Body Lock Pass: A Practical Guide to Tight, Reliable Guard Passing

What Is the Body Lock Pass and Where It Fits

The body lock pass is a pressure-based guard passing system where you connect your hands behind the opponent’s hips or lower back, glue your chest to their torso, and use head and shoulder position to pin their upper body while your legs pummel to neutralize hooks. Instead of fighting limbs at the edge of the guard, you win the center line, immobilize the pelvis, and steer the opponent’s knees away from their chest so they cannot re-guard.

You’ll commonly find entries from closed guard breaks, knee shield half guard, butterfly guard, seated open guard, and reverse De La Riva. The body lock pass is also a reliable answer when opponents invert or threaten leg entanglements; by closing distance and stapling the hips, you reduce their lever length and shut down many entries before they become dangerous.

Because control is built on wedges rather than explosive speed, the body lock pass bjj approach suits beginners and advanced players. It appears frequently at the highest levels—popularized in modern instruction and competition—and it adapts to both gi and no-gi. In the gi, lapels and pants grips can slow initial entries, but once you connect your hands and position your head, the core mechanics remain the same.

Body Lock Passing Videos on BJJ University (16 Videos, Top 10 Courses)

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Nicky Rod's Famous PASS!! #ajj #jiujitsu

30s · Nicky Rod

The video features Nicky Rod demonstrating his famous Body Lock Pass. He begins by achieving the body lock position, then if the opponent counters with hooks, he sprawls the right hip and drags over the mat towards the left. From there, he slides up to get a two-on-one grip and uses a ten-finger grip to rotate the elbow inside if the opponent is pinching his knees. He then steps over and performs a quick back step to secure side control.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Side Control Category: Guard Passing

Gordon Ryan - Body Lock Guard Pass Off Their Underhook

3m · Gordon Ryan

The YouTube video hosted by BJJ Fanatics features the world-famous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner Gordon Ryan demonstrating a body lock guard pass from half guard when the opponent manages to get an underhook. Ryan stresses on the importance of maintaining a body lock to control the opponent's upper body, and using a butterfly hook to control the space between the opponent's knees. As a result, the practitioner is more likely to be successful in passing the guard and obtaining a secure top side control position.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Half Guard Category: Guard Passing

PREMIUM

Systematically Attacking the Guard Body Lock Study by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, renowned grappler Gordon Ryan shares his comprehensive body lock system for successful guard passing. He delves into a range of techniques, such as front and side body locks, tight-waists, over-under body locks, high tripods and others, illustrating how to effectively break through the opponent's guard. He also introduces his "Golden Trilemma", a principle designed to create unstoppable passing threats. Additionally, Ryan offers breakdowns of his actual gym footage to demonstrate these techniques in action.

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The Body Lock Pass: Standard version

5m · Lachlan Giles

This video features instructor Lachlan Giles demonstrating the steps of a body lock pass from the half guard position. He emphasizes preventing the opponent's leg from reaching the outside, using an underhook and one's own body positioning to block the opponent's leg, and shifting the opponent's hips to the side to improve positioning. After achieving the body lock, the instructor demonstrates how to step over the opponent's leg, shift hips and shoulder position, and eventually move into side control or mount as the situation allows. He also covers common defenses the opponent might use and how to counter them.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Half Guard Category: Guard Passing

Body lock pass (Lachlan Giles)

3m · Lachlan Giles

Instructor Lachlan Giles demonstrates his variation of the body lock pass from the butterfly guard position. He highlights important details such as retaining low hip positioning to prevent the opponent from transitioning to closed guard. Giles also emphasizes the importance of controlling the opponent's leg to prevent them from establishing a butterfly hook and ensuring proper positioning of the shoulder to keep the opponent flat on the mat during the pass.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Butterfly Guard Category: Guard Passing

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Pressure and Pummeling: The Open Guard Bundle by Shawn Williams

$239.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features BJJ instructor, Shawn Williams, a black belt under Renzo Gracie, teaching techniques on guard passing focusing on the shin-to-shin position with both no-gi and gi applications. He introduces the body lock pass as the center of this system, aiming to develop a dynamic top game. The video provides a comprehensive guide to mastering the shin-to-shin guard and includes techniques for sweeping, submitting, and dealing with aggressive guard passers.

