Knee Shield Back Take

Transition

The knee shield back take is a transition from knee shield half guard where the bottom player uses the frame of the knee shield to create an angle, then threads behind the opponent to establish back control. It is most effective when the top player attempts to pressure through or flatten the knee shield, exposing their back as they drive forward.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Use the knee shield frame to redirect the opponent's weight and create an angle toward their back.
  • · The underhook on the far side is essential to anchor yourself to the opponent before transitioning.
  • · Hip escape away first to create the space needed to slide behind, rather than trying to climb over.
  • · Anticipate the opponent re-squaring their hips by securing a seatbelt grip before fully clearing to the back.
  • · Keep your half guard hook active as a backup anchor until both hooks or a body triangle are established.

Execution

  1. 1 From knee shield half guard, secure an underhook on the opponent's far side while maintaining your knee shield frame across their chest or bicep.
  2. 2 Hip escape away from the opponent to create an angle, using the knee shield to push their upper body offline and expose their back.
  3. 3 Swim your knee shield leg through, converting it to a hip clamp or initial hook on the near side while driving your underhook deep to secure the seatbelt grip.
  4. 4 Clear your half guard hook and slide behind the opponent, inserting your second hook to establish full back control.
  5. 5 Secure the seatbelt grip tightly and settle your chest against their back to complete the transition.

Common mistakes

  • × Dropping the knee shield too early before establishing the underhook, allowing the top player to flatten you and kill the angle.
  • × Failing to hip escape sufficiently, resulting in trying to take the back from a square position where the opponent can easily re-face you.
  • × Neglecting to secure the seatbelt before inserting hooks, giving the opponent a window to turn into you and recover guard or top position.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Knee Shield Back Take shows up.

Knee Shield Half Guard Bottom

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Back Control Top