Breaking the Shield – E17 BJJ Weekly Newsletter 23/06/2025
- e17bjj
- Jun 23
- 2 min read
Hi Team,
Happy Monday! Hope you have all had a lovely weekend and are feeling rejuvenated for the week ahead.
This Week's Techniques
Fundamentals: Half Guard Passing – Dealing with the Knee Shield
This week we continue exploring half guard passing — and it’s all about dismantling that pesky knee shield. Last week we focused on chest-to-chest pressure; now we’ll learn how to clear the shield, shut down frames, and control the position without burning out.
Fundamentals Plus: Also half guard focused, we will look at complimentary guard passes we can use when we run into roadblocks, continuing on from our focus last week
Thank You for the Video Shoot!
A massive thank you to everyone who turned up on Wednesday for the promo video shoot! We had over 20 people on the mats — the energy was incredible, and it really captured what E17 BJJ is all about. I’m looking forward to seeing how the final video turns out — it should be ready sometime next week, and we’ll share it as soon as it drops.
Grading - Monday Next Week!
Join us on next week Monday 30th for our first bi-annual grading. Come down to train, support your team mate, and be part of the atmosphere. Afterwards we will head to the nearby pub for some food and a couple drinks (alcy-frees for me, but not a necessity for everyone else!)
Just a reminder that belts and stripes are a record of your journey, but not your identity! They also do not make you magically better at Jiu-Jitsu. If you don't get something this time round, don't be put out, keep training and everything will come in time.
Tip of the Week - Shoulder Pinning in Half Guard Passing
When passing half guard, beginners often rush to free their leg, but the key is in the shoulders. If your partner’s shoulders are pinned flat (think locked down with your chest and underhook), they can’t shrimp, build frames, or escape. So before worrying about legs, focus on controlling the upper body—your underhook, head pressure and chest contact are your tools. Slow is smooth and smooth is fast: feel the control before you move.
See you on the mats!
-Mouncif
E17 BJJ
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