Running Half Guard From the Top with Fabio Leopoldo — Regular Text
Fabio Leopoldo demonstrates an Ezekiel choke, collar triangle, wrist lock, and half-guard pass in this illustrated technique feature from the JJM archives.
Technique · Words & photos: JJM Staff
Being on the bottom with someone in your half guard is often times considered a safe position. Let’s say you were in a guy’s guard, you went for a pass, but he “caught” you in half-guard. He thinks he’s safe, he thinks he caught you. But little does he know his workday has just begun. Like Rorschach’s quote in Watchmen, “I’m not locked in here with you, you’re locked in here with me!” It’s time to bring the pain with this effective collection of finishes and passes from being on the top in half-guard, from multi-time world champion Fabio Leopoldo.
About Fabio
Fabio Leopoldo is a 35-year-old 3rd degree black belt under the late Master Ryan Gracie and has also trained under Renzo Gracie and Carlos Gracie Jr. Fabio began training in 1995 and was awarded his black belt after only five years of training. In 1999, Fabio opened his own school in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Gracie Morumbi. He’s won the Worlds at both brown and black belts, along with four Pan-Am championships, including weight and absolute in 2002, a Brazilian National championship and many other impressive titles. During and after his stellar jiu-jitsu career, Fabio accompanied Ryan and Renzo Gracie during their many victories in Japan fighting for PRIDE and was a regular sparring partner to both. In 2007, Fabio was invited by Renzo Gracie to be part of his New York Pit Bull fight team in the IFL. During his MMA career in the IFL and other promotions, he racked up a 5-3 record with three wins by way of submission. Fabio’s a passionate man, and along with jiu-jitsu he has a passion for surfing. When it was time to set up shop he chose California to do so, and now has three schools and has promoted 15 black belts to date. Fabio still competes in jiu-jitsu with a recent Masters win at the International Championship, and was on the podium at the Pan-Ams. With his huge wealth of knowledge and extensive years of experience, it’s no question that Fabio has seen just about everything.
Ezekiel From Top
This is a technique that Fabio used twice in competition while winning a world championship. It’s a very safe attack, in that it doesn’t expose much should you not get the submission.