Advanced Pressure Passing in BJJ — Complete Guide

Advanced

Pressure passing is the style of passing that relies on weight, friction, and physicality to flatten and control the bottom player before completing the pass. Unlike speed passing, pressure passing works especially well against flexible, mobile guard players because it removes the space they need to replace guard and attack. Mastering pressure passing creates a guard-breaking system that works at all levels.

The Core Principle: Remove Space

Pressure passing is fundamentally about eliminating the gap between your body and your opponent's. When space is removed, the bottom player cannot hip escape, replace guard, or generate the movement needed for sweeps and submissions.

Hip Position Dominance

In pressure passing, your hips always stay below your opponent's hips or directly over them. This prevents them from generating upward force to replace guard. Low hip position also lets you use your bodyweight efficiently.

Weight Distribution Science

The best pressure passers distribute weight precisely: heavy on the opponent's hips/thighs, light on your own feet (allows quick repositioning). Never put all weight in one spot — create a moving pressure that shifts with the opponent.

Sequential Pressure Attacks

Single-direction passes are easy to defend. Elite pressure passers chain multiple threats: start with a knee slide, when blocked shift to over-under, when defended pivot to a smash pass. The sequential nature exhausts the bottom player.

Handling Mobile Guards

Against spider and lasso guard, break grips first before attempting pressure. Against DLR, stack the hips before trying to pass. The grip-break-then-pressure sequence is standard protocol.

Step 1: Establish the Initial Grip Break

Before applying any pressure, strip the most dangerous grip. Against collar-sleeve: break the collar grip. Against spider: peel the foot off your bicep. Only pressure once grips are neutralized.

Step 2: Drop Your Weight

Once grip is broken, drop your weight immediately onto the opponent's thighs/hips. Use the crossface or shoulder pressure to flatten them as you settle your weight.

Step 3: Control the Far Hip

Reach across and pin the far hip to the mat. This prevents the standard hip escape. With both hips flattened, the bottom player's guard options drop dramatically.

Step 4: Walk Around to Complete

With weight settled and hips pinned, slowly walk your legs around toward side control. Keep pressure constant throughout — any lifting of your weight gives the opponent room to re-guard.

Step 5: Secure Side Control

As you clear the legs, drive your chest into the opponent's chest and establish a cross-face. Heavy side control pressure prevents any immediate escape attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is this technique used for?

Pressure Passing Advanced is a fundamental BJJ technique used to control, escape, or submit opponents in training and competition.

How long does it take to learn?

Most practitioners develop basic competency within 3–6 months of consistent drilling, though true mastery takes years of rolling.

Is this technique suitable for beginners?

Yes — this technique forms part of the core BJJ curriculum and is taught at all belt levels with appropriate progressions.

Ashi Garami Entries While Passing Back Step Guard Pass Bullfighter Pass System Cartwheel Pass: Advanced Technique Countering Leg Drag Pass Countering Pressure Pass

Common Mistakes in Pressure Passing Advanced

Rushing the Setup

Attempting to finish before proper mechanics are in place results in failed attempts and positional loss. Prioritize position before submission.

Using Strength Over Technique

Muscling through setups creates bad habits and fails against stronger or more skilled opponents. Focus on leverage and angles.

Skipping Drilling

Techniques only become available in live rolling after extensive drilling. Regular repetition builds the muscle memory needed for execution under pressure.

Ignoring Defensive Reactions

Every technique has common counters. Learn the most frequent defensive reactions and have follow-up attacks ready.

Training Tips for Pressure Passing Advanced

Shadow Drill at Full Speed

Perform the technique slowly, then progressively increase to competition speed while maintaining crisp mechanics. Video yourself to catch form breakdowns.

Use a Skilled Partner

Training with a partner who can give realistic resistance and honest feedback accelerates technical development more than repetitions with a passive uke.

Isolate Weak Phases

Break the technique into phases and identify which phase breaks down under pressure. Spend disproportionate drilling time on that specific phase.

Compete in Tournaments

Competition reveals real weaknesses that controlled training obscures. Even white belts benefit from early competitive experience.

Learning Progression for Pressure Passing Advanced

Start with controlled drilling of the core mechanics at 30% resistance.
Progress to positional sparring: your partner starts in the relevant position and you practice Pressure Passing Advanced with moderate resistance.
Integrate into flow rolling — actively hunt for Pressure Passing Advanced opportunities without forcing.
Add to live sparring with full resistance. Focus on recognizing setups, not just finishing.
Record and review footage to identify timing gaps and mechanical errors.

Recommended Drills for Pressure Passing Advanced

Isolated Entry Drill — With a cooperative partner, repeat the entry sequence for Pressure Passing Advanced 20 times each side. Focus on timing and body positioning.
Reaction Drill — Partner resists at 40–60%. Practice recognizing when the Pressure Passing Advanced window opens and executing within 1–2 seconds.
Chain Drill — Link Pressure Passing Advanced with 2 follow-up attacks. If the primary is defended, flow immediately into the backup without pausing.
Timed Round — 3-minute positional round: start in the setup position and apply Pressure Passing Advanced as many times as possible. Track completions per session.