After back stepping, plant your hips to the mat and close to the opponent. If you do not use Under Hook and Head Control to stabilize the pass, substitute controlling the opponent's hips. Force the opponent into a weaker position for a...

Marcelo and Tyga discuss what to do when your opponent begins impeding your Over Under Pass by blocking your free knee or hip with his arm. If his block is weak, hop off to the side on top of his arm with your hips and look to continue...

Marcelo advises on the proper technique and posture for executing his half guard pass with an underhook. Hold the Underhook & Head Control tightly, hiding your head from the Frame Escape, and never abandon the control for a different o...

Marcelo & Tom help Zack reclaim the Underhook against the Half Guard. This is one of the few instances where you will need to transition to the opposite side or to N/S while holding the Underhook after a pass. Your opponent has suffici...

Marcelo explains to Jon several key details to focus on when trying to establish upper body control against an opponent with good guard recovery skills.

Marcelo gives Tyler 3 Options for dealing with the Knee-Shield: [1] Dive in with a pressure pass against his knee and let-up, as soon as you feel the tension release, quickly race back inside before the opponent has a chance to reactiv...

Marcelo and his first-ever black belt, Josh Waitzkin, discuss how to comfortably pass the Half Guard when the opponent threatens the safety of your knee joint by cranking your ankle outward. Firstly, establish the position as normally ...

Marcelo demonstrates some of the finer points of his passing game against the Half Guard while standing, and versus the dreaded De-La-Riva Guard: Regardless of the particular pass used, it is crucial to establish the grips you need; if...

Marcelo explains under what conditions he will employ his Back Step Pass vs Half Guard. Back Stepping is a peculiar move that bears a new and fresh perspective of attacking your opponent's guard. Be aware of the opponent's intentions o...

Marcelo helps Joe understand the importance of multitasking his limbs and coordinating his attack tightly, without gaps in his approach against the Half Guard. Keep your elbow held tight against your side by your hip to prevent your op...

Marcelo discusses with his class the important moment during a transition when you need to increase the intensity of your control in order to ensure your success in establishing a pass or reversing with a sweep.

Jon asks Marcelo how to accurately defend against counter-pressure from Half Guard during the Turning Pass. The key to maintaining the top control lies in making your opponent carry your weight through the side of your torso. If the op...

Marcelo helps Tyler defeat the dreaded Knee-Shield (Knee High on Shoulder/Chest) and Z-Guard (Knee Low and/or Feet Crossed).