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TOP 3 Body Lock Variations

5m · Giancarlo Bodoni

This video is an instructional feature by Giancarlo Bodoni on how to execute three variations of the body lock pass in Butterfly Guard and Half Guard. Starting from the most basic and ending with the most advanced, Bodoni explains the practicality and strength hierarchy of these techniques. The video emphasizes on controlling the opponent and adequately finishing the pass from these positions. It provides a detailed and sophisticated guide for practitioners of all levels to enhance their Guard Passing skills.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Various Category: Guard Passing

Basic Body Lock Pass - Andre Galvao

12m · Andre Galvao

In this video, multiple-time world & ADCC champion Andre Galvao demonstrates how to execute a basic body lock pass. He explains that it's an effective technique when your opponent has slippery or noodle-like legs. The instructional video details how to position yourself over your opponent, effectively lock their body and decide which side to pass from. Galvao emphasizes on the importance of keeping your opponent's back on the floor and handling the grips properly to maintain mobility and control.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Body Lock Category: Guard Passing

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Sambo: The Top Game - A Blue Print For "Smeshing" by Khabib Nurmagomedov

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features undefeated UFC legend Khabib Nurmagomedov showcasing a Sambo-Hybrid system. Khabib covers various techniques such as standing techniques, control and submissions on the ground, and cage control. He provides tips on closing distance with strikes to set up takedowns, shooting, using single legs, and body locks. Additionally, the video includes information about his strategy for holding positions while delivering strikes, and the principles he used for dominant cage control.

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Entering side body lock #bjj #bjjtechniques #bjjfanatics bjjfanatics.com for more instruc…

59s · Giancarlo Bodoni

The video is an instructional piece by Giancarlo Bodoni detailing the technique of entering a side body lock in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He elaborates on how to initiate the position, particularly when experiencing resistance from an opponent, which involves a shift in direction and grounding to the floor. He also explains how to avoid losing the position by accurately placing your knees and hands. Additionally, Bodoni presents a couple of ways to transition into more aggressive positions from the side body lock, such as mounting.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Body Lock Category: Transitions

Body Lock Pass by Firas Zahabi

26s · Firas Zahabi

This instructional video by Firas Zahabi focuses on Guard Passing, specifically the Body Lock Pass technique. Beginning with pushing the opponent's legs side to side, the technique involves sliding the body behind the opponent's thighs and placing the forearm inside the his thigh as part of the setup. Zahabi then locks the body, comes off his left knee and uses his body weight to crush the opponent. The video ends with Zahabi sliding his shoulder behind the opponent's back, taking the top position.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Body Lock Category: Guard Passing

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Interplay Between High Step and Body Lock Passing by Nicky Ryan

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, Nicky Ryan teaches his unique High Step & Body Lock Passing system for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Ryan explains the intricacies of body lock passing, forcing half guard, half guard passing, and the role of high step passing in bringing it all together. He shares techniques for forcing half guard on opponents to reduce their offensive abilities, maintaining control from the top, and executing effective passes from body lock and half guard situations. The video is part of a 5-part series by world-class competitor and coach Nicky Ryan.

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4 Wrestling Takedowns Every Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner Should Know 🤼‍♂️🔥

21s · Not Mapped

The video serves as a brief tutorial on four wrestling takedowns for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. These techniques include Ankle pick, Arm drag to knee tap, Double leg to body lock, and Outside trip to high crotch. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the details of these techniques and putting in consistent practice to improve the efficiency of takedowns during matches. The instructor encourages viewers to integrate these moves into their regular drill routines to boost stand-up confidence.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Standing Category: Takedowns/Stand‑Up

Passing butterfly guard with the body lock (Lachlan Giles)

