Knee Cut Pass: Your Reliable, Pressure-Forward Guard Pass

What Is the Knee Cut Pass and Where It Fits

The knee cut pass is a forward-pressure pass where you slice your knee between the opponent’s thighs to pin their hips and legs while controlling the upper body with an underhook or crossface. The goal is to immobilize the near hip, disconnect their frames, and progress to side control or mount. Because it blends speed, angle, and pressure, it fits well in both tempo-based passing and heavy-control styles.

You’ll commonly see the bjj knee cut from positions like headquarters (one leg stapled, one knee up), shin-on-shin, knee shield half guard, reverse De La Riva, and general open guard when the passer wins inside position on the legs. It’s effective in gi and no-gi. In the gi, sleeve and collar grips help clear the frames; in no-gi, strong head position, elbow wedges, and pummeling for underhooks take priority.

The knee cut pass also creates branching options. If your opponent blocks the cut with a strong knee shield, you can backstep to the far hip. If they turn in, you can chase the underhook to flatten and mount. If they turn away, you can climb to the back. This is why elite passers often build their entire passing game around variations of the knee cut.

Knee Cut Pass Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)

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Easiest System to Pass The Open Guard

38s · Jon Thomas

Jon Thomas explains a simple system for passing the open guard. The system begins with firmly establishing a grip on the opponent's pants and then backing up to create distance, which makes it harder for the opponent to break the grip. The next step varies based on the opponent's position: for a wide leg, a knee cut pass can be performed; if the leg is shielded, the ankle can be grabbed, pushed down, and passed with a run around pass; if a grip can be established on the leg, a toriondo pass can be executed.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Open Guard Category: Guard Passing

First Five Escapes You Need to Know | Jiu-Jitsu Basics

8m · Knight Jiu-Jitsu

In this video, Knight Jiu-Jitsu teaches five essential escape techniques for beginners in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He emphasizes the importance of escaping 'big 4' positions: Mount, Side Control, Guard, and Back Mount. The video provides an in-depth tutorial on the Upa Escape and Elbow Escape from Mount, Guard Replacement from Side Control, Back Mount Escape, and Knee Cut Guard Pass. The instructor elaborates on each technique, explaining the movements and strategies necessary to successfully escape each position.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Various Category: Escapes

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They Shall Not Pass by Gordon Ryan

$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features Gordon Ryan, the ADCC Absolute Champion, presenting his guard retention system that can be employed in various positions including X guard, half guard, and seated guard. Gordon shows detailed techniques on how to prevent common passes such as knee cuts, torreando, and stacking. The 8-volume series not only showcases the techniques but also includes footage of Gordon performing these techniques live at the gym while narrating the process, giving a comprehensive understanding of the system.

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The EASIEST Passing System For Both Gi & Nogi BJJ

7m · Jordan Teaches Jiujitsu

The video provides a comprehensive guide on implementing a BJJ guard passing system that is applicable to both Gi and Nogi fighting styles. Jordan elaborates on two techniques — the Knee Slide and Side Smash Pass, which function in symbiosis. If an opponent attempts to block one technique, the other would be available. Furthermore, the instructor provides a detailed breakdown of the Headquarters Position, which serves as the foundation for executing both passes. Jordan also shares key nuances and grip strategies related to each technique to improve their effectiveness.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Head Quarters Category: Guard Passing

How to Pass the Seated Guard in BJJ

6m · Jon Thomas

The video, by Jon Thomas, focuses on techniques to pass the seated guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Starting with a brief overview of the mechanics of the position, Thomas demonstrates five major methods of passing the seated guard. Techniques include the 'Knee Cut Pass', where the top player grips fight and tries to catch an underhook, pulling it up high to prevent the opponent's re-pummelling. Another method is engaging the 'Toriondo/X Pass'; here, the top player grabs the opponent's lapel, pulling it down to create a strong pull, moves to the side, and executes the pass. The video contains detailed, step-by-step instructions and important cautionary advice.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Seated Guard Category: Guard Passing

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0 To 100 Open Guard Passing: De La riva - Lasso - Spider by Felipe Pena Preguica

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This video features instruction by Felipe Pena, a successful and highly accredited Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. He provides methods for passing various guard positions using an array of techniques such as knee slices, smash passes, and leg drags. This video focuses on manipulation of guard positions like the De La Riva, Lasso, and Spider guard. The techniques aim to build a strong top game that exercises control and pressure, creating a continuous threat to the opponent.

