BJ Penn Pass | Forcing the Back Position

Effective guard passing at a high level involves maintaining constant pressure and weight on the opponent while fluidly connecting movements. Pressure passing, in particular, requires the practitioner to lean on the opponent, slowing down the action and making the connections between moves more apparent. This approach forces the opponent to overcommit to countering the weight, which opens up opportunities for the passer.

One technique highlighted is the BJJ pin pass, which involves straightening one leg to kill the opponent's hip movement. This is done by pinning the outside point of the knee and the same side hip, or by stepping on the opponent's leg or pinning it with the shin. This strategy effectively reduces the opponent's mobility, making it easier to control and pass their guard.

During the pass, if the opponent overcommits, the practitioner can switch sides, looking to stack or leg drag to the opposite side based on the opponent's reaction. If the opponent wedges their leg in a way that prevents passing or switching sides, the practitioner can create a scramble by flipping the opponent. This is achieved by making a wall with the body, popping the hips, and throwing the legs away, which can lead to advantageous positions such as turtle or an opportunity to take the back.

To execute the flip, the practitioner switches from a back grip that's extending the opponent's leg to a palm-up grip under the knee. The hips are brought close to the opponent to facilitate a deadlift motion, flipping the opponent away. The hand that was on the leg then secures the far lapel, allowing the practitioner to chase the back or continue passing. This move is useful for resolving messy situations during guard passing and can lead to submissions or back control.

In summary, the technique focuses on using pressure and weight to limit the opponent's mobility, creating opportunities to pass the guard by switching sides, stacking, leg dragging, or initiating scrambles that can lead to dominant positions or submissions.