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Best Guard Passing Instructionals
Guard passing is the great equalizer in jiu-jitsu. These 10 instructionals are the best passing systems on BJJ Fanatics, ranked by teaching quality, depth, and real-world applicability.
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Jump to a pick
- 1. The Body Lock Pass
- 2. The Science of Guard Passing
- 3. Passing the Guard: Go Further Faster
- 4. Pressure Passing and Top Game
- 5. No Gi Power Passing
- 6. Interplay Between High Step and Body Lock Passing
- 7. Battle Tested Pressure Passing
- 8. The Leg Pin Passing System
- 9. Next Generation Guard Passing
- 10. Rody Lock: The Nick Rodriguez Body Lock System
- Comparison table
- FAQ
The top picks, up front
2026 editionThe Body Lock Pass
Lachlan GilesThe only dedicated body lock passing system on the market.
≈8 h · all levels · no-gi · $The Science of Guard Passing
Lucas LepriChampionship-level gi passing that covers every modern guard, at a budget price.
≈3 h · intermediate+ · gi · $Passing the Guard (GFF)
John DanaherThe most thorough conceptual framework for guard passing ever recorded.
≈12 h · beginner-friendly · gi · $$Guard passing is the great equalizer in jiu-jitsu. A strong passing game forces action from every position, and these 10 instructionals represent the best systems available on BJJ Fanatics for building one. I’ve studied all of them, compared community reviews from BJJ World, Reddit, and specialist blogs, and ranked them by teaching quality, depth, and real-world applicability.
Each review below includes specific technique breakdowns, named community quotes, strengths, weaknesses with competitor comparisons, and who should (and shouldn’t) buy it.
The Body Lock Pass
Lachlan GilesThe only dedicated body lock passing instructional on the market, and it earns the #1 spot because Giles doesn’t just show you the pass – he gives you a complete five-stage system with narrated sparring that shows exactly how and when it fails.
What it covers
Six volumes covering the complete body lock system: grip acquisition and weight distribution principles, entries from seated, lying, butterfly, reverse De La Riva, and half guard positions. Volume 3 tackles clearing the knee line against butterfly guard, guillotine counters, and knee shield defenses. Volume 4 covers pass completion with tripod variations and lockdown counters. Volume 5 introduces the Sao Paulo guard opening as a standalone bonus system. Volume 6 features six narrated sparring rounds with voice-over explaining real-time decisions and mistakes.
Why it stands out
- Five-stage framework (grip acquisition, defense management, timing, knee line clearing, pass completion) makes a complex pass digestible
- Narrated rolling footage with live corrections is exceptionally valuable for seeing how to recover from mistakes mid-roll
- Sao Paulo guard opening (Volume 5) adds a complete secondary system most instructionals don’t include
- Covers every defensive response and troubleshooting scenario you’ll face
A pressure pass – possibly the most powerful of them all.
BJJ World (reviewer: “colleric”), 5/5 rating
Strictly no-gi. The Grappling Conjecture noted reduced gi applicability, and some techniques Giles advises against actually work in practice. Gordon Ryan’s Systematizing Guard Passing covers body lock within a broader system if you want more variety.
No-gi grapplers at any level who want a single passing system they can build their entire top game around.
You train exclusively in the gi. Lucas Lepri (#2) or Bernardo Faria (#7) are better picks for gi-only passing.
Matheus Diniz’s No Gi Power Passing (#5) for pressure-based passing that complements body lock entries.
The Science of Guard Passing
Lucas LepriSix World Championship titles. Over 100 black belt wins with only 25 losses (just 2 by submission). Lepri’s passing combines pressure and speed in ways that most competitors can’t replicate, and this instructional captures that system in under three hours.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers knee cut fundamentals including reverse De La Riva knee cuts, folding pass to knee cut, and tripod knee cut variations with direct back takes. Volume 2 tackles modern guards: spider lasso (punch pass), deep half guard (hip lock pass), and kimura trap system. Volume 3 addresses single leg X-guard shutdowns with monoplata submissions, X-guard passing, and worm guard passing. Volume 4 rounds it out with spider guard back takes, advanced RDLR options, sit-up guard, and quarter guard solutions.