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Knee Cut to Leg Drag with Levi Jones Leary and Lachlan Giles

6m · Levi Jones-Leary

Levi Jones Leary, with input from Lachlan Giles, demonstrates how to smoothly transition from a knee cut to a leg drag guard pass. Levi starts with the basics of a knee cut, emphasizing the importance of not giving your opponent the reverse Dela Riva hook. If the knee cut is impossible due to a strong knee shield or the opponent facing his hips towards you, Levi shows how to retract and transition into leg drag. This is achieved by bringing your weight back, extending the opponent's leg, hopping over their shin, and finally stepping over to establish a strong leg drag position. Note there are repeated demonstrations of the technique along with strategies to address the common issues faced.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Generic Category: Guard Passing

The EASIEST Knee Cut Combination

28s · Jon Thomas

In the instructional video, Jon Thomas demonstrates a knee cut combination move that is effective when approaching an opponent's guard. He emphasizes the importance of controlling the opponent, notably by dropping his shin on the opponent's thigh for leverage and securing the lapel and pants for grip. The resistance from the opponent's knee is exploited to further the pass. By pushing the leg away, transition to the knee cut pass is facilitated.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Generic Category: Guard Passing

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The Daisy Fresh Curriculum: Blue Belt Stripe 1 Gi by Heath Pedigo

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, Heath Pedigo explores the essentials of successfully passing the guard at the blue belt level and above. The instruction includes strategies to stand up in a closed guard, enter the headquarters position, and generate power. It emphasizes the use of knee cuts, leg drags, folding passes, and more to disrupt guard players. Pedigo also helps viewers create unbreakable passing sequences that can outmatch advanced guards.

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Don’t fear the Z guard! Use this technique and cut right through #bjj #shorts #bjjdrills…

55s · Mike Jaramillo

In the video, instructor Mike Jaramillo demonstrates a technique to pass the Z guard effectively. It involves creating an inside wedge and bringing the knee line in front of the opponent's shin. Instead of moving forward as the opponent enters the Z guard, the practitioner is instructed to move backward, focus on the opponent's ankle, and step over it to pass. The knee-line is cut in a unique manner and pinned to back-step and bypass the guard.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Z Guard Category: Guard Passing

Eight Useful Guard Passes | Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals

10m · Eli Knight

The video is a comprehensive guide to eight useful guard passes taught by Eli Knight. It begins with an introduction to a few basic passes, such as the Split Pass and the Knee Cut, both from a seated and standing position, and proceeds into more nuanced techniques like the Stack with Back Step and Stack with Hip Pressure. The video also covers variations of Toreando, and techniques for passing Spider Guard, such as Grip Break and Step-Over, as well as a Modified Leg Drag. Knight provides a clear explanation and demonstration of each technique, emphasizing the importance of proper grip, positioning and movement sequencing to ensure successful guard passing.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Open Guard Category: Guard Passing

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Timeless No Gi Headquarters Passing by Rafael Lovato

$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics

The video features instructor Rafael Lovato Jr., an accomplished black belt champion, teaching techniques on how to effectively pass the guard from the headquarters position in no-gi grappling. Among the techniques he explains are knee slices, X passes, and leg drags, which are optimized for no-gi grappling success. Lovato Jr. also emphasizes the significance of the headquarters position for both shutting down opponent’s offenses and setting up your own. Furthermore, he discusses how to combine passing and pressure to maximize potential and hunt submissions.

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Securing the knee cut

30s · Jean Jacques Machado

This short video by Jean Jacques Machado gives a quick lesson on how to secure the knee cut guard pass. He emphasizes the importance of preventing the opponent from settling into a strong position by using a motion similar to a grip break. The technique involves controlling the knee, lifting it, and using the elbow to circle in, which aids in passing the guard. He also points out the necessity of lifting the hip along with the opponent's knee.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Generic Category: Guard Passing

Passing Open Guard - Andre Galvao

12m · Andre Galvao

This video features BJJ legend Andre Galvao instructing on techniques to pass the open guard from a standing position. The instruction focuses on two specific techniques, the knee cut, and the leg drag, which are used based on the opponent's reactions. Andre emphasizes the importance of controlling the opponent's collar and hip, keeping a low squatting position to prevent being off-balanced, and avoiding offering your legs to your opponent to diminish their control. He demonstrates these techniques with a training partner and gives pointers for preventing common pitfalls.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Open Guard Category: Guard Passing

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No-Gi Pressure Mastery by JT Torres

$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This instructional video features elite grappling competitor and instructor JT Torres demonstrating techniques for guard passing, specifically in no-gi grappling. Techniques taught include outside passing, half guard passing, headquarters passing, wheelbarrow-style passing, including double unders and over under passes. Torres also instructs viewers on how to destroy butterfly guards using knee cuts, switch passes, and body locks. The video, part of a 6-part series, is designed to improve passing, control, and top game skills.

