Blend high step, body lock, and half-guard passing into a modern top game.
The Bottom Line
You get entries to body lock, near-side underhook sequences, and a high-step module that outflanks knee-to-chest frames. It is concise and technique-focused, with less concept discussion. You will not get deep interconnection mapping; some viewers consider it three mini-courses.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Modern no-gi passers
Skip if: You want deep theory
Tech focus: High Step Passing, Body Lock, Near Side Underhook, Double Unders, Half Guard Passing
Biggest takeaway: Beat hooks and pummel in.
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What You'll Learn
High step can feel awkward for shorter frames, but combining it with body lock and half-guard passing gives you multiple finishes. This set focuses on beating sticky hooks, knee-to-chest frames, and using near-side underhooks to flatten hips.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- High Step Passing
- Body Lock
- Half Guard Passing
- Near Side Underhook
- Double Unders
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 21 minutes
- Volumes: 5
Should You Buy It?
Skip. I like this most as an add-on after you already pass with pressure or body lock.
Why Nicky Ryan?
Nicky Ryan is an ADCC-level competitor known for precise no-gi mechanics and a clear teaching style. This course focuses on connecting high step ideas with body lock and half-guard passing.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Clear, concise teaching and easy to digest.
- Good crash course on body locks and half-guard passing.
- Connects three families of passes logically.
- Praised as rarely mentioned but strong choice.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some found little actual 'interplay' between topics.
- Critiques that it leans heavily toward half-guard passing.
- Mixed views on high step effectiveness at advanced levels.
Smart Alternatives
- Body Lock The World – More depth on body lock counters and pummeling. (Price: $149.00, 8 vols)
- The Body Lock Pass – Structured framework and troubleshooting. (Price: $99.00, 6 vols)
- Tripod Passing: Beating Inside Position – Alternate primary plan when high step stalls. (Price: $127.00)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Interplay Between High Step and Body Lock Passing on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