9m · Lachlan Giles

This video is an instructional guide on how to perform a body lock pass from the butterfly guard. Instructor Lachlan Giles, a second degree BJJ black belt, teaches a step by step process on how to successfully control the opponents hips, pass one leg then the other, then move into a suitable passing position while applying weight and pressure onto the opponent throughout to maintain control. He emphasizes to stay low and keep pressure forward to avoid getting swept by the opponent. This technique allows for a successful guard pass while maintaining top control throughout the technique.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Butterfly Guard Category: Guard Passing

PREMIUM

Balls To Wall by Craig Jones

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features BJJ legend and MMA coach, Craig Jones demonstrating various techniques of wall wrestling. Jones explains both the offensive and defensive aspects and shows how to use the wall to assist in defending and executing takedowns. Techniques demonstrated include locked doubles, singles, body locks, and foot sweeps. Craig's teaching emphasizes on creating a robust wall wrestling system to dominate the fight against the wall with chain wrestling tactics.

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Octopus Guard 2.0 | Entry from Half Guard | Side Control Pin | Back Body Lock

5m · Kieran Davern

In the video, instructor Kieran Davern presents detailed techniques for successfully executing the Octopus Guard game. He starts with how to enter the Octopus Guard from a Half Guard, using the hip hoist. Next, he discusses transitioning to a dominant Side Control Pin, and how to drill it for effectiveness. Finally, he details how to secure a standing back take or Back Body Lock from the Octopus Guard. Throughout, Davern emphasizes key points such as grip placement, positioning, and movement strategies.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Octopus Guard Category: Transitions

Body Lock Foot Post by Craig Jones

3m · Craig Jones

In this instructional video, Craig Jones presents a variation on a body lock pass— the Body Lock Foot Post. He demonstrates how to transition from a standard body lock pass to a deeper hip grip and securing the opponent's butterfly hook. Craig advises on the importance of maintaining the shoulder to ear connection while moving forward and over the opponent's legs. He emphasizes the benefits of incorporating unpredictable techniques to keep opponents guessing and enhance one's guard passing repertoire.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Body Lock Category: Guard Passing

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Milk the System: Power Passing Body Locks Half Guard & Butterfly Half Guard Passing b…

$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, BJJ prodigy Dan Manasoiu provides detailed instruction on how to perform power passing body locks to pass half guard and butterfly half guard. His approach emphasizes a blend of control, power, and precision to pass with high efficiency and minimal effort. Techniques and strategies include transitioning smoothly between the two guard positions and executing powerful bodylock entries, pressure passing, and threat submissions while maintaining a strong base. This video is designed to help both competitive fighters and passionate practitioners improve their guard passing game.

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Crab Ride Positional Training by ADCC Veteran Mike Perez

1m · Mike Perez

The video features ADCC veteran Mike Perez teaching the crab ride positional control in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Starting from the crab ride position with feet intertwined behind the partner's calves, the objective is to transition from body lock to seat belt while trying to put in both hooks. The video also covers maintaining a tightly locked connection and trapping a wrist for more effective control. Techniques to escape or reverse the position as a defender are briefly mentioned.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Crab Ride Category: Positional Control

Body Lock from the Back Defense by Pete "The Greek" Letsos

6m · Pete Letsos

The video is led by Pete "The Greek" Letsos, who teaches a defensive technique specific to when an attacker grabs you from behind, known as the Body Lock from the Back Defense. He starts the instruction by demonstrating how to escape the body lock, either when grabbed over or under the arms. Letsos emphasizes the importance of shooting your hands up to prevent being stuck. He shows how to pivot, step behind the attacker and lift them up to flip them over. Additionally, he demonstrates how to catch the attacker in a wristlock as a counter-attack. Self-defense advice is also given regarding how to protect your neck and be aware of your surroundings.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Back Control Category: Survival/Defense

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The Body Lock Pass by Lachlan Giles

$99.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video teaches the technique of executing the Body Lock Pass, a powerful tool for passing guards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Lachlan Giles, an ADCC veteran and world medalist, breaks down the strategy behind the body lock passing system in a comprehensive, step-by-step, 6-volume course. In addition to detailed explanations, the course includes narrated rolling footage for students to learn how to apply the technique in actual sparring situations.

