A pressure-first HQ system that turns lapel guards flat and converts to mount or chokes.
The Bottom Line
You learn HQ checkpoints, side smash, and shin staple sequences. It is optimized for gi play and classical finishes. You will need to adapt for no-gi grips.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi pressure passers
Skip if: You want speed passing
Tech focus: Headquarters, Side Smash, Knee Slice
Biggest takeaway: Crush before you cut
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What You'll Learn
Lovato maps a headquarters-first, side-smash centric path through stubborn gi guards with checkpoint concepts and classic finishes.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Headquarters
- Side Smash
- Knee Slice
- Shin Staple
- Cross Choke
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Conceptual
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 5 hours and 12 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I made faster progress by drilling HQ entries separately before chaining side smash.
Why Rafael Lovato Jr.?
Rafael Lovato Jr. is an IBJJF world champion and Bellator MMA champion. He’s known for an old-school, detail-oriented pressure style.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Underrated instruction; became the core of some users’ gi passing.
- Great details on creating crushing pressure from HQ.
- Proficient, fundamental, and effective teaching style.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Primarily gi-focused; less direct no-gi crossover.
- Pricey outside seasonal sales.
- Movement options are secondary to pressure options.
Smart Alternatives
- The Science of Guard Passing by Lucas Lepri – Similar HQ and knee-slide emphasis with tournament polish. (Price: $79.00, 4 vols)
- Passing the Guard: BJJ Fundamentals – Go Further Faster by John Danaher – Conceptual completeness for mixed-format training. (Price: $197.00, 8 vols)
Sources & References
Official listing: View Pressure Passing and Top Game by Rafael Lovato on BJJ Fanatics
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
