Learn the BJJ Knee Slice Pass, a fundamental and highly effective guard passing technique. This comprehensive guide covers step-by-step instructions,...
Passing
White
π₯ Blue Belt
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Intermediate
The Knee Slice Pass, often referred to as the Knee Cut Pass, is one of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's most fundamental and effective Guard Passing techniques. It's a high-percentage pass that allows you to slice through your opponent's guard and establish a dominant top position, often leading directly to side control or mount.
Technique Map
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Passing["Passing"]:::catNode
Passing --> Knee_Slice_Pass
Knee_Slice_Pass["Knee Slice Pass"]:::currentNode
Knee_Slice_Pass -.-> Guard_Pass["Guard Pass"]:::relNode
Knee_Slice_Pass -.-> Torreando_Pass["Torreando Pass"]:::relNode
Knee_Slice_Pass -.-> Leg_Drag_Pass["Leg Drag Pass"]:::relNode
Knee_Slice_Pass -.-> Headquarters_Pass["Headquarters Pass"]:::relNode
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classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
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How to Execute
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Step 1: Establish Dominant Grips. Begin by securing strong grips, typically a cross-collar grip with one hand and a sleeve or pant grip with the other, to control your opponent's upper body and hips.
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Step 2: Create Angle and Pressure. Drive your knee between your opponent's legs, aiming for their hip or thigh, while angling your body slightly to the side of the passing knee. Your other leg should be posted wide for base.
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Step 3: Slice Through with Pressure. Maintain heavy head and shoulder pressure into your opponent's chest or stomach as you slice your knee through. Use your shin to pin their far thigh to the mat, preventing hip escapes.
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Step 4: Clear the Leg and Transition. Once your knee has cleared their legs, quickly bring your trailing leg over to join your leading leg, effectively pinning their hips. Immediately establish a cross-face and an underhook.
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Step 5: Consolidate Side Control. Secure your side control by maintaining strong pressure, flattening your opponent, and ensuring your hips are heavy to prevent them from recovering their guard or sweeping you.
Key Details & Tips
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Head and Shoulder Pressure: Always maintain forward pressure with your head and shoulder into your opponent's chest or neck. This off-balances them and makes their hip movements less effective.
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Control the Far Hip/Leg: Preventing your opponent from turning their far hip away or recovering their leg is crucial. Use your shin, chest, or free hand to block their escape path.
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Good Base and Posture: As you commit to the pass, ensure your base is wide and stable. Avoid leaning too far forward or getting off-balance, which can lead to sweeps.
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Connect Your Hips: Once you've cleared the legs, connect your hips to your opponent's hips. This 'smash' prevents them from creating space to recover guard.
Variations
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Knee Slice to Leg Drag: As you clear the knee, instead of going to side control, pull their far leg across your body for a powerful leg drag finish.
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Knee Slice to North-South: If your opponent turns away excessively during the pass, you can transition directly into a North-South position, often leading to chokes.
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Knee Slice to Back Take: Should your opponent completely turn their back to avoid the pass, capitalize on the exposed back for a rear naked choke setup.
When to Use
The Knee Slice Pass is highly effective when your opponent is playing open guard (such as spider guard, lasso guard, or De La Riva Guard) and you have established strong grips. It works best when you can flatten your opponent on their back or are able to control one of their legs to initiate the knee cut.
Counters & Defenses
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Hip Escape (Upa): The most common defense is to create space with a strong hip escape, turning away from the passing knee and recovering guard.
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Underhooking the Passing Leg: Opponents may try to underhook your passing leg to initiate a sweep or force you into a deep half guard scenario.
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Frames and Kicking Away: Using arms to frame on your neck or hips, and kicking their legs away to create space, can disrupt the passing momentum and prevent the slice.
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: What is the primary difference between a Knee Slice and a Toreando pass?
The Knee Slice involves driving one knee directly through the opponent's legs, creating a wedge and cutting through their guard with heavy pressure. The Toreando pass, conversely, focuses on grip fighting and circling rapidly around the opponent's legs, using speed and agility to bypass their guard without direct knee-on-thigh pressure through the middle.
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