Passing the Half Guard - "Break the Shell"

The are many different methods and concepts to passing the half guard. Here is a sequence I use that I call "Breaking the Shell"

• Step 1

Alex has me in his 1/2 guard and has claimed the left underhook (the same side as his free leg) and begins to work his way up to his right hip....I need to act fast
• Step 2

I quickly overhook Alex's left arm with my right and lock his shoulder down. I dont want to drive forward to hard as I would open myself up to being swept.
• Step 3

I take my left palm and push Alex's chin away towards the mat
• Step 4

I push Alex's face to the mat
• Step 5

Now that Alex is stretched out, I straighten out my right hand
• Step 6

I drive the tip of my right elbow straight back into Alex's armpit to start to claim the underhook
• Step 7

Once my underhook is completely claimed, I push Alex down to his back
• Step 8

I now claim my right underhook
• Step 9

I know take my free leg and I kick my foot over his knee. It is important for me to keep my knee on the mat to help to keep Alex from gaining full guard
• Step 10

I raise my hips off the ground, as I press my foot into Alex's knee, I then get high on my right toes and straighten my leg....I will continue to bump my hip up and push with my left foot until the knee of my trapped leg is free
• Step 11

as soon as my knee is free (pictured here, with my left leg raised so you can see that my knee is above Alex's hips)....
• Step 12

I drop my right knee to the mat, if my foot is still trapped in Alex's guard I can push on his top leg to help free my trapped leg
• Step 13

Now that both my legs are free...
• Step 14

Now i'm ready to work for a good side control position