Overview
The knee slice pass is a fundamental pressure passing technique that uses your knee to slice through the opponent's guard like a knife. It's one of the most high-percentage passes in BJJ.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Establish Starting Position
From half guard, combat base, or standing, position yourself to drive your knee between their legs.
Step 2: Control Upper Body
Establish crossface and underhook, or collar and sleeve control (gi). Upper body control is critical.
Step 3: Slice the Knee Through
Drive your knee across their bottom leg, sliding it along the mat. Think "slice" not "step over."
Step 4: Apply Pressure
Bring your weight down and forward. Your chest should be heavy on their upper body, making it hard to breathe or move.
Step 5: Secure Side Control
Complete the pass, remove your knee, and establish solid side control with weight distribution.
Key Points
- Crossface is crucial
- Knee slides along the mat
- Heavy chest pressure throughout
- Don't stand up - stay low
Common Mistakes
- Mistake: Stepping over instead of slicing
- Mistake: Weak crossface - they can turn in
- Mistake: Standing up too tall - easy to defend
- Mistake: Not controlling their far arm
FAQ
Q: What if they get an underhook? A: Strip the underhook immediately or switch to a different pass. Underhook gives them escape options.
Q: Does this work in no-gi? A: Absolutely. The mechanics are identical, just adapt your grips.