Why it stands out
- Rare hybrid of pressure passes AND speed passes from one competitor, covering both ends of the passing spectrum
- Addresses every modern guard: spider, lasso, worm, De La Riva, X-guard, single leg X, deep half
- Direct back takes from passing positions – a focus most passing instructionals skip entirely
- Best value for gi passing at $79 from a 6x World Champion
The best knee cut instructional ever recorded… a real masterpiece you simply have to own if you’re a modern-day BJJ competitor.
BJJ World, 5/5 rating
Very gi-dependent – harder to adapt for no-gi training. Some r/bjj users felt Lepri teaches techniques rather than an integrated gameplan (Danaher’s systems approach addresses this). No narrated sparring footage, unlike Giles or Faria.
Gi competitors from blue belt up who want championship-level passing that covers every modern guard.
You train exclusively no-gi. Lachlan Giles (#1) or Matheus Diniz (#5) are better no-gi options.
John Danaher’s Passing the Guard (#3) if you want the conceptual framework underneath Lepri’s technical system.
Passing the Guard: Go Further Faster
John DanaherTwelve hours of the most thorough conceptual framework for guard passing ever committed to video. Danaher’s five-step model and ‘Negate Advantage Completion’ formula give you a passing roadmap that works against any guard, including ones that haven’t been invented yet.
What it covers
Part 1 opens with closed guard philosophy and 12 options for opening opponent’s guard. Part 2 introduces the five-step guard passing formula and the ‘Negate Advantage Completion’ model. Parts 3-5 cover seven high-percentage passes in depth: double underpass, over-under, knee cut, toreando, leg drag, long step, and smash pass. Part 6 breaks down shutting down lasso, DLR, and collar/biceps guards. Part 7 introduces staging positions (split squat, knee drop, double knee, outside advantage). Part 8 covers guard recovery defense including frames, angles, and inversion handling.
Why it stands out
- Five-step passing model provides a universal framework applicable to any guard variation
- 12 closed guard opening options is unmatched by any other instructional
- Staging positions concept (split squat, knee drop, double knee) is unique to Danaher and gives clear intermediate checkpoints
- Seven high-percentage passes covered in systematic detail
We finally might have a solution for the guard passing puzzle of BJJ.
BJJ World staff
Massive ~12 hour time investment with lots of talking. Lucas Lepri covers essential passing in under 3 hours at less than half the price ($79 vs. $197). Structure feels less clear compared to later GFF releases. Best value when purchased on sale.
White and blue belts who want a complete conceptual foundation for passing, or anyone who values understanding the ‘why’ behind techniques.
You want concise, drill-ready content. At 12 hours, this is a long-term study commitment. Advanced competitors may find Lepri or Giles more immediately applicable.
Lucas Lepri’s Science of Guard Passing (#2) for the technical execution that builds on Danaher’s conceptual framework.
Pressure Passing and Top Game
Rafael Lovato Jr.Lovato is one of very few Americans to win the BJJ World Championship in the gi, and he did it with a pressure game built on checkpoints. His headquarters position gives you a home base, and every pass flows from there as a reaction to your opponent’s defense.
What it covers
Volume 1 establishes the headquarters position as your passing base, covers closed guard opening, bullfighter passes, knee slice, side smash, and a “secret choke” from passing. Volume 2 introduces the shin staple system with arm triangle from passing, heavy knee slice variations, and butterfly guard bypassing. Volume 3 covers troubleshooting with three-quarter mount, thumb-in shotgun grip, and killing the knee shield. Volume 4 completes the system with butterfly guard passing, knee shield elimination, and managing common opponent reactions.
