Craig Jones Kneebar System

Last updated Sep 08, 2026

Attack System Advanced difficulty

What is Craig Jones Kneebar System?

The Craig Jones Kneebar System is a BJJGraph study guide for comparing kneebar control and entry decisions across guard, leg-entanglement and top-position contexts.

You Can’t Knee bahh is a dedicated kneebar instructional whose published contents include foundational concepts, top and bottom half guard, 50/50, passing entries and later rolling study. It offers a more focused destination than a general leg-lock course for students investigating the kneebar itself.

BJJGraph’s original plan below compares two entry contexts before adding more variations. The central distinction is between reaching the leg and retaining the control needed for the selected kneebar configuration. A passing entry also carries a positional cost if the leg becomes free. Use a coach to select an appropriate configuration, agree permitted techniques, and end early drills at control rather than joint extension.

Study this system with BJJ Fanatics

Explore a relevant instructional alongside this guide. Check the syllabus and sample on BJJ Fanatics to decide whether it suits your training.

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You Can't Knee bahh

with Craig Jones

Who it suits: Students already comfortable with coached leg-lock practice who want a dedicated kneebar study track; it includes advanced and rolling entries.

A kneebar-focused course spanning half guard, leg entanglements and passing-related entries.

View course & syllabus on BJJ Fanatics

Core Principles

  • Distinguish a kneebar entry from a retained kneebar control position.
  • Compare top and bottom half-guard entries as different balance problems.
  • Identify which leg is targeted and which movement would release it.
  • Evaluate the top position being surrendered before committing to a passing entry.
  • Treat other leg-lock branches as separate techniques requiring separate agreement.
  • Use controlled catch-and-release practice instead of rapid extension.

Key Components

Configuration recognition (Set a shared endpoint for entry practice.) Study one demonstrated kneebar configuration and identify how the target leg remains connected before any finishing movement.

Half-guard entry comparison (Find the version that best fits the practitioner’s current game.) Compare an entry from top half guard with one from bottom and describe the different balance demands.

Entanglement transfer (Separate a familiar starting position from the new kneebar requirements.) Observe how moving from an existing leg entanglement changes access to the targeted leg and surrounding control.

Passing-to-attack tradeoff (Keep kneebar opportunities connected to positional judgement.) Review whether pursuing the leg from top improves the exchange or simply gives up a useful passing position.

Implementation Sequence

  1. Set the control endpoint: Review one kneebar configuration with a coach. Both partners should recognise the target leg and the moment at which the drill stops.

  2. Study top half guard: Use a selected top-half entry and stop at the agreed control position without applying extension.

  3. Compare bottom half guard: Repeat from the matching bottom context and record which balance and connection problems change.

  4. Add one entanglement start: Choose a familiar entanglement, such as a coached 50/50 context, and investigate whether the target leg can be retained through the transfer.

  5. Review a passing entry: Compare a selected top entry with continuing the pass. Decide what control must be available before giving up the passing position.

Where to begin in the instructional

Begin with the configuration concepts, then compare top and bottom half guard before adding an entanglement or passing entry.

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What Challenges Will You Face?

  • The attacker reaches the leg but cannot stop in control.: Shorten the entry and identify where the leg begins to withdraw.
  • A top-half entry is applied unchanged from bottom.: Treat the two contexts as separate study tasks and compare balance before speed.
  • Rolling momentum replaces recognition of the endpoint.: Use a slower coached entry until both partners can stop in the intended position.
  • A passing attempt is abandoned for an unsecured kneebar.: Review the cost of the switch and retain top position when the leg is not controlled.

How to Measure Your Progress

Endpoint clarity: Check that both partners recognise the intended kneebar control. Proficiency indicators:

  • Names the target leg
  • Stops without extension
  • Identifies leg withdrawal

Half-guard comparison: Describe the differences between top and bottom entries. Proficiency indicators:

  • Names the starting role
  • Recognises balance changes
  • Records a role-specific obstacle

Transfer retention: Assess whether the leg remains controlled from an entanglement start. Proficiency indicators:

  • Identifies the original connection
  • Finds the new endpoint
  • Resets when contact is lost

Passing judgement: Review the decision to pursue a kneebar from top. Proficiency indicators:

  • Identifies the passing advantage
  • States the attack requirement
  • Can choose to continue passing

How to Train This System Effectively

Drilling Approach

BJJGraph suggests paired half-guard entry rounds: one from top and one from bottom, both ending at a coach-approved kneebar control position. Use no extension pressure. Record which entry lets the target leg withdraw and which disrupts balance. Study passing entries separately so retaining top position remains an explicit alternative.

Progression Path

Endpoint (Focus: Recognise one kneebar configuration with no finishing pressure.) Half guard (Focus: Compare top and bottom entry problems.) Entanglement (Focus: Transfer from one familiar leg-control start.) Top decision (Focus: Compare a passing entry with maintaining the pass.)

Common Mistakes

  • Counting contact with the leg as completed kneebar control.
  • Using momentum before learning to stop at the endpoint.
  • Giving up a stable top position for a loose leg attack.

Which Positions, Transitions, and Principles Connect to This System?

  • Kneebar (Submission) - The primary submission reference.
  • Kneebar Control (Position) - The entry drill’s stopping point.
  • Half Guard (Position) - Top and bottom contexts for comparison.
  • Ashi Garami (Position) - A related entanglement family.
  • K-Guard (Position) - A further entry context for later study.
  • Crab Ride (Position) - Another positional context listed in the course.
  • Knee on Belly (Position) - A top-position entry setting.
  • Toe Hold (Submission) - A separate branch to distinguish from the kneebar.
  • Leg Entanglement (Principle) - Background for retained lower-body control.
  • Transition Management (Principle) - Frames the cost of moving from passing to an attack.

Take one idea into your next session

BJJGraph suggestion: end paired top- and bottom-half repetitions at control and compare where the target leg escapes.

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Check the sample and current price on BJJ Fanatics: You Can't Knee bahh →

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