Z Guard: Build a Reliable Knee Shield Half Guard

What Is Z Guard and Why It Matters

Z guard is a form of half guard where you place your top knee as a shield across your opponent’s torso or hip line while your bottom leg traps or monitors their leg. Your shin and knee act like a frame to manage distance, prevent shoulder pressure, and build angles for attacks. Many players also use a foot-on-hip variation to extend the shield and control posture.

Why it matters in live training: the knee shield interrupts tight chest-to-chest pressure, making it harder for opponents to flatten you or cross-face. With proper frames and hip mobility, you can force your opponent to either back away, expose underhooks, or overcommit to passes you’re ready to counter. It’s a strategic hub that links to butterfly hooks, deep half, reverse z guard, and seated guards.

Z Guard Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, 6 Courses)

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Choi Bar from Z-Guard (Craig Jones)

3m · Craig Jones

In this video, Craig Jones, an EBI semi-finalist, explains how to execute a submission known as the 'Choi Bar' from the Z-Guard position. He begins by dealing with a cross face from the opponent, teaching how to frame and grip effectively to secure the submission. Special attention is given to leg positioning and how to circumvent attempts to block the hip. He provides two variations of the move, one for when the opponent's grip on the hip is loose and another for when it's tight.

Position: Z Guard Category: Submissions

Z guard BJJ

12m · Tum Energia

The video is instructed by Tum Energia. He discusses various techniques from the Z guard, a variation of the half guard/kneeshield in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The video covers control mechanics that incorporate the uses of the upper and lower body to maintain the position and prevent the opponent from passing. Tum then shows a variety of attacks from Z guard, including overhook attacks, hip bump sweeps, and Choi bars. In addition, he demonstrates how to use the Z guard to transition into submissions like kimuras.

Technique: Kimura Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

PREMIUM

The Down Under Bottom Game Bundle by Craig Jones

$599.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video is a part of the "Down Under Bottom Game Bundle" presented by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, Craig Jones. The tutorial focuses on mastering Jones's unique Z-guard to enhance your bottom game on the mat. The instructional video contains over 10 hours of content that comprehensively covers different aspects of the Z-guard system, offering strategies for effectively employing the technique. By following this instruction, viewers can improve their guard's effectiveness in various combat situations.

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Z Guard to Williams Guard to Triangle Sequence (Lachlan Giles)

12m · Lachlan Giles

This video is an instructional content by Lachlan Giles wherein he teaches a complex transition between three positions: Z Guard, Williams Guard, and finalizing it with a Triangle submission. He begins by demonstrating the initial position, the Z Guard, before showing how to transition to the Williams Guard. From the Williams Guard position, he then shows how to execute a Triangle submission. Lachlan emphasizes on the necessity of flexibility in these movements, and the video offers clear, step-by-step instructions to precisely execute the whole sequence.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Z Guard Category: Transitions

Don’t fear the Z guard! Use this technique and cut right through #bjj #shorts #bjjdrills…

55s · Mike Jaramillo

In the video, instructor Mike Jaramillo demonstrates a technique to pass the Z guard effectively. It involves creating an inside wedge and bringing the knee line in front of the opponent's shin. Instead of moving forward as the opponent enters the Z guard, the practitioner is instructed to move backward, focus on the opponent's ankle, and step over it to pass. The knee-line is cut in a unique manner and pinned to back-step and bypass the guard.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Passing

PREMIUM

Make Z Guard Great Again by Craig Jones

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, Craig Jones provides detailed instruction on the Z Guard: a type of half guard game in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He covers various aspects of this guard position, including common passes, how to counter these passes, and how to transition in and out of the position. Furthermore, he demonstrates how to transition from the Z Guard to various submissions and sweeps. The techniques are explained in a step-by-step manner suitable for grapplers of all levels.

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Learn Craig Jones' Z GUARD | Jiu-Jitsu BREAKDOWN

13m · Yoshi Tamaki

This video features BJJ instructor, Yoshi Tamaki, breaking down the Z Guard position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, famously used by Craig Jones. Entries into the Z Guard position are explored in detail, including using both the left and right sides of opponents. The video also discusses how to use the legs in the Z Guard, effectively block pressure passes, and launch leg attacks. It provides detailed analysis and explanation of techniques, enhancing the viewer's understanding of the Z Guard position.

Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

Baiting Opponent Into Z Guard by Craig Jones

6m · Craig Jones

This YouTube video features BJJ expert Craig Jones demonstrating how to bait an opponent into the Z-Guard position. He explains the importance of controlling the inside space and using an inside hook to force the opponent to the weaker side. He also shares the strategy of transitioning from a regular hook to a reverse De La Riva hook to prevent the opponent from reaching the floor, thereby maintaining control and setting up potential attacks. Furthermore, Jones highlights the need for quickly recovering knee shield as it can safeguard against the opponent initiating a knee cut pass.

Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

PREMIUM

The Z Guard Encyclopedia by Craig Jones

$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The instructional video is conducted by Craig Jones who teaches viewers about the Z Guard positional technique. He highlights the use of Z Guard technique that propelled him from Purple Belt to an Elite BJJ practitioner in just 2 years. The video emphasizes on how the Z Guard can be utilized for effective control and submission against opponents.

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Standing Opponent by Craig Jones

4m · Craig Jones

In this video, Craig Jones demonstrates how to transition from Z Guard to other guard positions when the opponent tries to pass or stands up. He illustrates simple transitions to different kinds of guards such as De La Riva, Reverse De La Riva and a unique guard named after his sparring partner, Pendejo Guard. The transitions serve as an effective form of guard retention as the opponent tries to break your defense. Jones also instructs viewers on how to implement these transitions quickly so as to maintain control during a BJJ match.

Position: Z Guard Category: Transitions

Z Guard Attacks For White Belts

8m · Professor Tom

The video tutorial by Professor Tom and James Francey demonstrates attacking techniques from the Z Guard position, specifically geared towards white belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professor Tom first explains a collar choke technique in the Z Guard position and then describes a Kimura attack. He emphasizes the importance of posture, controlling the opponent's arm, and body movement for a successful submission, giving comprehensive instruction on how to execute these techniques effectively. He also provides tips on how to counter various defenses that the opponent might use.

Technique: Kimura Position: Z Guard Category: Submissions

PREMIUM

The Complete Williams Guard by Shawn Williams

$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video is a masterclass on the Williams Guard by its inventor, Shawn Williams. Williams, a Renzo Gracie black belt, breaks down how to effectively trap and attack opponents from your back even when they are bigger or stronger than you. Using precise, step-by-step instructions, he creates a comprehensive system for understanding and applying the Williams Guard effectively. He asserts that this guard is one of the most useful tools for limiting and controlling an opponent's movement.

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Z-guard LEG ATTACKS

5m · Tum Energia

The video focuses on teaching different leg attacks from the Z-guard position. Instructor Tum Energia shows how to perform various attacks including inversion entry, outside reap entry, and cross ashi saddle. He explains the importance of switching hips and applying pressure to make the opponent's leg light for a successful attack. The tutorial highlights the detailed steps in each technique and the possible outcomes, including finishing with heel hooks or transitioning to 50/50.

Position: Z Guard Category: Leg Locks

BAITING OPPONENT INTO Z GUARD - CRAIG JONES

1m · Craig Jones

In this instructional video, Craig Jones provides a detailed demonstration on how to bait an opponent into the Z Guard. Jones emphasizes the importance of controlling the inside hook and using various techniques such as the reverse de la riva hook to manipulate an opponent's position and lead them into the Z Guard. He also shares practical tips on creating space, utilizing the instep and framing correctly for achieving a tighter Z Guard.

Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

PREMIUM

Dynamic Z Guard attacks by Hiago Gama

$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics

Hiago Gama demonstrates various attack concepts from the Z Guard position. He provides expert level instructions and shares effective tricks to enhance the Z Guard game. In addition to sweeps, submissions, and transitions, he also includes defenses against common BJJ passes. Gama's vast competition experience and multiple world titles validate his techniques and instructions.

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Z guard BJJ #mma #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu

25s · Tum Energia

The video features instructor Tum Energia demonstrating a sweep from the Z-guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He focuses on controlling the distance from the opponent, fighting against the cross face and setting up the Kimura grip. Once the grip is secured, he shows how to perform a sweep by blocking the knee and using one's leg to force the opponent to the ground. It proves that in situation where the opponent resists, a successful sweep can offer an opportunity to attack from the top.

Technique: Kimura Position: Z Guard Category: Sweep

How to Pass the Z Guard

9m · Brandon Mullins

The video features BJJ black belt Brandon 'Wolverine' Mullins demonstrating how to pass the 'Z Guard'. Mullins explains and demonstrates two different techniques to overcome this defensive position. One method involves utilizing a "windshield wiper" motion with the trapped leg to clear the opponent's barrier, followed by a cartwheel move to clear the legs completely and establish a dominant position. The second method is used when the legs are locked and involves creating space to release the hip and position the hand on the opponent's hip and bicep. The video concludes with Mullins demonstrating and explaining these techniques using a heavy bag as a prop.

Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Passing

PREMIUM

Z-Guard Destruction by Victor Silverio

$47.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features Victor Silverio teaching unique tactics to dismantle Z-Guard using his version of the Knee Slice Pass. He also covers the concepts underpinning Z-Guard and methodically breaks it down. Additionally, Silverio showcases his 'Around The World' pass, which provides complete control over the opponent.

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How To Do The Perfect Z Guard For Jiu Jitsu No Gi by Felipe Pena

9m · Felipe Pena

The video features Felipe Pena, a renowned Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and instructor, demonstrating how to execute a perfect Z Guard for No-Gi Jiu Jitsu. He discusses the importance of knowing the difference between an opponent's knee inside and outside, as it can greatly affect the effectiveness of the technique. Pena then demonstrates and explains a sweep from the Z guard, where he catches the opponent's wrist, traps the opponent's arm, and uses his foot and hips to execute the sweep. The technique is simple but effective, and Pena has used it successfully in numerous competitions.

Technique: Z-Guard Sweep Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

Z-Guard VS. Knee Shield Half Guard

5m · MMA Leech

This instructional video by MMA Leech breaks down the details of setting up the Z-Guard, an often-used position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). The video explains the differences between the Z-Guard and the Knee Shield Half Guard. To effectively use the Z-Guard, one must adjust knee placement by laying it on top of the opponent's thigh to ensure the feet do not separate when pressure is applied. By detailing how to connect the feet and maintain leg placement, the video emphasizes the specifics of transitioning from a standard guard to a Z-Guard. The technique allows for more effective control of the opponent, keeping them seated and limiting their mobility.

Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

Chokes from Z guard

8m · Tum Energia

The video is an instructional guide by Tum Energia on how to perform various choke techniques from the Z guard. Initially, it starts with the basic overhook choke requiring the practitioner to grab their own lapel to relieve arm muscle tension. The instructor then moves on to present more advanced techniques, namely the ice pick lapel choke, loop choke, and baseball chokes. The video emphasizes proper grip and angling, highlighting how these factors can greatly influence the success of the choke. The video also demonstrates how these techniques could be applied in a Closed Guard.

Position: Z Guard Category: Submissions

Jiu Jitsu Moves - Basic Shield Z Guard - Tom DeBlass

4m · Tom DeBlass

In this video, Tom DeBlass teaches the Basic Shield Z Guard technique in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He emphasizes the importance of framing and maintaining the correct position of the knee in the Z Guard, highlighting that it functions as a defensive shield rather than an offensive tool. He provides insights on how to properly grip and control the opponent's wrist and elbow, and warns against making the common mistake of going for an underhook prematurely. DeBlass demonstrates the transitions to the technique gradually, ensuring the viewer understands each part of the process.

Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

Z-guard LEG ATTACKS #mma #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #submission

15s · Tum Energia

This video, supervised by instructor Tum Energia, is a martial arts tutorial focused on applying leg attacks from the Z-guard position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The video specifically teaches how to transition into an inside heel hook when an opponent doesn't commit to pressure passing and maintains distance. The method involves scooping the opponent's leg, swinging over, switching hip position, making the opponent's leg light and bringing it into an attacking stance for the inside heel hook.

Technique: Heel Hook Position: Z Guard Category: Leg Locks

Dealing with the Rau by Craig Jones

2m · Craig Jones

In this video, Craig Jones instructs on how to handle The Rau technique while in Z Guard. He emphasizes the importance of preserving balance. He alerts the students not to push too hard against the opponent as it might help them to pass the guard. He states that adjusting the level of force and frame according to the opponent’s intensity is crucial and suggests coming into the opponent at times to off-balance them and prevent them from resting their weight on you.

Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Retention

Choi Bar From Z Guard (NOGI) by Yongwon Choi

49s · Yongwon Choi

Yongwon Choi demonstrates the Choi Bar submission technique from the Z Guard position. He starts by focusing on guard retention before transitioning to a cross face to disrupt his opponent's balance. He subsequently positions his right arm and leg to execute the Choi Bar, submitting his opponent. The instructor provides a step-by-step explanation of the technique, including crucial details about grip and weight distribution.

Position: Z Guard Category: Submissions

Triangle Entry From Z-Guard

21s · Not Mapped

The video illustrates a triangle choke submission starting from the position of Z-Guard. The instructor first grabs his opponent's outside elbow and uses it to relieve the pressure being applied. He then utilizes a kick through move and rebounds his leg over to lock his opponent in a 'wrong side', or inverted, triangle. To finish the submission, he simply applies a punch choke.

