Over Under Pass | Bernardo Faria's Signature BJJ Pass
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 Apr 16, 2026
Master the over under pass — Bernardo Faria's pressure passing system. Step-by-step guard break, positioning and smash finish.
BLUE BELT
The over under pass (also called the smash pass) is a pressure-based guard passing technique made famous by 5x World Champion Bernardo Faria. It involves controlling one leg over and one under the opponent's legs while driving forward with your shoulder into their hip.
Contents
How to Execute
- 1. Break the opponent's closed guard or open their guard
- 2. Position one arm over their thigh and one arm under the other thigh
- 3. Grip both legs — over arm grabs near hip, under arm grabs far thigh
- 4. Drive your shoulder into their hip/thigh with full body pressure
- 5. Walk your feet to the side and flatten them out with the smash
- 6. Pass to side control when their hips are flat
💡 Pro Tip: The pass is about weight distribution, not strength. Your shoulder on their thigh creates a base that neutralizes guard retention. Walk your hips low and your shoulder drives flat.
Why is the over under pass so effective?
The over under pass neutralizes most guard retention tools by controlling both legs simultaneously. Bernardo Faria used it to win multiple World Championships against black belts — it works at every level.