Mike Pyle guard pass
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Mike Pyle Special·Code 4 Concepts Chad Lyman
Mike “Quicksand” Pyle shows an effective Gi grip to pass the guard...
Mike Pyle Special
SubFamilyMike・Pyle・スペシャル(Mike Pyle Special)
Translation: mike pyle special
Overview
The Mike Pyle Special is a guard pass named after UFC veteran Mike Pyle, combining wrestling-based pressure with a specific leg threading movement to bypass the open guard. [1]
Pyle PassWrestling Guard Pass
History & Origin
Mike Pyle Special is a technique documented in BJ Penn's comprehensive MMA system. [1]
Effectiveness
Proven in UFC-level competition by BJ Penn and training partners. [1]
Lineage
Modern MMA methodology; BJ Penn / Greg Jackson lineage. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — MMA-specific positional mechanics for Mike Pyle Special
Joints Involved — Full body — hips, shoulders, legs
Force Vector — Position-specific
Position & Entry
From MMA context — Execute mike pyle special
Variants
Standard Mike Pyle Special
Modified Mike Pyle Special
Videos
A Slick Armlock and Useful Blueprint for BJJ Submission Setups
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Mike Pyle Special·Chewjitsu
In this video I share an armbar submission I've been working on during my BJJ rolling sessions. It's a super slick arm l…
Sneaky Jiu-Jitsu Submission Setups - featuring Mike Pyle
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Mike Pyle Special·Knight Jiu-Jitsu
Here are a couple of slick and sneaky submission setups from side control as shown by my friend and UFC fighter, Mike Py…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Mike Pyle Special is a guard-passing technique executed from a standing position against butterfly guard, emphasizing ankle control to neutralize the opponent's offensive options. Code 4 Concepts (Chad Lyman) provides the foundational guard-pass methodology: rather than posting on the knees—which invites loop guard attacks and sweep vulnerability—the passer pins both feet at the ankles by gripping the pants low, maintains downward pressure, and steers the opponent to side control. This positioning prevents the opponent from threading an inside or outside loop guard. Lyman demonstrates live application showing how maintaining ankle pressure allows smooth directional control during the pass. Knight Jiu-Jitsu features Mike Pyle himself demonstrating submission setups from the resulting side-control position, where he steps his foot over the opponent's body to provoke a defensive push, then exploits that reaction to secure an armlock finish. Pyle also shows a variation where foot placement near the neck triggers similar defensive responses, enabling quick armlock transitions. While Lyman focuses on the guard-pass mechanics and positional control, Pyle emphasizes the submission opportunities created once side control is achieved, showing how the initial pass creates openings for high-percentage finishes. Both instructors agree on the efficiency of the technique's directional control and its effectiveness in preventing common guard-retention strategies.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Code 4 Concepts — Mike Pyle guard pass: Detailed ankle-pin grip mechanics, pressure maintenance, and steering method to pass butterfly guard while neutralizing loop guard threats.
- Chewjitsu — A Slick Armlock and Useful Blueprint for BJJ Submission Setups: General submission setup principle (attacking arms to open neck, attacking neck to open arms) applicable to dominant positions, though focused on north-south armlock rather than the Mike Pyle pass itself.
- Knight Jiu-Jitsu — Sneaky Jiu-Jitsu Submission Setups - featuring Mike Pyle: Mike Pyle demonstrates armlock finishes from side control following the guard pass, using foot placement over the body to provoke defensive reactions that enable submission entries.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
3
Moderate3/10
Positional technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part ...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Practise in MMA-specific sparring with strikes (Penn et al., 2007)
Common Mistakes
!Losing base
!Not maintaining control
!Poor transitions
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Engagement → Mike Pyle Special → Advance position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007)
1Book[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
2Citation[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B
Community
Athletics
MMA-specific body control and pressure
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you set up the Mike Pyle armlock from north-south position?
From north-south, get a hold of the opponent's arms and separate them to create control. Mike Pyle then steps his foot over the top, which typically triggers a defensive push that opens up the opportunity to sneak your head down, catch the grip, slide over, and finish the armlock.
What submissions can I chain together if my opponent defends the initial armlock attempt?
If the opponent defends by bringing their hands together or pushing your leg away, you can transition to a paper cutter, wrist lock, triangle, or restart your armlock setup from the position. This makes it a versatile submission entry point from dominant positions.
When using the Mike Pyle guard pass, how do you prevent the opponent from escaping with their feet?
As soon as you establish the passing position, pin the opponent's feet down by the ankles and grab the pants low. This prevents them from creating space or escaping before you complete the pass.
How does the Mike Pyle Special work?
The Mike Pyle Special is a guard pass named after UFC veteran Mike Pyle, combining wrestling-based pressure with a specific leg threading movement to bypass the open guard.
Where does the Mike Pyle Special come from?
Mike Pyle Special is a technique documented in BJ Penn's comprehensive MMA system.
Is the Mike Pyle Special legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; IJF: legal — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part of newaza; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; Unified MMA: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Mike Pyle Special?
Danger rating 3/10. Positional technique
How do I set up the Mike Pyle Special?
The standard setup chain: Engagement → Mike Pyle Special → Advance position.
How do I defend against the Mike Pyle Special?
Standard counters include: Guard retention / Frame and escape / Submission counter.
What are the variants of the Mike Pyle Special?
Common variants: Standard Mike Pyle Special; Modified Mike Pyle Special.
How effective is the Mike Pyle Special in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Mike Pyle Special?
Top errors to watch for: Losing base / Not maintaining control / Poor transitions.
What are other names for the Mike Pyle Special?
The Mike Pyle Special is also known as Mike Pyle Special, Pyle Pass, Wrestling Guard Pass.