Why it stands out
- Checkpoint-based system (headquarters to shin staple to pass) keeps you a step ahead of your opponent’s defensive reactions
- Side smash is uniquely devastating and underrepresented in other instructionals
- Submission threats during passing (arm triangle, secret choke) give you finishes when opponents defend the pass
- Dual BJJ/MMA World Champion validates the system for gi, no-gi, and MMA contexts
The ultimate guide to an old school fundamental pressure game designed to kill off modern BJJ.
BJJ World (reviewing related “Top Game Devastation”)
Expensive at $197 for a gi-focused set. Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Pressure Passing covers similar ground for $79 with the over-under. Lovato’s system requires patience and doesn’t suit dynamic, aerial technique practitioners. Modern guards like worm guard and K-guard aren’t specifically addressed.
Gi grapplers who want a systematic pressure game built around a single home-base position with clear decision trees.
You train primarily no-gi (Lachlan Giles or Diniz are better choices) or prefer speed-based passing. Also a tough sell at $197 when Faria covers pressure passing at $79.
Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Pressure Passing (#7) for complementary over-under pressure from a different angle.
No Gi Power Passing
Matheus DinizWon the 2019 ADCC at 88kg without giving up a single point, scoring the most takedowns and passes in the toughest no-gi tournament on Earth. This instructional captures that system in under three hours with zero filler.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers standing vs. kneeling philosophy, breaking closed guard from standing, and initial grip fighting. Volume 2 tackles half guard and knee shield passing with Diniz’s signature technique of putting weight directly on the opponent’s shield. Volume 3 addresses open guard solutions including butterfly guard, seated guard, and standing passing sequences. Volume 4 integrates everything with pass chains, managing reactions, and pinning/consolidation after passing.
Why it stands out
- ADCC champion system at budget price ($79) – best value for no-gi passing
- Concise runtime (under 3 hours) with zero filler – every technique is immediately applicable
- Pressure-first approach that doesn’t require athleticism or physical attributes
- Marcelo Garcia Academy pedigree ensures world-class technique lineage
The 2019 ADCC champion shows his way of passing the knee shield – favoring a pressure pass where he puts his weight on the opponent’s shield.
BJJEE.com
Shorter runtime means less depth per topic. Lachlan Giles covers body lock passing alone in 8 hours with far more detail. Less conceptual framework than Danaher’s approach. No narrated sparring footage. Better as a complement to a more comprehensive system than as a standalone.
No-gi competitors who want an ADCC-proven system they can drill and apply quickly, especially as a complement to body lock passing.
You want deep conceptual breakdowns (go Danaher) or extensive technique coverage on a single system (go Lachlan Giles).
Lachlan Giles’ Body Lock Pass (#1) for a complete no-gi passing arsenal combining body lock depth with pressure passing breadth.
Interplay Between High Step and Body Lock Passing
Nicky RyanThe only instructional that explicitly connects body lock and high step passing into a single system. When the body lock stalls, the high step takes over, and vice versa. Nicky Ryan learned this approach directly from John Danaher.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers body lock grip configurations and acquisition. Volume 2 focuses on methods to force the opponent into half guard from body lock position. Volume 3 covers passing from body lock half guard with multiple variations. Volume 4 introduces high step mechanics, timing, and how it connects to body lock. Volume 5 integrates both systems and covers switching between passing families in live situations.
Why it stands out
- Unique combination of body lock AND high step – no other instructional connects these two systems explicitly
- Clear, concise teaching style that’s easy to digest in a single session
- Modern approach from a Danaher-trained, ADCC-level competitor
- Logical three-family pass connection: body lock forces half guard, high step finishes when body lock stalls
Clear, concise teaching that’s easy to digest. Good crash course on body locks and half-guard passing.
