Shoulder Bump
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 20 minutes
- Volumes: 5
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I saw success by using closed guard to slow posture, then shifting to half for sweeps.
Why Bernardo Faria?
Bernardo Faria is a respected coach and competitor, famous for the half guard and pressure systems that still work as you age. His Old Guys series targets realistic mechanics over athleticism. He explains exactly where to place your weight and grips.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Half and closed guard felt sustainable for my back and hips.
- Deep half options helped me neutralize bigger passers.
- Transitions between half and closed gave me a safe plan.
- Clear grips and sequences made drilling straightforward.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Closed guard offense can be slower in no-gi without collars.
- Deep half requires awareness to avoid back exposure.
- Some prefer modern open guards over older-school structures.
Smart Alternatives
- Deep Half Revolution Bundle – Jeff Glover – Bundle option if you want more deep half depth. (2025)
- The Black Hole: No-Gi Closed Guard – Henry Akins – Closed guard focus for no-gi specialists.
Sources & References
Official listing: View Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys: Bottom Game (Half Guard & Closed Guard) on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
