Looking to level up your guard passing game? Craig Jones’s “Higher Tripod Passing” instructional might be exactly what you need. This comprehensive system has transformed how I approach passing, especially against modern guards. Get it now on BJJ Fanatics and revolutionize your passing game!
What’s It About?
“Higher Tripod Passing” is Craig Jones’s masterclass on using the tripod position not just as a defensive posture, but as an offensive launching point to systematically dismantle your opponent’s guard. Released through BJJ Fanatics at $197, this 4-volume instructional takes you from foundational concepts to advanced applications of this pressure-based passing system.
The instructional spans approximately 6 hours of detailed content, with Craig breaking down every nuance of his innovative approach to passing. What makes this instructional special is how Craig transforms what many consider a basic or even stalling position into a methodical weapon for passing even the trickiest guards.
Detailed Breakdown
Volume 1: Foundations and Perfect Positioning
The first volume lays the groundwork with crystal-clear explanations of:
• Proper body positioning in the tripod • Order of operations when initiating passes • Upper and lower body controls that create a “pass or die” scenario • Common mistakes that leak pressure (and how to fix them)
Craig’s attention to detail here is impressive. Rather than rushing into techniques, he spends ample time on positioning subtleties that most instructionals gloss over. I found his explanation of weight distribution particularly eye-opening – slight shifts in hip position made immediate differences in my training.
Volume 2: Baiting and Exploiting Reactions
Volume 2 is where things get devious. Craig shows how to:
• Bait the Ashi Guard entry (then pass it) • Execute the Over Knee pass against defensive opponents • Force opponents into Butterfly Half (his preferred passing scenario) • Smoothly enter these positions from the knees
What impressed me most was Craig’s systematic approach to creating and exploiting reactions. He’s not teaching isolated techniques but rather a flowing system where each defensive reaction from your opponent triggers your next offensive move.
Craig Jones demonstrating his signature tripod passing approach against ADCC competitors
Volume 3: The Near Side Underhook (The Heart of the System)
Volume 3 reveals what Craig considers the true purpose of the instructional:
• Mastering the near side underhook passing position • Transitioning seamlessly from far side to near side control • Troubleshooting common defensive reactions • The infamous “Tiananmen Square Lockdown” (Craig’s humor on full display with this name)
This volume was a game-changer for me. The near side underhook details alone justified the price of the entire instructional. Craig’s explanation of how to maintain pressure while transitioning between positions addressed problems I’d been struggling with for months.
Volume 4: Bonus Techniques and Advanced Applications
The final volume delivers bonus content including:
• The “Duck Under” technique against standing opponents • “Dog Fight” position control and advancement • “Side Control Peek Out” counter for when opponents try to escape • “Cow Catcher” and its half guard variation
These bonus techniques round out the system beautifully, offering solutions to common problems that arise when implementing the main techniques.
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My Experience & Key Takeaways
After implementing Craig’s tripod passing system for several weeks, I noticed immediate improvements in three areas:
- Pressure maintenance – My ability to maintain consistent pressure throughout passing sequences improved dramatically. Previously, I would create openings for my opponents during transitions; Craig’s system eliminated those gaps.
- Control against dynamic guards – Modern guards like butterfly and K-guard became significantly easier to neutralize using the tripod position as Craig teaches it.
- Energy efficiency – Perhaps most importantly, my passing became more efficient. I’m no longer burning out halfway through training sessions because I’m using proper mechanics rather than muscling through positions.
The biggest “aha” moment came when applying the near side underhook concepts against higher-level training partners. Positions that previously felt impossible to pass suddenly opened up with the subtle weight distribution adjustments Craig emphasizes.
Pros & Cons
What I Loved
• Craig’s teaching style is clear, concise, and occasionally hilarious • The systematic approach builds concepts that connect logically • Techniques work against both gi and no-gi opponents (though it’s primarily a no-gi focused instructional) • Applicable for all body types (I’m 5’9″ and found everything worked well) • The production quality is excellent, with multiple camera angles showing important details
Potential Drawbacks
• At $197, it’s a significant investment (though frequently on sale) • Some of the advanced concepts require a solid foundation in passing fundamentals • Craig occasionally uses terminology that might confuse absolute beginners • A few techniques require training partners who understand how to drill safely
Who This Instructional Is For
“Higher Tripod Passing” is ideal for:
• Intermediate to advanced grapplers looking to develop a systematic passing approach • Competitors who face modern, dynamic guards regularly • Smaller grapplers who need technique over brute force • Coaches looking to develop a comprehensive passing curriculum
While beginners can certainly benefit from the instructional, I’d recommend having at least 6-12 months of consistent training before diving in. Some of the concepts build on fundamental understanding that absolute newcomers might not have yet.
Final Verdict
Craig Jones’s “Higher Tripod Passing” earns a solid 9/10 in my book. It’s transformed how I approach passing and given me a systematic framework that works against increasingly complex modern guards.
What separates this instructional from others is Craig’s ability to create a cohesive system rather than a collection of techniques. Every position flows logically into the next, creating a roadmap for handling virtually any guard scenario you’ll encounter.
If you’re serious about elevating your passing game, especially in no-gi, this instructional is absolutely worth the investment. The near side underhook details alone justify the price, and the bonus techniques are the cherry on top.
Ready to transform your passing game? Get Craig Jones’s Higher Tripod Passing on BJJ Fanatics today!
Looking for more Craig Jones instructionals? Check out my breakdown of his best instructionals here – from leg locks to back attacks, Craig’s teaching has revolutionized modern jiu-jitsu.
