Turn passing into a slow, repeatable grind that does not need flexibility.
The Bottom Line
You learn to set grips, staple hips, and climb to control without speed. The material focuses on predictable sequences and clear counters to common defenses. You will not get berimbolo-era footwork; you will get a durable, kneeling system.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Top players with stiff knees
Skip if: You chase fast torreandos
Tech focus: Over Under Passing, Pressure Passing, Head Control, Staple Finishes, Approach Vs Spider, Approach Vs Lasso
Biggest takeaway: Tie the hips first, then climb.
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What You'll Learn
Bernardo packages his trademark over-under into a step-by-step plan that does not require speed, flexibility, or elaborate footwork. If your knees hate long standing exchanges, this pass lets you kneel, tie hips, and grind through.
The series also shows troubleshooting against common frames and head-push counters so you can keep progressing even if you lack explosiveness.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Over Under Passing
- Pressure Passing
- Butterfly Entry Shutdown
- Spider Lasso Approach
- Head Control
- Staple Finishes
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Drill Heavy
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 16 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Buy it now. I got more success when I treated over-under as a three-phase climb: approach, checkpoint, finish.
Why Bernardo Faria?
Bernardo Faria is a 5x IBJJF black belt world champion and IBJJF Hall of Famer. He co-founded BJJ Fanatics and is famous for simple, pressure-first guard passing and half guard. His coaching focuses on reliability over flash. He teaches worldwide and runs an academy in Massachusetts.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Over-under gave me a reliable A-pass when athletic passes failed.
- Methodical details helped me pressure through flexible guards.
- Older players liked kneeling entries that save the lower back.
- Troubleshooting sections answered common frames and head push.
- Works well across gi and no-gi rooms for hobbyists.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Some training partners complain it is boring or slow.
- Neck pressure on the passer can be uncomfortable at first.
- Requires patience; you will not sprint through guards.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Pressure Passing Encyclopedia – Bernardo Faria – More encyclopedic take if you want extra variations.
- Polish Power Passing – Adam Wardzinski – Alternative pressure sequences from butterfly headquarters.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Jiu Jitsu For Old Guys: Over / Under Pressure Passing System on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.