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Front Body Lock Take down from the Over Under Position - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) Techni…

8m · Jeff Joslin

In this video, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt instructor, Jeff Joslin, demonstrates a simple and effective takedown from the body lock position known as the Front Body Lock Takedown. Starting from the Over Under Position, Joslin walks through the technique, including pummeling the hand inside the arm, grabbing each shoulder, flaring elbows up, and keeping one leg forward and deep to avoid counter-grips. He further explains going from high to low to break the opponent's balance and take them down, with a strong emphasis on maintaining hip separation and applying pressure via the head.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Guard Generic Category: Takedowns/Stand‑Up

Have you seen it? FREE 30 Minute Ultimate Guide to Body Lock Passing Instructional! Out N…

46s · BJJ Black Belt Instructor

This video is a guide on executing the body lock pass, as demonstrated by a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt Instructor. The instructor emphasizes the importance of applying weight on the knee and assuming a larger presence to protect oneself. They guide learners on how to control the opponent's body by extending the leg and positioning the hip in a strategic place in order to pass the guard. The ultimate aim of the video is to help learners grasp the easy pass from side control using the body lock pass.

Technique: Body Lock Passing Position: Body Lock Category: Guard Passing

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International Upper Body Offense by Valentin Kalika

$87.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features prominent wrestling coach, Valentin Kalika, as he shares his expert knowledge on upper body offense. The instructional video guides viewers on how to use Olympic level techniques to launch aggressive takedowns and score big points. Key areas of focus include head and arm throw variations, the body lock takedown, pivot throw, and knee drop throw. Kalika also offers guidance on chain wrestling, using pressure to provoke reactions, over-under positional tactics, and 2-on-1 strategies, complete with crucial details and secret tips.

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PREMIUM

Secure BJJ Takedowns by Joao Assis

$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features World No-Gi Champion and ADCC Gold and Silver medalist, Joao Assis demonstrating techniques for successful BJJ takedowns. Assis offers instruction on how to properly utilize the clinch and body lock in tandem with various scrambles to capitalize on takedowns and sweeps during standing exchanges. The video underscores the importance of developing a strong defensive body lock game to enhance your performance across the board in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

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PREMIUM

High Impact Greco Throws by Alec Ortiz

$79.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The tutorial video, by Alec Ortiz, teaches viewers to use greco throws, a technique in stand-up fighting. Ortiz provides instructions on different types of throws, like arm spins, body locks, and head & arms. He emphasizes the importance of effective execution to create a significant impact while using these techniques. These throws are meant to leave the opponent disoriented and overwhelmed, significantly enhancing one's offensive capabilities.

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Key Mechanics: Position Before Pressure

Connection and grip: Lock your hands directly behind the opponent’s hips—ideally around the sacrum or belt line. Use an S-grip or gable grip depending on reach and hand size. Keep your elbows tight like a seatbelt around the pelvis to stop hip rotation. If you lose the hip line, you lose the pass.

Head and shoulder position: Your head goes under their chin or to one side of the sternum to keep them flat. Your lead shoulder drives into the solar plexus or floating ribs. Think of your head as the steering wheel and your shoulder as the wedge. If your head drifts outside with no control, they’ll sit up, frame, or enter guard recoveries.

Spine and knee control: Tilt their knees away from their chest so their hips can’t move freely. Your knee line mobility matters: windshield-wiper your shins to clear hooks, pummel inside ties, and trap a thigh with your shin or knee. A common checkpoint is to trap one of their legs while your hands keep the hips glued, forcing them into a half-guard-like dilemma where frames fail.

Leg pummeling and knee traps: From seated/butterfly, step your lead leg to the center line, knee-to-tailbone, while your trail leg circles to the outside. Trap their far knee with your shin and pinch your knees to stop re-guards. In knee shield entries, peel or swim past the shield first, then connect your hands and immediately angle their knees away.

Pressure to pass: After winning head position and a knee line trap, walk your hips forward, compress their knees to their chest, and staple their far thigh to the mat. Your chest pressure glues them; your legs advance. Finish by sliding to mount, chest-to-chest side control, or switching to a knee cut when they over-frame one side.

