K-Guard Bottom is a dynamic half guard variation characterized by an inverted butterfly hook configuration that creates a distinct ‘K’ shape with the legs. This position combines elements of deep half guard retention with butterfly guard mechanics, allowing the bottom practitioner to maintain distance control while threatening immediate sweeps and back-takes. The K-Guard distinguishes itself from traditional half guard by utilizing an inside hook that crosses over the trapped leg while the outside leg creates a butterfly hook, generating powerful leverage for off-balancing and elevating the opponent.
The position excels as both a retention platform and an offensive launching point, particularly effective against pressure passers who attempt to flatten or smash through traditional half guard structures. The inverted hook configuration naturally creates angles that disrupt the top player’s base while maintaining connection points that prevent disengagement. This makes K-Guard particularly valuable in modern no-gi competition where traditional half guard grips may be unavailable. The bottom practitioner can seamlessly transition between retention mode and explosive attack sequences, making it difficult for opponents to settle into effective passing positions while constantly threatening position advancement.
Position Definition
- Bottom practitioner on their side with inside leg creating inverted hook across opponent’s trapped leg, forming characteristic ‘K’ shape with knee pointing toward opponent’s far hip while foot hooks behind near leg
- Outside leg maintains active butterfly hook under opponent’s free leg with foot positioned at hip level, creating elevation point and preventing opponent from settling weight
- Upper body maintains active frames with inside underhook or cross-face control, keeping opponent’s chest elevated and preventing flatten-out while maintaining connection to control distance
- Head positioning off the mat on shoulder with spine alignment creating mobility for hip movement and angle generation, never flat on back which compromises retention mechanics
- One leg of opponent trapped between bottom practitioner’s legs with limited mobility while other leg serves as base, creating asymmetric weight distribution exploitable for sweeps
Prerequisites
- Successfully entering half guard bottom position with trapped leg control
- Ability to invert hips and create crossed-leg hook configuration
- Active outside butterfly hook established before opponent settles weight
- Inside underhook or cross-face frame preventing opponent chest contact
- Hip mobility to maintain side position without being flattened to back
Key Defensive Principles
- Maintain active inverted hook tension pulling opponent’s trapped leg across centerline to disrupt base and create off-balance opportunities
- Use outside butterfly hook as constant elevation threat to prevent opponent settling weight and forcing reactive base adjustments
- Keep head off mat and shoulders elevated to maintain spine angle enabling hip mobility and preventing flatten-out control
- Create continuous angle changes by moving hips in circular motion away from pressure while maintaining hook connections
- Coordinate hook actions with upper body frames to create pushing-pulling dynamics that amplify off-balancing effects
- Transition seamlessly between retention mode and attack sequences without telegraphing intentions through grip or position changes
- Utilize opponent’s forward pressure against them by redirecting force through hook system into sweep or back-take trajectories
Available Escapes
X-Guard Sweep → X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Single Leg X Sweep → Single Leg X-Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 50%
- Intermediate: 65%
- Advanced: 80%
Old School Sweep → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Waiter Sweep → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Half Guard to Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Butterfly Sweep → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent drives forward pressure attempting to flatten and smash through position:
- Execute Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Old School Sweep → Side Control (Probability: 55%)
If opponent maintains upright posture and attempts to free trapped leg with backward movement:
- Execute Single Leg X Sweep → Single Leg X-Guard (Probability: 70%)
- Execute X-Guard Sweep → X-Guard (Probability: 65%)
If opponent commits weight to one side attempting crossface or underhook control:
- Execute Half Guard to Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Waiter Sweep → Mount (Probability: 50%)
If opponent establishes strong crossface and begins knee slice pressure to flatten hooks:
- Execute Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Guard Replacement → Butterfly Guard (Probability: 45%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Back Attack Path
K-Guard Bottom → Half Guard to Back Take → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
Sweep to Mount Submission
K-Guard Bottom → Waiter Sweep → Mount → Armbar from Mount
Deep Half to Leg Lock
K-Guard Bottom → Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard → Ashi Garami → Heel Hook
X-Guard to Top Control
K-Guard Bottom → X-Guard Sweep → Mount → Ezekiel Choke
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 45% | 35% | 15% |
| Intermediate | 60% | 50% | 25% |
| Advanced | 75% | 65% | 40% |
Average Time in Position: 45-90 seconds before sweep or pass attempt
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The K-Guard represents an intelligent synthesis of deep half guard’s retention mechanics with butterfly guard’s elevation principles, creating a hybrid system that addresses weaknesses in both parent positions. The inverted hook configuration generates biomechanical advantages by creating crossed-tension vectors that simultaneously disrupt the opponent’s base while maintaining your connection points for control. The key to mastering this position lies in understanding that the hook system must function as a coordinated unit rather than independent components—the inverted inside hook pulls the trapped leg across your centerline creating lateral instability, while the butterfly hook creates vertical instability through constant elevation threat. This dual-axis disruption makes it exceptionally difficult for opponents to establish the stable platform required for effective passing. The position’s greatest strategic value emerges in the transition phase between retention and attack, where the same hook configuration that provides defensive security also creates the geometric prerequisites for powerful sweeps and back-takes without requiring fundamental structural changes.
Gordon Ryan
K-Guard is one of the most underutilized positions in modern no-gi competition despite offering exceptional versatility against pressure passing systems. I’ve found it particularly effective against opponents who rely on smash passing because the inverted hook naturally redirects their forward pressure into angles that set up immediate back-takes or deep half entries. The position allows you to stay dangerous offensively while maintaining strong defensive retention—you’re never just surviving, you’re constantly threatening. The key is to make your opponent react to your hook tension and then capitalize on their defensive adjustments. When they post to prevent the sweep, you have the back-take. When they pull back to free their leg, you have the single leg X. The beauty of K-Guard is that you’re controlling the engagement on your terms rather than simply reacting to their passing attempts. In competition, I use this as a transitional position rather than a static hold—you’re flowing through it as part of a larger retention and attack system that keeps opponents guessing and prevents them from settling into their preferred passing rhythms.
Eddie Bravo
K-Guard is pure 10th Planet philosophy in action—it’s dynamic, it’s unconventional, and it keeps you in constant attack mode even from bottom position. The inverted hook creates this weird geometry that messes with traditional passing mechanics, and once you get comfortable with the angles it opens up a whole world of sweeps and back-takes that people don’t see coming. What I love about this position is how it naturally flows into the lockdown system and electric chair setups when you need to slow things down, but also gives you explosive options like the waiter sweep or deep half when you want to attack. The key is staying mobile—you can’t just lock it in and chill like you might with some other half guard variations. You’re constantly creating angles, constantly adjusting, constantly making them react to your movement. It’s perfect for the modern game where static positions get passed. The position also sets up seamless transitions to leg locks if you’re in a ruleset that allows them, because that inverted hook configuration is already halfway to saddle or ashi entries. Train it with the understanding that it’s a launching pad for attacks rather than a resting position.