BJJMore.com
Very short runtime (2h21m) for a $197 price tag – the worst value ratio on this list. Lachlan Giles covers body lock alone in 8 hours for $99 with significantly more depth and troubleshooting. Gordon Ryan’s Systematizing Guard Passing covers both systems more comprehensively. More of a crash course than a complete system.
Intermediate no-gi grapplers who want a quick overview of how body lock and high step connect, especially if they already have a foundation in one of those systems.
You want depth and value for money. Lachlan Giles (#1) gives you 3x the content at half the price. This is the weakest value proposition on the list.
Lachlan Giles’ Body Lock Pass (#1) for the depth that this overview-level instructional lacks.
Battle Tested Pressure Passing
Bernardo FariaFive-time World Champion, IBJJF Hall of Famer, and co-founder of BJJ Fanatics. Nobody teaches the over-under pass the way Bernardo does, and the 20+ narrated rolling sessions in Volume 4 make this one of the best learning tools on the entire platform.
What it covers
Volumes 1-3 cover the over-under pass (Bernardo’s signature) with weight distribution principles, shoulder placement details, and counters for lapel guard, spider guard, butterfly guard, worm guard, and deep half. Grip configurations and transition sequences connect everything. Volume 4 features 20+ narrated rolling sessions against high-level opposition where Bernardo analyzes every situation using the material from the first three volumes.
Why it stands out
- Over-under pass coverage that no other instructor can match – Bernardo teaches this pass at a level nobody else reaches
- 20+ narrated rolls in Volume 4 is exceptional value, showing exactly how the system works against live resistance
- Requires zero athleticism, strength, or flexibility – pure technique and weight management
- IBJJF Hall of Famer credentials at a budget-friendly $79 price point
A true masterpiece that includes all of his latest guard passing tactics and techniques. This pressure pass is unstoppable.
BJJ World, 5/5 rating
Heavily over-under focused – if you want diverse passing styles, Lovato’s headquarters system (#4) covers more variety. Gi-specific (his No Gi Pressure Passing is a separate purchase). Chronological structure means you can’t easily jump to specific guard solutions. Less modern guard coverage than Lepri.
Beginners to intermediates who want a proven pressure passing system they can apply without athleticism. Older grapplers especially benefit from the weight-based approach.
You train no-gi exclusively (this is gi-focused). If you want variety beyond the over-under, Lovato (#4) covers more passing styles.
Lucas Lepri’s Science of Guard Passing (#2) for the speed passing and modern guard solutions that complement Faria’s pressure approach.
The Leg Pin Passing System
Kade & Tye RuotoloA completely unique passing concept you won’t find in any other instructional. Step on your opponent’s thigh, immobilize their guard, and chain into x-passes, leg drags, and submissions. Simple, immediately applicable, and surprisingly effective.
What it covers
Volume 1 covers the leg pin concept and setup (stepping on the opponent’s thigh to immobilize their guard), balance and timing principles, basic entries from standing, transitions to x-pass and leg drag, and submission threats from the leg pin position. Volume 2 covers advanced applications against various guard types, combining with standard outside passing, chaining passes from reactions, dealing with leg lock threats, and flow-based sequences.
Why it stands out
- Completely unique passing technique not covered in any other instructional on the market
- Simple concept that’s immediately applicable in your very next rolling session
- Effective against leg lock players – developed specifically to neutralize that threat
- Complements existing outside passing rather than replacing it
A unique way to pass guard that is clearly and concisely explained. The biggest attributes that help with leg pin passing aren’t actually speed, but balance and timing.
The Grappling Conjecture
Very short runtime (1h22m) for $127 – the worst content-per-dollar ratio after Nicky Ryan. Only 2 volumes with no sparring footage and no troubleshooting section. More of a supplementary technique than a complete passing system. Lachlan Giles or Bernardo Faria offer vastly more content for less money.
Intermediate to advanced grapplers who want to add a unique, immediately effective tool to their existing outside passing game.
You’re looking for a complete passing system. This is a supplement, not a foundation. At $127 for under 90 minutes, the value is poor unless on sale.