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Headquarters Guard Passing Simplified | No Gi Jiu-Jitsu

4m · Eli Knight

The video features Eli Knight teaching three effective guard passing techniques from the Headquarters position in No Gi Jiu-Jitsu. The techniques covered include float passing, knee cut passing to side control, and knee cut passing to the dope mount. He demonstrates each technique with detailed instruction on positioning, footwork, hand-fighting, and targeted responses to the opponent's movements and resistance. The lesson emphasizes proper timing and alignment for successful execution of these guard passes.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Head Quarters Category: Guard Passing

3 Ways to Bring Your Opponent Back to Butterfly Guard From Knee Slice - Adam Wardzinski

8m · Adam Wardzinski

Adam Wardzinski, a prominent BJJ black belt, shows in this video three tactics of returning someone to butterfly guard from knee slice pass. He shares his mastery in butterfly guard, acknowledging its role as a critical guard for his BJJ strategy. He lays out a comprehensive step-by-step guide on how to use hooks and essential grips to maneuver the opponent from a knee slice attempt back to the butterfly guard position. Wardzinski specifically stresses on how adjusting your knee placement is key in maintaining control throughout the process.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Butterfly Guard Category: Guard Retention

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Cheat Code No Gi Passing by Dominique Bell

$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, Dominique Bell, a BJJ Black Belt and international competitor, teaches a complete passing system which incorporates various techniques such as the knee cut, high step, side smash, and shin slice. He emphasizes on making 'headquarters' a vital position in the passing arsenal which provides a stable yet mobile base. The passing combinations are flexible, adaptable to opponent's reactions and the system forces defensive opponents to expose their back. The video also covers unique variations of the knee cut and back take drills.

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Jeff Glover Jiu-Jitsu | Floating guard pass| www.JiuJitsuPedia.com

2m · Jeff Glover

The video features BJJ black belt Jeff Glover demonstrating the floating guard pass technique. Glover shows how to isolate and trap one of the opponent's legs between the practitioner's legs with the primary knee resting on the opponent's chest. Through this position, the practitioner can create a rocking motion for movement and control. Glover also teaches some passing options from this position, such as twisting the hips in different directions, that can lead to side control, unhooking the half guard, and the basic knee through middle pass.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Generic Category: Guard Passing

Fix Your Headquarters Passing

54s · Not Mapped

This instructional video explains common mistakes and corrections for guard passing from the headquarters position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The instructor emphasizes the importance of properly managing the opponent's leg that's between the passer's legs by pinching your knees and lowering your level. Following these steps can help prevent the opponent escaping and make it easier to implement techniques such as the knee slide or leg weave. Additionally, other options are given for cases when the opponent blocks the knee slide, transitioning instead towards leg weave positions.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Head Quarters Category: Guard Passing

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Basic Bitch Knee Cuts by Ffion Davies

$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this video, world champion Ffion Davies offers an in-depth lesson on the intricate details and strategies of performing knee slice guard passes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. She breaks down each movement, grip, and transition involved in executing flawless passes against any opponent. The video provides unique insights and techniques that were instrumental to Davies' success in the sport. The instruction aims to help viewers improve their guard passing game and realize their full potential in BJJ.

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Headquarters Passing Options

58s · Knight Jiu-Jitsu

In this instructional video, the instructor from Knight Jiu-Jitsu demonstrates two passing options from the Headquarters position: Float Pass to Knee on Belly, and a Reverse Knee Cut. The instructor breaks down each technique step-by-step, showcasing how to use foot pummeling, knee placement and hand positioning to successfully accomplish the pass. The video content emphasises adapting the pass according to the opponent's reaction. The video was clipped from a more comprehensive session taught on the instructor's Patreon channel.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Head Quarters Category: Guard Passing

Headquarters Passing is ESSENTIAL for beginners to learn!!! #bjjtechnique

26s · Not Mapped

In this instructional video, the teacher describes how to effectively pass the guard from a Headquarters position using the Knee Cut and Leg Weave techniques. The video emphasizes treating the opponent's knee like a door, with forwards movement taking place only when the "door" is open. If the learner senses they can "close the door" with their chest, this is the cue to advance and work the Leg Weave or Knee Cut. For those who desire more flair, a hip switch is suggested.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Head Quarters Category: Guard Passing

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How To Beat Bigger Guys: Half Guard Passing by Bruno Malfacine

$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This instructional video features Bruno Malfacine, a 10-Time IBJJF World Champion, demonstrating techniques for passing half guard against bigger opponents. His strategy incorporates a 4-part passing series that utilizes submissions, passes, back takes, and more. Techniques highlighted include knee slices, brabo chokes, and reverse half guard passing. The aim is not only to pass but also to dominate the opponent's half guard effectively regardless of their size or strength.

