Half Guard Positioning: Neutral Ground

Half guard represents a neutral position where both top and bottom players possess equivalent offensive opportunities. The practitioner on top must avoid placing excessive weight to prevent sweeps, while the bottom player must keep limbs protected to avoid submissions. Success requires the top player to flatten their opponent—the only method to establish leverage and control.

Establishing the Super Hold

From half guard, the top player initiates the super hold by driving their inside knee into the opponent's body as they frame. The outside leg wraps around, flattening the opponent completely. This position distributes weight evenly across the chest and through the driving foot, pinning the opponent while maintaining a stable base for the subsequent pass.

The Esgrima Pass Mechanics

When the bottom player frames and pushes, the top player responds not by pushing back but by shooting their arm forward. The grip is secured on either the collar or belt—the belt is preferable due to proximity. The free hand simultaneously pushes, creating the momentum needed to initiate the pass.

Super Hold Execution: Step-by-Step

From the neutral half guard position, the top player steps their outside knee into the opponent's hip while maintaining pressure. The foot circles and steps to complete the super hold, flattening the opponent entirely. This three-step sequence (step, circle, flatten) creates the foundation for all subsequent passing techniques.

Pass Completion and Side Control

As the opponent begins to defend, the top player's outside hand blocks the knee while the body shifts and the leg steps through. A final shimmy adjustment secures side control. The entire pass flows from the super hold through to side control with minimal wasted movement or repositioning.

Flattening: The Critical Control Element

If the opponent remains on their side, passing becomes impossible. The top player must flatten them out by positioning the outside knee into the hip or knee area while maintaining constant pressure. Allowing the opponent to drive back requires the top player to simultaneously pressure while safely repositioning the outside leg.

Body Rotation and the Kickstand Position

Once the super hold is established, the top player grabs the belt or collar and rotates their body, establishing a kickstand base with their hand. This rotation is essential for creating the angle needed to advance past the opponent's bottom leg. The kickstand hand provides stability as the opponent attempts to adjust and sweep.

Final Leg Movement and Adjustments

After blocking the opponent's knee, the top player shifts their body and steps, moving the legs past the opponent's guard. If necessary, the second leg can be used for additional leverage. Should the opponent adjust differently, an alternative hip swing technique becomes the appropriate response.

Half Guard Pass: Super Hold to Esgrima Pass

Six Blades NOVA Emil Takeuchi

Esgrima Pass

3 min read·8 key moments·PT4M20S video

Key Takeaways

•Half Guard Positioning: Neutral Ground
•Establishing the Super Hold
•The Esgrima Pass Mechanics
•Super Hold Execution: Step-by-Step

In this class I show my variation of the “Super Hold” to flatten my opponent out from the half guard. Once I am abel to establish my position, I start to use the Esgrima pass to get my leg free.

Related Techniques

Butterfly Pass Floating Pass Half Mount Pass Half Stack Pass Lemon Squeeze Pass

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about esgrima pass?

This video covers half guard positioning: neutral ground, establishing the super hold, the esgrima pass mechanics. It provides detailed instruction from Six Blades NOVA Emil Takeuchi.

How long does it take to learn esgrima pass?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.