Mica Galvao’s Next Generation Guard Passing (#9) for complementary outside passing with toreando and over-under.
Next Generation Guard Passing
Mica GalvaoBlack belt world champion before age 20, with a 100+ match win streak that included victories over Leandro Lo and Lucas ‘Hulk’ Barbosa. This instructional captures his passing philosophy: merge toreando movement with over-under pressure and set up submissions directly from passing.
What it covers
Part 1 covers the knee cut system with controlling the head during passes, preventing deep half guard, the towel passing technique, reverse De La Riva counters, and cleaning the knee line to take mount. Part 2 introduces submission threats from passing positions: baseball choke, brabo choke, and Mica’s signature armbar from knee slice setup. Part 3 covers toreando pass variations, over-under pass system with back takes, controlling ankles to leg drag, and combining toreando with over-under.
Why it stands out
- Submissions integrated directly into passing (baseball choke, brabo, armbar from knee slice) – a rare focus that gives you finishes when opponents defend the pass
- Back takes from passing positions are a standout feature most passing instructionals skip
- Combines movement passing (toreando) with pressure passing (over-under) in one system
- Budget price ($79) for championship-level content from a generational talent
Guard passes like knee cuts, toreando, over under, and more to create a unified passing style – supercharged with some of Mica’s tricky techniques.
BJJ Fanatics
Very short runtime (1h46m) limits the depth on any single passing style. Limited community reviews make it hard to assess real-world training impact. Less structured than Danaher or Giles. Teaching ability at such a young age is untested over time. Lucas Lepri covers gi passing in more depth for the same price.
Intermediate to advanced grapplers who want a modern, submission-integrated passing approach from one of the sport’s rising stars.
You’re a beginner who needs foundational concepts (go Danaher) or you want deep coverage of a single system (go Giles). The short runtime means you’ll need supplementary material.
Ruotolo Brothers’ Leg Pin System (#8) for complementary outside passing tools that chain with toreando and leg drag.
Rody Lock: The Nick Rodriguez Body Lock System
Nick RodriguezThe wrestling-informed body lock approach that took Nicky Rod to the 2019 ADCC finals as a blue belt. A four-phase system (acquire body lock, force half guard, beat legs, pin) with entries from every starting position. His teaching has improved significantly since his earlier instructionals.
What it covers
DVD 1 covers grip configurations, head positioning, and timing principles. DVD 2 addresses acquiring the body lock from four scenarios: seated opponent (standing), supine opponent (standing), seated opponent (kneeling), supine opponent (kneeling), plus chest pushing and shin-to-shin entries. DVD 3 covers forcing half guard with 2-on-1 grips, butterfly hook counters, and sprawl techniques. DVD 4 handles beating the legs with elbow pry, tight waist, and knee line stepping. DVD 5 covers top pinning from side control and mount. DVD 6 features FAQs with frame counters and overhead sweep solutions.
Why it stands out
- Wrestling-based methodology brings a unique perspective to body lock passing that pure BJJ instructionals miss
- Four-phase system (acquire, force half guard, beat legs, pin) is logical and sequential
- Covers all four starting scenarios (seated/supine x standing/kneeling) systematically
- Applicable to gi, no-gi, and MMA contexts due to wrestling-first approach
This is not just another body lock instructional trying to outdo Gordon Ryan’s famous one. Such is Nicky Rodriguez’s reputation, and every bit of it is more than well-deserved.
Filip Zanki, BJJ World (7/10 overall, technical quality 10/10, content quality 7/10)
Expensive at $194 with only a 7/10 content rating from BJJ World. Filip Zanki noted ‘limited cohesion between segments’ and ‘technical presentation lacks big-picture context.’ Highly dependent on the instructor’s athleticism – may not translate for smaller practitioners. Lachlan Giles’ Body Lock Pass is $99, more systematic, and better taught.