Technique: Triangle Choke Position: Z Guard Category: Submissions

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Main Objectives for Top and Bottom Players

Bottom player objectives: maintain structure with your knee shield, inside elbow frame, and head positioning; win the underhook battle or build angle with inside ties; off-balance the top player to threaten sweeps; and convert frames into grips that lead to submissions. Keep your hips mobile by staying on your side, never flat. Use your shield to create wedges that expose posts (hands or knees) for tipping mechanics.

Top player objectives: clear the knee line and collapse frames. Common passing routes include knee cut, smash pass, staple leg pin, and backstep. Winning head position, stripping inside ties, and pummeling for the cross-face or far underhook are priorities. Patience and weight distribution are key—if you rush, you’ll give the bottom player angles for hip bumps, knee-tap sweeps, or entries to the back.

Core Controls, Attacks, and Transitions

Essential controls: combine your knee shield with an inside biceps frame or collar tie, a strong hip hinge, and an active foot. In gi, use collar and sleeve to connect your frames to kuzushi; in no-gi, rely on inside ties, wrist control, and head position. Your knee line should point into the opponent to prevent them from collapsing your shield; your bottom leg monitors their trapped leg to block easy backsteps.

Primary attacks and chains:

• +Sweeps: hip-bump style sweep when the top player posts wide; knee-tap or knee-lever when they drive forward; underhook-to-dogfight to come up; shin-to-shin elevation to sit-up sweeps; far-side ankle picks when grips allow. Many sequences start with an underhook or inside tie that loads the opponent onto your frames before turning them over.
• +Submissions: kimura from wrist control when they post; triangle and omoplata when they circle arms inside your frame; guillotine variants off collar ties and snap-ins; knee-bar and backside 50/50 entries when the top player backsteps and exposes their leg. In gi, cross-collar setups appear once posture breaks from the shield.
• +Transitions: shift to butterfly guard by inserting your bottom hook; invert to reverse z guard to chase leg entanglements or chase the back; drop to deep half when the opponent clamps down to avoid elevation; sit up to dogfight (underhook) positions to finish single legs or run to the back. Linking these transitions keeps your opponent reacting and prevents static battles.

Common Problems and Reliable Fixes

Getting flattened: if the top player beats your frames and flattens you, immediately re-pummel an inside elbow frame at their neck or biceps, shrimp your hips away, and re-insert your knee line. A small hip escape combined with posting your outside hand on the mat often recreates the space you need.

Knee shield collapse: when your shield is pushed to your chest, angle your hips, aim your knee across their centerline again, and reinforce with a collar tie or wrist control. Avoid letting your knee point toward the ceiling—turn it into their sternum or shoulder line to restore structure.

Stuck with no off-balance: if your opponent stalls, use micro-kuzushi—small bumps from your hip and shin—to force a post. As soon as a hand posts, connect to kimura or hip-bump mechanics. If they widen their base, thread shin-to-shin and elevate to butterfly-style sweeps.

What to Study First in Z Guard

Prioritize fundamentals that keep you safe and dangerous:

• +Posture and frames: inside elbow frame on the biceps or collar tie, knee angle across the torso, active foot on the hip or thigh, and head positioning that blocks the cross-face.
• +Hip mobility: staying on your side with strong hip escapes and re-insertion drills for the knee line. Practice re-shielding under light pressure before adding speed.
• +First-layer attacks: one bread-and-butter sweep (hip bump or knee-tap), one underhook-to-dogfight stand-up, and one submission threat (kimura or triangle). Build these into a small decision tree based on the opponent posting hands, driving forward, or backstepping.
• +Passing awareness: learn the cues of knee cut, smash, and backstep passes so you recognize early triggers to counter with frames, underhooks, or leg entanglement entries.

Use BJJ University to Learn Z Guard Faster

BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to explore categorized videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. You can quickly compare different systems, from classic knee-shield half to reverse z guard transitions, and see how top coaches structure their grips and angles.

Start on the Z Guard page to browse hand-picked clips for entries, sweeps, back takes, submissions, and passing counters. Follow your curiosity into related positions like half guard, butterfly guard, and back control. Bookmark the site and share it with teammates or friends who want more free BJJ learning resources. Consistent, focused study plus drilling is how you’ll turn z guard into a dependable part of your game. Browse this page on BJJ University.

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Related BJJ University Pages

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