Submissions from Top Half Guard: How to Dominate and Finish the Fight from a Top Half Guard Position

Half guard is a very common position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA, and submission grappling. It’s a versatile position that can be used both offensively and defensively, and there are many different submissions that can be executed from the top half guard. In this blog post, we’ll explore several different submissions that can be performed from this position.

Kimura:

One of the most popular submissions from top half guard is the Kimura. To set up the submission, the top player traps their opponent’s arm between their legs and grabs their wrist with both hands. From there, the top player can either apply a straight armlock or use the grip to torque their opponent’s shoulder, resulting in a submission.

Armbar:

Another submission that can be executed from top half guard is the armbar. To perform this submission, the top player secures their opponent’s arm and uses their body weight to force their opponent’s elbow to the ground. From there, the top player can lock up an armbar and finish the submission.

Triangle choke:

The triangle choke is a submission that can be executed from many different positions, including top half guard. To set up the submission, the top player needs to secure an overhook on their opponent’s far arm and then slide their knee over their opponent’s shoulder, locking up a triangle choke. This can be a difficult submission to pull off, but it’s a powerful weapon if executed correctly.

Guillotine choke:

The guillotine choke is a powerful submission that can be executed from many different positions, including top half guard. To set up the submission, the top player needs to secure a front headlock on their opponent and then use their legs to control their opponent’s hips. From there, the top player can either squeeze for the submission or transition to a different position.

Kimura trap:

The Kimura trap is a submission system that focuses on attacking the Kimura from a variety of different positions, including top half guard. To execute this submission, the top player needs to secure their opponent’s arm and then use the Kimura grip to sweep or transition to a better position. This submission is a great option for those who like to chain together their attacks.

Omoplata:

The omoplata is a submission that can be executed from a variety of different positions, including top half guard. To set up the submission, the top player needs to secure their opponent’s arm and then use their legs to trap their opponent’s shoulder. From there, the top player can either finish the submission or use the position to transition to a different attack.


In conclusion, top half guard is a versatile position that offers many different submission options. Whether you prefer the Kimura, armbar, triangle choke, guillotine choke, Kimura trap, or omoplata, there are plenty of ways to attack from this position. As with any submission, it’s important to practice these techniques with a partner and to prioritize safety at all times.