Blue-to-brown belt intermediates with a wrestling background who want a body lock system that leverages their wrestling instincts.
You’re a beginner (too complex), an advanced black belt (lacks substance at that level), or a smaller practitioner (system depends on athleticism). Lachlan Giles (#1) is a better body lock instructional for almost everyone.
Matheus Diniz’s No Gi Power Passing (#5) for pressure-based approaches that complement wrestling-informed body lock entries.
All picks, side by side
Comparison tableSwipe sideways for details · the price column stays pinned →
| # | Instructional | Instructor | Runtime | Level | Format | Category | Tier | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Body Lock Pass | Lachlan Giles | ~8 hours across 6 volumes | All levels | No-Gi | No-gi system | $ | Check price → |
| 2 | The Science of Guard Passing | Lucas Lepri | 2h 58m across 4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | Gi (many concepts transfer to no-gi) | Gi passing | $ | Check price → |
| 3 | Passing the Guard: Go Further Faster | John Danaher | ~12 hours across 8 volumes | Beginners to intermediate | Gi (concepts apply broadly) | Most comprehensive | $$ | Check price → |
| 4 | Pressure Passing and Top Game | Rafael Lovato Jr. | 5h 12m across 4 volumes | All levels | Gi (primarily) | Gi pressure system | $$ | Check price → |
| 5 | No Gi Power Passing | Matheus Diniz | 2h 52m across 4 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi | Budget no-gi | $ | Check price → |
| 6 | Interplay Between High Step and Body Lock Passing | Nicky Ryan | 2h 21m across 5 volumes | Intermediate | No-Gi | Body lock + high step | $$ | Check price → |
| 7 | Battle Tested Pressure Passing | Bernardo Faria | 3h 9m across 4 volumes | All levels (especially beginners) | Gi (separate no-gi version available) | Over-under pressure | $ | Check price → |
| 8 | The Leg Pin Passing System | Kade & Tye Ruotolo | 1h 22m across 2 volumes | Intermediate to advanced | No-Gi (primarily) | Most unique concept | $$ | Check price → |
| 9 | Next Generation Guard Passing | Mica Galvao | 1h 46m (organized in 3 parts) | Intermediate to advanced | Both Gi and No-Gi concepts | Modern movement | $ | Check price → |
| 10 | Rody Lock: The Nick Rodriguez Body Lock System | Nick Rodriguez | 5h 19m across 6 volumes | Intermediate (blue-brown belts with wrestling background) | No-Gi (applicable to gi and MMA) | Wrestling-based body lock | $$ | Check price → |
Why these three?
Why these three?
These three picks each dominate a different niche of guard passing:
- Lachlan Giles (#1) earns the top spot for the sheer depth of instruction. Eight hours on a single passing system, with narrated sparring that shows the body lock applied live. BJJ World gave it 5/5 and The Grappling Conjecture called it the only instructional that focuses solely on the body lock with this level of detail. The five-stage framework and Sao Paulo guard opening bonus make it the most complete package.
- Lucas Lepri (#2) gets the nod for gi practitioners. Six World Championships and a passing game that blends pressure and speed in ways few competitors manage. BJJ World rated it 5/5 and called it the best knee cut instructional ever recorded. At $79, the value is hard to beat.
- John Danaher (#3) takes the beginner-friendly slot because his Go Further Faster series was built from the ground up as a curriculum. Twelve closed guard opening options, a 5-step passing model, and staging positions like split squat and knee drop give new grapplers a conceptual roadmap that works against any guard.
Each remaining review below targets a specific passing style or budget, so you can find the right fit regardless of format, experience level, or price sensitivity.
Which guard passing style fits your game?
Answer a few questions to find the right guard passing instructional for your game.
