A detailed, modern pressure-passing encyclopedia that turns crossfaces and HQ into consistent, exhausting guard breaks.
The Bottom Line
JT maps pressure options against the guards you face most: butterfly, half, and knee shield. You learn when to switch from double-under to over-under and when to staple legs. If you already pass well but want opponents to feel stuck, this is the upgrade.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Intermediate top players
Skip if: You train MMA only
Tech focus: Double Under, Over Under, Knee Cut, Body Lock, Headquarters, Half Guard Smash, Butterfly Pass
Biggest takeaway: Make pressure your plan A.
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What You'll Learn
This six-part series is JT updating and deepening his pressure-first passing. You learn outside passing, wheelbarrow-style double-unders, over-under variations, and how to weaponize HQ against butterfly and knee shields.
If your game lives on top and you love shoulder pressure and crossfaces, this is the most detailed pressure blueprint in his catalog.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Outside Passing
- Double Under
- Over Under
- Headquarters
- Body Lock
- Knee Cut
- Leg Drag
- Half Guard Smash
- Butterfly Pass
- Chin Strap Pass
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
- Volumes: 6
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I saw how JT layers pressure: pin a hip line, win the head, then use leg staples to force predictable reactions.
Why JT Torres?
JT Torres, 2-time ADCC champion, is famous for suffocating but mobile pressure. He blends HQ passing, knee cuts, and body positioning to advance safely. As a teacher, he is concise and organized. He runs Essential Jiu-Jitsu in New York. Expect practical sequences that transfer to sparring quickly.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Great for grappling; worth it, especially on a Daily Deal.
- Explains crossface and knee-cut pressure details people could feel immediately.
- Good sequences for tiring opponents and wearing them down.
- Clear guidance versus butterfly and knee shield guards.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- One buyer questioned MMA applicability compared to pure BJJ.
- Some still prefer Danaher or New Wave sets for passing depth.
- Price feels steep unless discounted.
- Not aimed at leg entanglement-heavy meta.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- No Gi Fundamentals: Top Game by JT Torres – Broader top-game fundamentals if you want a start-here course. (4 vols)
- PJ Barch HQ Passing – Different HQ flavor with slick back takes.
- Lachlan Giles Guard Retention (counter-study) – Study the counters to pressure to round your game.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View No-Gi Pressure Mastery by JT Torres on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
