Introduction: Top Half Guard is a key position in Jiu-jitsu and much success can be gained by understanding the positions and submissions that stem from it. John Danaher is an acclaimed Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and instructor who has developed a system to pass the top half guard with great success. In today’s lesson, we will be discussing John’s system and practicing the techniques that can be used to pass the top half guard.

Lesson Outline: 1. Introduction 2. Body positioning 3. Closed guard 4. Establishing the Over-under 5. Establishing the Double Underhook 6. Establishing the Single Underhook and Elbow Control

Questioning: Throughout the lesson, the instructor should ask and answer questions about the techniques and body positioning to ensure participants are engaged and actively thinking about the material. Questions may include:

• What is the correct body position for passing the top half guard? • How do you establish the over-under pass? • How do you establish the double underhook? • How do you establish the single underhook and elbow control?

Assessment: At the end of the lesson, the instructor should assess participants’ understanding of the material and ensure that they are able to properly execute the techniques. Questions may be asked to assess understanding, and individuals can also be asked to demonstrate specific techniques.

Differentiation: The instructor should be mindful of participants’ differing levels of experience and make adjustments accordingly. For individuals with a more advanced understanding of the material, the instructor can offer more detail, more difficult questions and more complex techniques. For those with a more basic understanding of the material, the instructor can offer more basic instructions, simpler questions, and focus more on body positioning and core fundamentals.

Plenary: At the end of the lesson, the instructor should summarize the key points covered and review the main techniques discussed. The instructor can also provide additional resources and material for further research and practice.