Pricing & deals
BJJ Fanatics runs regular sales (often 40-60% off) and bundle deals. Here’s the current pricing at time of writing. Watch for holiday sales around Black Friday, New Year’s, and the ADCC tournament cycle.
| Instructional | Price | Runtime | $/Hour | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Body Lock Pass – Lachlan Giles | $99 | ~8h | $12.38 | No-Gi |
| Science of Guard Passing – Lepri | $79 | 2h 58m | $26.63 | Gi |
| Passing the Guard (GFF) – Danaher | $197 | ~12h | $16.42 | Gi |
| Pressure Passing – Lovato Jr. | $197 | 5h 12m | $37.88 | Gi |
| No Gi Power Passing – Diniz | $79 | 2h 52m | $27.56 | No-Gi |
| Interplay – Nicky Ryan | $197 | 2h 21m | $83.83 | No-Gi |
| Battle Tested Pressure Passing – Faria | $79 | 3h 9m | $25.08 | Gi |
| Leg Pin Passing – Ruotolo Bros | $127 | 1h 22m | $92.68 | No-Gi |
| Next Gen Passing – Mica Galvao | $79 | 1h 46m | $44.72 | Both |
| Rody Lock – Nick Rodriguez | $194 | 5h 19m | $36.48 | No-Gi |
Best value picks: Lachlan Giles ($12.38/hour) and Bernardo Faria ($25.08/hour) give you the most content for your money. Nicky Ryan ($83.83/hour) and the Ruotolo Brothers ($92.68/hour) are the most expensive per hour of instruction.
FAQ
What is the best guard passing instructional for beginners?
John Danaher’s Passing the Guard (Go Further Faster) is the best beginner choice. It’s built as a curriculum with a five-step passing model, 12 closed guard openings, and staging positions that give new grapplers clear checkpoints. Bernardo Faria’s Battle Tested Pressure Passing is also beginner-friendly because it requires zero athleticism and teaches the over-under in digestible steps.
What is the best no-gi guard passing instructional?
Lachlan Giles’ The Body Lock Pass is the best no-gi passing instructional. Eight hours of depth on a single system with narrated sparring, troubleshooting for every defense, and the Sao Paulo guard opening as a bonus. For a shorter, budget-friendly option, Matheus Diniz’s No Gi Power Passing ($79, under 3 hours) covers ADCC-proven pressure passing.
What is the best gi guard passing instructional?
Lucas Lepri’s The Science of Guard Passing is the best gi-specific passing instructional. It covers every modern guard (spider, lasso, worm, DLR, X-guard, single leg X) with a hybrid pressure and speed approach, all from a 6x World Champion. BJJ World rated it 5/5 and called it the best knee cut instructional ever recorded. At $79, it’s also one of the best values.
Is the body lock pass effective for smaller grapplers?
Yes. Lachlan Giles specifically designed his five-stage body lock system to work based on technique, timing, and weight distribution rather than size or strength. The key is proper grip placement and understanding when to release grips, which Volume 1 covers in detail. Avoid Nick Rodriguez’s Rody Lock if you’re a smaller grappler – BJJ World noted it’s “highly dependent on instructor’s athleticism.”
Should I learn pressure passing or speed passing first?
Pressure passing is generally easier to learn and apply first because it relies on weight management and positioning rather than timing and athleticism. Start with Bernardo Faria’s over-under ($79) or the body lock concepts from Lachlan Giles ($99). Add speed passing (toreando, leg drag) later with Mica Galvao ($79) or Lucas Lepri ($79) once your pressure base is solid.
How many guard passing instructionals do I need?
One comprehensive instructional is enough to build a strong passing game. Start with one that matches your primary training format (gi or no-gi) and your preferred style (pressure, body lock, or speed). Only add a second instructional when you’ve drilled and applied the first one for several months and identified specific gaps. Buying multiple instructionals before mastering one is the most common mistake.
Build a passing game that forces action
Pick the one system that matches your format and style, drill it for a few months, then add a second only when you’ve found real gaps. BJJ Fanatics runs sitewide discount codes (often ~50%) almost year-round.