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Passing Guards with Shin Staple

7m · Adam Wardzinski

This video is an instructional video taught by Adam Wardziński, focusing on the Shin Staple Guard Pass technique, falling under the category of Guard Passing. In this video, the instructor shows how to pass the opponent's guard using different options: Knee Slide, Fold Leg Pass, Knee in the centre pass, and Leg Pummel Pass. The instructor provides a step-by-step breakdown of each technique, demonstrating various ways to execute each technique depending on the reaction of the opponent.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Generic Category: Guard Passing

KNEE SLICE THROUGH CLOSED GUARD Jeff Glover

22s · Jeff Glover

This video features BJJ instructor Jeff Glover demonstrating the knee slice technique to pass the closed guard. He emphasizes creating an opportunity to slide the knee into the middle of the opponent and popping up to posture. Glover explains how posting the opponent’s hand opens up for the underhook, enabling you to perform the knee slice pass. The video cycles through this sequence of movements for clarity.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Closed Guard Category: Guard Passing

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Active Guard Passing Explained by Leandro Lo

$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics

This instructional video features multiple-time black belt world champion Leandro Lo explaining how to achieve active guard passing. He provides step-by-step details and variations on techniques such as the toreando pass, double unders pass, and knee slice pass. Leandro also illustrates how to smash various kinds of guards in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), including the lasso guard, inverted de la riva, and lapel guard. The video highlights how to mix up your top game and pressure your way to safe guard passes.

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DEEP HALF ENTRY From KNEE SLICE by Tom Deblass

1m · Tom DeBlass

In this video, Tom Deblass teaches a transition to Deep Half Guard from a Knee Slice position. He explains and demonstrates the proper hand placement behind the opponent's knee and under the opponent's bottom to generate a bump and move into the deep half guard. He makes particular emphasis on when and how to switch grips and the importance of freeing the hand for future actions, including an underhook. Deblass also mentions that sometimes, if executed proficiently, this transition could entirely reverse the dominant position on the opponent.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Half Guard Category: Transitions

Knee Cut Passing Secrets with Nelson Puentes! | #nyc #jiujitsu #shintarohigashi

1m · Nelson Puentes

In this instructional YouTube video, Nelson Puentes from Inverted Gear Academy gives tips on how to execute a knee cut pass from the headquarters position. One of the key points he emphasizes is controlling the opponent's knees. If an opponent's knees can be kept apart, this makes it much easier to carry out a knee cut pass. Alternatively, if the knees come together, the opponent can effectively use a knee shield. In this case, Puentes advises collapsing the knees together, making it much more likely to establish a pin.

Technique: Knee Cut Pass Position: Guard Head Quarters Category: Guard Passing

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Deconstructing The Double Sleeve Guard by Romulo Barral

$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics

In this instructional video, master Romulo Barral explains the techniques to deconstruct and pass the Double Sleeve Guard including the torreando, knee slides, leg drags, and stacks. He offers crucial advice on countering sit up guard transitions and how to combine different passing attempts for maximum effect. Romulo also shares his experience to predict how the defensive player might respond. This tutorial is especially beneficial for dealing with collar-sleeve guard, spider guard, and lasso guard.

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Essential Mechanics: Grips, Frames, Angle, and Pressure

1. 1Win inside position on the legs. Pummel your shin between their thighs, or staple their far thigh with your posting leg. Your cutting knee should point across their diagonal belt line, not straight down the middle.
2. 2Secure upper-body control. The classic combination is an underhook on the far side plus a crossface or strong head position. If you can’t get both, prioritize an underhook, then drive your head to their jawline or temple to prevent them from turning in for a deep half or reguard.
3. 3Block the near hip. Your outside arm or hip should control near-hip space. Think “hip-to-hip”: your cutting knee slices while your hips cover their near thigh, denying them the ability to reinsert a knee shield or bring a shin across your abdomen.
4. 4Angle your knee and rotate your hips. The cut works because you create an angle that turns their hips. Drive your knee across the diagonal, then rotate your hips so your thigh and hip line past their leg line. Avoid pushing straight through; slice and windshield-wiper your shin as needed.
5. 5Manage your base. Your posting foot should be stable and wide. Keep your weight centered through your hips and shoulder, not your hands. If you feel off-balance, pause the cut, reestablish the underhook and head position, then continue.
6. 6Finish with chest-to-chest control. As your knee clears, staple the bottom leg with your shin or shin-switch to windshield-wiper the trapped leg free. Land with shoulder pressure, knees off the mat if needed, and establish side control or transition directly to mount.

