A rugged half-guard toolkit that works even when you are less flexible.
The Bottom Line
You learn underhook-half structure, transitions to half-butterfly, and simple reversals that scale to any age. The coaching is direct and geared toward drilling and pressure. You will not get every modern lapel trick, but you will hold and sweep from bottom reliably.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Half-guard grinders
Skip if: You want lapel guards
Tech focus: Underhook Half, Knee Shield, Half Butterfly, Reversals, Back Takes
Biggest takeaway: Frames first, then wrestle up.
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What You'll Learn
If your build invites pressure, owning bottom half is non-negotiable. DeBlass shows a stout underhook half, knee shield staples, and simple reversals that do not require long legs. The series emphasizes structure, frames, and drilling sequences that scale to all ages.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Underhook Half
- Knee Shield
- Reversals
- Half Butterfly
- Deep Half Entries
- Back Takes
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 3 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I find this is the lowest-friction way for stocky players to stop getting flattened and start scoring from bottom.
Why Tom DeBlass?
Tom DeBlass is a Renzo Gracie black belt, ADCC veteran, and respected coach. He is known for durable half-guard and pressure systems. DeBlass has produced many successful students and teaches a practical, drill-first style.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Game changer for many hobbyists learning half guard.
- Priced well and easy to apply for older grapplers.
- Solid teaching and clear, no-nonsense drills.
- Pairs well with pressure passing on top.
- Recommended often alongside Leite and Faria.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some think parts feel dated today.
- A few dislike his presentation style or persona.
- Less coverage of modern clamp variations.
Smart Alternatives
- The Coyote Half Guard – More focus on dogfight and wrestle-ups. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
- The Half Guard Anthology – Broader troubleshooting across half variations. (Price: $79.00)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Half Guard Domination 2.0 on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
