Blend body lock control with high-step angles to outflank seated and half-guard players.
The Bottom Line
You learn to force half guard and build body lock grips consistently. High step adds speed and angles to finish the pass. Gi players will need adaptations.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Modern no-gi passers
Skip if: You train only gi
Tech focus: Body Lock, High Step, Half Guard Smash
Biggest takeaway: Angles plus pressure
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
A five-part system where high step passing complements body lock entries and half-guard finishes, adding angles and tempo to tight passing.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Body Lock
- High Step
- Double Unders
- Half Guard Smash
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 21 minutes
- Volumes: 5
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I found high-step rehearsals improved my timing for re-body locking after prying frames.
Why Nicky Ryan?
Nicky Ryan is an elite no-gi competitor and coach known for structured, reaction-based systems derived from top training rooms.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Combines tight pressure with dynamic angle changes.
- Clear ideas on forcing half guard to reduce opponent offense.
- Well-structured with rolling commentary to connect pieces.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some prefer other instructors’ body lock depth.
- Less direct for gi players who want lapel sequences.
- Pricey relative to shorter, focused sets.
Smart Alternatives
- The Body Lock Pass by Lachlan Giles – More exhaustive body lock troubleshooting. (Price: $99.00, 6 vols)
- Rody Lock: The Nick Rodriguez Body Lock System by Nick Rodriguez – Heavy pressure and heavyweight-specific insights. (Price: $194.00, 6 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Interplay Between High Step and Body Lock Passing by Nicky Ryan on BJJ Fanatics
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
