A clean nogi HQ roadmap with squatting entries, shin staple pressure, and reliable finishes without cloth grips.
The Bottom Line
You get a clear blueprint for nogi headquarters without relying on collars or sleeves. The structure helps you force half guard, attack knee slice, and shut down seated guards. If you live in nogi, this is the most relevant Lovato course.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Nogi passers using HQ
Skip if: You only play distance
Tech focus: Headquarters, Shin Staple, Knee Slice Pass, Side Smash, Backstep, Leg Drag, Pressure Passing
Biggest takeaway: Squatting HQ works in modern nogi
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What You'll Learn
Lovato brings his signature headquarters approach to nogi, focusing on squatting HQ, shin staple, knee slice, and side smash without cloth grips. Expect entries against seated guards, head control mechanics, and clear reactions against off-balances and leg entanglement attempts. It complements other HQ resources and fits modern nogi pacing.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Headquarters
- Shin Staple
- Knee Slice Pass
- Side Smash
- Backstep
- Leg Drag
- Body Positioning
- Pressure Passing
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: No-Gi
- Runtime: 1 hour and 49 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I found the squatting HQ cues make it easier to balance pressure with leg entanglement safety.
Why Rafael Lovato Jr?
Lovato is an IBJJF World and No-Gi World champion with a Bellator MMA title. He systemized the headquarters passing approach and teaches it broadly through Timeless Jiu-Jitsu. His nogi passing emphasizes posture, head control, and hip pinning without fabric grips. He continues to refine HQ against modern seated guards.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Good teacher; the moves translated to live rounds for me.
- Straightforward explanations; easy to follow for HQ learners.
- Useful discussion of squatting HQ and head control choices.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Does not go super deep like longer encyclopedic sets.
- Some overlap with earlier pressure passing material is noted.
- A few wonder if body type affects results from squatting HQ.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Andrew Wiltse Buzzsaw Passing – Fast-paced HQ-style sequences many find easy to apply.
- Lucas Lepri Nogi Passing – Elite knee slice mechanics that pair well with HQ.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