Entries, Finishes, and Troubleshooting

Common entries:

• +From butterfly guard: Pummel inside, crowd the hips, connect your hands, and drive your head under their jaw. Knee line traps stop their hooks; then walk pressure to the side opposite your head.
• +From knee shield half guard: Clear the shield with your forearm or hip switch, drop your chest to pin their torso, lock hands behind the hips, and windshield-wiper to free the trapped leg.
• +From open guard/reverse De La Riva: Beat the ankle grips, step the center line, square the hips, and lock your hands before they invert. Head position wins the race against their frames.

Finishing ideas: When you’ve stapled the far thigh, rotate your body and walk your feet toward their head to force their knees across their center line. Slide your chest past their knee line to side control. If their frames are stubborn, float to a knee cut on the open side or switch to a backstep if they expose the far hip.

Counters and recounters: Expect collar ties, underhooks, and stiff-arm frames. Peel frames by turning your head into the wrist, walking your shoulder over the tricep, and re-threading your head under their chin. If they underhook, smash the underhook with your chest and walk your hips to the far side to collapse their shoulder line. If they invert, drop your hips, keep your elbows clamped, and stuff the hamstring before resuming your staple.

Troubleshooting common mistakes:

• +Hands too high on the ribs: You’ll slip and lose the hips. Slide your grip lower, near the belt line or sacrum.
• +Lazy head position: If your head is off-center, they’ll sit up or pull guard back. Win the chin line consistently.
• +No knee line control: Without trapping a thigh or stapling the far leg, you’re static. Prioritize a leg trap before adding big pressure.
• +Driving straight forward only: Angle their knees away first. Lateral steering beats straight-line pushing.
• +Forgetting to breathe and balance: Keep your base mobile. Small hip walks and foot adjustments maintain pressure without stalling.

Safety and Training Considerations

While the body lock pass is generally low risk compared to submissions, poor head position can put strain on your own neck, and heavy chest pressure can cause training partners discomfort. Apply pressure gradually, communicate, and avoid cranking the neck or face. If your partner frames across your throat, re-route instead of forcing your way through.

When opponents enter leg entanglements, the safest decision is to square your hips, clamp the knees, and clear their inside position before progressing. Do not twist or yank your knee line free under load; instead, address the inside hook, staple a thigh, then re-establish the body lock before continuing.

What to Study First

Start with a simple sequence you can test on day one:

1. 1From seated guard contact, pummel inside ties and connect your hands behind the hips.
2. 2Win head position under the chin and drive your shoulder to the sternum.
3. 3Trap the far thigh with your shin, angle the knees away, and walk your hips forward.
4. 4Slide to side control or knee cut when frames extend.

Layer details as you go: learn to peel frames without losing the hip line, practice leg pummeling against live hooks, and add finishes to both sides. In the gi, study how to clear sleeve and collar grips before you connect your hands; body lock passing in the gi rewards early grip fighting. Watching examples like the Gordon Ryan body lock pass or the body lock pass by Lachlan Giles can highlight universal checkpoints: chin line control, hip clasp, and knee line traps.

Using BJJ University to Learn the Body Lock Pass

BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. If you’re exploring the bjj body lock pass, start on the Body Lock Passing page to compare multiple teaching styles, then branch into related positions like knee shield, butterfly guard, and reverse De La Riva to understand how entries change by guard.

Save time by following collections that feature high-level breakdowns and situational studies. You can filter by instructors known for clear systems and pressure passing. Compare sequences side by side, note where details overlap, and build your own checklist. Bookmark BJJ University and share it with teammates or friends who want organized, free resources to grow their game.

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Related BJJ University Pages

• 1Body Lock Passing main page: Direct access to curated videos, clips, and breakdowns organized for this technique.
• 2All BJJ techniques: Browse related techniques, positions, and categories to connect entries and defenses to the body lock pass.
• 3Berimbolo Technique Guide: Compare related BJJ University technique study guides.
• 4Crab Ride Technique Guide: Compare related BJJ University technique study guides.