02/06/2026
Today at Level Up Gym, we worked on half guard, covering both escapes and submissions from the position. Half guard is one of those positions that shows up all the time in grappling, MMA, and self-defense, so understanding both the offensive and defensive side is important.
One of the biggest points we talked about was that you can't get comfortable on the bottom of half guard in an MMA situation. In pure grappling, you might be able to slow things down and work your game, but in MMA, the person on top can punch you in the face. That changes everything. If you're stuck underneath, your priority should be improving your position, creating space, getting back to a stronger guard, sweeping, or standing up.
Good technique matters, but understanding the realities of the position matters too. Half guard can be a powerful attacking position, but if you're on the bottom in MMA, it's not a place to relax.
Great work by everyone today. 🥋💪