Far Side To Near Side by Craig Jones
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Opposite Side PassΒ·BJJ Fanatics
FAR SIDE TO NEAR SIDE https://bjjfanatics.com This sample clip is from the "Higher Tripod Passing by Craig Jones" BJJ β¦
Translation: opposite side pass
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Overview
The Opposite Side Pass exits the half guard by passing to the opposite side from where the opponent expects, using an underhook and hip switch to reverse direction. [1]
Far Side PassReverse Side Pass
History & Origin
The Opposite Side Pass is a guard passing technique detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach. [1]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- BrazilBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA
- JapanBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo
- USAMMA
Effectiveness
Effective guard passing technique taught as part of a comprehensive passing system. [1]
Lineage
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard passing methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Guard passing mechanics specific to opposite side pass
Joints Involved β Hips, knees for passing movement
Force Vector β Lateral or downward pressure to bypass the guard
Position & Entry
From opponent's guard β Execute the opposite side pass
Variants
Not yet documented
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Guard passing β positional technique, not a strike or submission
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
β IBJJF β Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ IJF β Legal β transitioning past opponent's legs is part ...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ ADCC β Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDFβ Unified MMA β Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ FIAS Sport Sambo β Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
βDrill the passing motion with progressive resistance (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
Common Mistakes
!Rushing without controlling grips
!Allowing guard re-composition
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Control grips β Opposite Side Pass β Establish side control or mount
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
1Book[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
2Citation[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
Community
Athletics
Good hip mobility and pressure
Balance
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I immobilize my opponent's hip during the opposite side pass?
Keep your knee pressure in and pinch your knee to immobilize the hip, preventing your opponent from moving their buttocks to either side. Craig Jones emphasizes that this hip control is essential before attempting to complete the pass.
Why would I switch my head position during the opposite side pass?
Switching your head to the far side prevents your opponent from establishing strong wizard grips and pulling your elbows in to off-balance you. Craig Jones notes this head positioning is a key detail to avoid giving your opponent control.
How does the Opposite Side Pass work?
The Opposite Side Pass exits the half guard by passing to the opposite side from where the opponent expects, using an underhook and hip switch to reverse direction.
Where does the Opposite Side Pass come from?
The Opposite Side Pass is a guard passing technique detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach.
Is the Opposite Side Pass legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal β Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; IJF: legal β Legal β transitioning past opponent's legs is part of newaza; ADCC: legal β Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; Unified MMA: legal β Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal β Legal
How dangerous is the Opposite Side Pass?
Danger rating 2/10. Guard passing β positional technique, not a strike or submission
How do I set up the Opposite Side Pass?
The standard setup chain: Control grips β Opposite Side Pass β Establish side control or mount.
How do I defend against the Opposite Side Pass?
Standard counters include: Re-guard / Frame and hip escape / Underhook from bottom.
How effective is the Opposite Side Pass in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Opposite Side Pass?
Top errors to watch for: Rushing without controlling grips / Allowing guard re-composition.
What are other names for the Opposite Side Pass?
The Opposite Side Pass is also known as Opposite Side Pass, Far Side Pass, Reverse Side Pass.