Systematic gi passing that turns DLR, lasso, and spider into side control.
The Bottom Line
If DLR and lasso grips slow you down, this shows the pressure sequences Pena trusts. It teaches where to enter, when to cut, and how to stack without giving sweeps. Expect steady progressions instead of scramble-heavy solutions.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi-first passers
Skip if: You only train no-gi
Tech focus: De La Riva Passing, Leg Drag, Knee Slice, Smash Pass, Lasso Pass, Spider Pass
Biggest takeaway: Pressure chains beat sticky grips.
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What You'll Learn
A pressure-first passing curriculum against the most common gi guards: outside, middle, and inside DLR into leg drags and knee slices; lasso and spider stacks and steering-wheel passes. It is built to escalate pressure predictably from first contact to side control or mount.
If your top game stalls against DLR and lasso grips, this is the antidote.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- De La Riva Passing
- Leg Drag
- Knee Slice
- Smash Pass
- Lasso Pass
- Spider Pass
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 38 minutes
- Volumes: 5
Should You Buy It?
Skip. I like the outside/middle/inside DLR split for fast diagnosis during passing.
Why Felipe Pena?
Pena’s top game has long used measured pressure and grip denial. As an IBJJF absolute world champion, he built passing chains that scale for non-athletes. This course reflects that focus and shows how to accumulate control before the final pass.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Redditors called the zero-to-one-hundred passing concept amazing.
- Pena’s sequences appeal to players who prefer pressure over speed.
- Useful breakdowns of outside, middle, and inside DLR scenarios.
- Great complement to bottom-focused back-take curricula.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Gi specificity limits carryover for pure no-gi players.
- Some users dislike long, multi-volume courses.
- If you avoid classic grips, you may not apply it.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- No Gi Knee Shield Guard – Bottom-side balance if you mostly pass in gi. (Price: $197.00, 3 vols, 2022)
- World Class Back Takes From Bottom – Pairs with passes that force turtle and back exposure. (Price: $197.00, 4 vols, 2021)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View 0 To 100 Open Guard Passing: De La Riva – Lasso – Spider on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
