A fast, chain-based open guard passing system built for smaller passers who face bigger bodies.
The Bottom Line
You learn a linked system of long steps, leg drags, knee slices, cross steps, and a full Toreando module. The focus is beating frames, switching sides fast, and converting to north-south, side control, or back takes. You will not get a slow smash approach, so pressure-only players may want a different primary resource.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Smaller, mobile passers
Skip if: You prefer slow pressure
Tech focus: Toreando, Long Step, Leg Drag, Knee Slice, X Guard Passing, De La Riva Passing, Cartwheel Pass
Biggest takeaway: Chain passes before frames set.
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What You'll Learn
Bruno packages his signature movement-based passing into a four-part gi system that targets modern open guards. The focus is chaining passes, off-balancing, and beating frames with speed and angle changes.
If you are smaller or you dislike slow pressure battles, this gives you a roadmap. You will learn collar and sleeve, De La Riva, X-guard, long step, leg drag, and a Toreando module.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Toreando
- Long Step
- Leg Drag
- Knee Slice
- X Guard Passing
- De La Riva Passing
- Cartwheel Pass
- Cross Step
- Stack Pass
- Back Take
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 38 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I found the side-to-side tempo and immediate re-entries the fastest way to stop grips from stabilizing.
Why Bruno Malfacine?
Bruno Malfacine is a 10x IBJJF black belt world champion and IBJJF Hall of Famer. He is widely considered the greatest roosterweight of all time. He built his style around speed, angle changes, and precise grip decisions. He is an Alliance black belt under Vinicius Amaral and trained extensively with Fabio Gurgel. His teaching emphasizes options that let smaller athletes neutralize stronger opponents. He runs Alliance Orlando and teaches gi-focused systems.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Helped a smaller white belt start passing bigger people by chaining fast passes and pace changes.
- Side-to-side passing and long step chains clicked quickly for several users.
- Praised for actionable movement passing rather than only pressure ideas.
- Community notes it suits smaller, athletic passers who like speed.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some say Malfacine's acrobatic movements feel hard to replicate for average hobbyists.
- Dynamic standing passing may be too advanced for early beginners.
- Pressure-pass fans argue other systems suit their style better.
- A few prefer Danaher or Lepri for half guard centric answers.
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Smart Alternatives
- The Science of Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri – More structure for classic knee cut and collar-sleeve problems. (Price: $79.00)
- Precision Collar and Sleeve Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri – Deep dive on collar-sleeve where many struggle. (Price: $97.00)
- Battle Tested Pressure Passing by Bernardo Faria – If you want a slower, pressure-first style instead. (Price: $79.00)
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View How to Beat Bigger Guys: Open Guard Passing by Bruno Malfacine on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
