### Z-Guard Control #### Overview The Z-Guard, often referred to as the Knee Shield, is a variation of the Half Guard position. It's a powerful tool in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for controlling an opponent while setting up sweeps or submissions. The position provides excellent defensive capabilities while allowing for offensive opportunities. #### Position: Half Guard The Z-Guard is usually utilized from the Half Guard position. It involves creating a barrier with your shin across the opponent's torso, often resting your foot on the opponent's hip, known as the "knee shield." #### Japanese Name - **Z-Guard Control**: This technique doesn't have a widely recognized Japanese name attributed to it. #### Control Method 1. **Establish Half Guard:* - Begin in Half Guard with your opponent's right leg trapped between your legs. Ensure your right hand secures an underhook if possible. 2. **Create a Frame with the Knee Shield:* - Position your left shin diagonally across your opponent's torso, placing your left foot on their right hip. This is your knee shield. - Push with your left knee to create space and maintain distance. 3. **Protect Your Upper Body:* - Use your left arm to block your opponent's chest or shoulder. This helps prevent them from closing the distance and eliminates pressure. 4. **Control the Head or Arm:* - Control your opponent's head with your right arm or look for wrist control to prevent them from attacking or achieving shoulder pressure. 5. **Adjust Your Angle:* - As you apply pressure with the knee shield, adjust your hips towards their trapped leg for better control and to create angles for transitions or submissions. #### Offensive Options - **Sweep Setups:* - Utilize the space and leverage created by the knee shield to execute sweeps such as the pendulum sweep or the old school sweep. - **Submissions:* - Transition to a triangle choke or setup arm drags leading to back control. - **Transitions:* - Consider transitioning to the deep half guard or reducing space for attacks from the full guard. #### Defensive Potential - The Z-Guard acts as a primary defense against knee-cut passes while offering opportunities to disengage and reset your guard.