BJJ Blueprint Series: Mastering the Half Guard Dilemma for Inside Position

Welcome to The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry’s BJJ Blueprint Series, where we break down world-class techniques for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students and competitors. Today, we dive into a proven method to unlock your guard game, inspired by insights from ADCC champion Gordon Ryan.

Quick Answer: What is the Half Guard Dilemma?

The Half Guard Dilemma is a fundamental tactic in modern BJJ: when stuck in bottom half guard, you can force a choice between the knee lever and the butterfly hook. Each response from your opponent lets you re-fight for inside position with your upper or lower body, or threaten a sweep.

Why “Inside Position” is the Key to Success

BJJ battles are won by controlling inside position—meaning your arms or legs are positioned between your opponent’s limbs and your body. From bottom half guard, the first priority is to get your knees and elbows (or hands and feet) inside, reclaiming leverage for attacks or escapes[1].

Benefits of mastering inside position:

- Immediate access to sweeps and submissions

- Ability to recover guard or transition to attacks

- Greater defensive stability under pressure

Step-by-Step: Executing the Half Guard Dilemma

1. Assess the Situation

- Opponent has cross face and underhook, you’re flattened in half guard

- Their knee is on the mat beside your hip

2. Threaten the Knee Lever

- Place your inside foot to the outside of their knee, then step on your own foot

- Reverse shrimp: angle your hips so knees point in the direction of the sweep

- Clamp down on their arm, leverage your “knee lever” to roll them or reclaim inside position

3. Respond to Their Defenses

- If your partner posts upper body (hand out): Use the space to free your underhook and reconnect knees and elbows for inside position

- If they post lower body (e.g., backstep): Thread your foot and knee inside, then reclaim guard or re-attack

4. Force the Butterfly Hook

- If they take their knee off the floor to defend the sweep, immediately thread in a butterfly hook

- Use your butterfly hook to off-balance, enter Ashi Garami, or launch leg attacks

Practical Tips for Rolling & Drilling

- Play the dilemma game: Alternate aggressively between knee lever and butterfly hook so your opponent can’t predict your next move

- Continuously fight to “connect” your knees and elbows—this enables both defense and counter-attacks

- Observe higher belts: Notice their seamless transitions back to inside position when under heavy pressure

BJJ Blueprint Series: How to Implement (and Progress)

- Focus on drilling the “knee lever — butterfly hook” sequence for 2-4 weeks

- Log your technical refinements and competition results in a BJJ journal

- Combine detailed study (watch video instructionals, take notes) with high-rep live sparring[2][3]

Why This Dilemma Works (The Science)

Building a reliable half guard game starts with layering simple dilemmas—forcing your training partners to pick their poison. This restricts their choices, makes your game feel “tight,” and gives you more chances to win the struggle for inside position, no matter who you face[1][2].

Key Takeaways for Your BJJ Journal

- Inside position always matters: It is the anchor for offense and defense

- Use dilemma-based attacks: Rotating threats open up sweeps, escapes, and attacks

- Match your sparring with study: Systematic focus accelerates improvement[3]

- Adapt and evolve: Ask new questions, experiment in live rolling, and keep notes on what works for you

Ready to Level Up?

Train smarter. Drill the half guard dilemma. Write your own BJJ blueprint.

Stay tuned for more technical breakdowns in our BJJ Blueprint Series! If you have questions or want a private class on this system, reach out to The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry at 72-C, Jalan SS21/62, Damansara Utama, Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp 011-11510501.

Be good!

Sources

[1] Gordon Ryan's Easy to Learn Dilemma to Improve Your Jiu Jitsu https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy4nLEQysyc

[2] One Month At a Time: A Blueprint for Systematic Improvement https://bjjfanatics.com/blogs/news/one-month-at-a-time-a-blueprint-for-systematic-improvement

[3] BJJ Blueprint Series : Level Up Your Jiu-Jitsu Even with Limited ... https://www.thejiujitsufoundry.com/single-post/bjj-blueprint-series-level-up-your-jiu-jitsu-even-with-limited-training