A kneeling closed-guard opener and pressure pass that saves your joints and crushes hips.
The Bottom Line
You learn the Tozi family of passes to open and smash closed guard from your knees. The focus is on subtle head and arm control with safe finishes. You will not get explosive standing breaks; you will get a steady, joint-friendly plan.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Gi passers avoiding standing breaks
Skip if: You dislike slow pressure
Tech focus: Sao Paulo Pass, Closed Guard Open, Hip Smash, Kesa Variations, Crossface Control
Biggest takeaway: Open first, then pressure through.
📋 Jump to a section (Click to expand)
What You'll Learn
The Sao Paulo (Tozi) pass opens closed guard and smothers hips from the knees. If standing guard breaks are hard on your joints, this kneeling pressure sequence is a proven alternative.
Leo offers a complete, multi-volume map that helps you avoid collar chokes, deal with overhooks, and finish to chest-to-chest control without fancy footwork.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Sao Paulo Pass
- Closed Guard Open
- Kesa Variations
- Hip Smash
- Crossface Control
- Pressure Passing
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Format: Gi
- Runtime: 3 hours and 8 minutes
- Volumes: 10
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I stopped muscling closed guard once I learned to angle hips before opening.
Why Leonardo Nogueira?
Leo Nogueira is a 2x IBJJF world champion known for textbook pressure passing. His Sao Paulo series distills his kneeling guard breaks and passing mechanics into a rigorous blueprint. He emphasizes control first and then incremental progress.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- High pressure pass that works even against flexible guards.
- Kneeling entries spared my knees from constant standing breaks.
- Great details on head position and arm control.
- Pairs well with over-under once guard opens.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Takes time to master; narrow window for errors.
- Back exposure risk if posture slips during tripod.
- Height differences can make the opening harder for some.
Smart Alternatives
- The Nogueira Passing System: The Sao Paulo Pass (expanded) – Extended edition for deeper dives into variations.
- Roger Gracie Closed Guard Opening (external reference) – Conceptual complement for posture and guard opens.
Sources & References
Official listing: View The Sao Paulo 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.