High-Percentage Entries and Finishes

From headquarters: Control one ankle and the pants or shin line, step your posting foot outside their hip, and windshield-wiper your cutting leg inside. As your knee enters, claim the underhook and drift your head to the far side for crossface pressure before you commit your hips.

From knee shield half guard: Pummel an inside hand to the bottom arm bicep, flatten the shield with hip pressure, and knee-cut along the diagonal. If the shield is strong, switch to hand-on-hip, sprawl your near hip into their thigh, and slice as their shield degrades.

From reverse De La Riva: Beat the hook by backstepping your free leg slightly, rotate your knee inward to free your shin, then step into the cut once their knee line turns. Control the far hip early or they’ll spin under to single-leg X.

Finishing detail: Shoulder line wins. During the slice, elevate your shoulder through their jawline to prevent them from turning in. Keep your elbow tight near their hip to stop frames from re-entering. If their bottom leg traps your ankle, shin-switch, backstep briefly, or windshield-wiper to clear and settle.

Transitions: If they frame hard on your shoulder, switch to a long-step or backstep to reverse half guard. If they underhook your far hip, whizzer immediately, sprawl, and either re-pummel the underhook or switch to a cross-knee slide into mount.

Troubleshooting and Common Mistakes

Mistake: Cutting straight down the center. Fix: Aim your knee across the diagonal and rotate your hips. Your shin should slice like a blade, not push like a bulldozer.

Mistake: No underhook or head position. Fix: Win one of them before committing. If you can’t get the underhook, clamp head position and hip block, then circle to it during the cut.

Mistake: Narrow base and tipping over. Fix: Widen your posting foot and keep your chest heavy. If you’re unstable, pause, gather grips, and continue with pressure—not speed alone.

Mistake: Leaving the near hip open. Fix: Use your outside arm or hip line to cap their near hip. If they can freely hip-escape, they’ll re-guard.

Mistake: Letting the bottom leg trap your ankle. Fix: Anticipate the trap. As your knee clears, shin-switch, windshield-wiper, or hop your hips to free your foot before settling.

If the opponent locks a tight knee shield: Drop your hip line lower, pummel your inside elbow to clear the frame, and drive your head across to flatten. Alternatively, transition to a backstep when their knees separate.

If you get caught in a deep half entry: Whizzer immediately, sprawl the trapped hip, crossface to face their nose away, and walk your hips back to re-expose the cut line.

What to Study First to Build a Reliable Knee Cut

Start with the base position: headquarters and knee shield half guard. Learn to pummel your shin inside, control the far hip, and secure underhook plus head position. If you can consistently win these battles, the pass becomes much easier.

Drill staple mechanics: diagonal knee line, hip rotation, and shoulder pressure. Practice slow, then add moderate resistance. Emphasize clearing your foot with shin-switch and windshield-wiper variations so you land cleanly in side control.

Add branch points: from a stalled knee cut, practice switching to a long-step, backstep to reverse half guard, or knee-slide mount. Build confidence in changing directions without giving space.

Watch elite examples to refine details. Many students study the lucas lepri knee cut because of his precise angle, relentless shoulder pressure, and clean leg pummeling. Observe how top passers maintain head position and never rush the final hip-clear.

Using BJJ University to Study the Knee Cut Pass

BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub for Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Use the navigation menu to explore categorized videos, short clips, match breakdowns, and instructional resources organized by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. It’s designed so you can quickly compare details and systems from different coaches without getting lost in endless searches.

To go deeper on the knee cut pass, visit the technique’s main page to browse hand-picked resources that show entries from headquarters, shin-on-shin, and knee shield; troubleshooting against reverse De La Riva and butterfly hooks; and finishing pathways into side control or mount. You can also jump to the full technique directory to explore related passes and complementary systems.

Bookmark BJJ University and share it with teammates or friends who want structured, free BJJ study. The more you revisit focused playlists and clips, the faster you’ll refine timing, pressure, and decision-making during live rolls.

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Related BJJ University Pages

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• 2All BJJ techniques: Browse related passes and complementary techniques to build a complete top game.
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• 4Kneebar Technique Guide: Compare related BJJ University technique study guides.