Shin-to-Shin Pass

SubFamily

Shin-to-shin・パス(Shin-to-Shin Pass)

Translation: shin-to-shin pass

Overview

The Shin-to-Shin Pass uses shin-on-shin pressure to collapse the opponent's open guard frame, driving through with forward pressure. [1]

Also known as
Shin Pass

History & Origin

The Shin-to-Shin Pass is a guard passing technique detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach. [1]

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 ActionGuard passing mechanics specific to shin-to-shin pass
Joints InvolvedHips, knees for passing movement
Force VectorLateral or downward pressure to bypass the guard

Position & Entry

From opponent's guardExecute the shin-to-shin pass

Variants

Not yet documented

Videos

4 Awesome Attacks From Shin To Shin

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Shin-to-Shin Pass·The Grappling Academy

SALE SALE SALE OVER 50% OFF – BOX SET – ALL 4 COURSES 50% OFF CLICK HERE – https://bit.ly/2lAOHmp • The Blue Belt Sup

Passing The Shin to Shin Guard 4 methods

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Shin-to-Shin Pass·RGA South Herts

00:00 Intro remarks on how to pass guard in nogi 02:16 Step around Pass 03:59 Knee slide pass 07:09 Back step pass 10:1

Shin-to-Shin Sit-up Guard Sweep • Cobrinha BJJ NoHo #bjj #jiujitsu #bjjlifestyle #tutorial

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Shin-to-Shin Pass·Cobrinha BJJ NoHo

Shin to shin basics

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Shin-to-Shin Pass·Energia Martial Arts

Shin to shin basics After a few requests we got around to filming our first shin to shin video. In this one we'll be cov

Shin to Shin for No Gi by Andrew Wiltse

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Shin-to-Shin Pass·Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Shin to Shin for No Gi by Andrew Wiltse - For The Best BJJ Instructional Videos, Check Out: https://bjjfanatics.com - Fo

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5 videos

What Instructors Say

The shin-to-shin guard is a modern fundamental guard position used to counter the high-percentage knee-slice pass, where the defender places their shin across the opponent's shin to prevent their leg from advancing (The Grappling Academy). Entry requires precise positioning: the defending shin blocks at or below the opponent's knee, with the foot placed on the inside, while maintaining arm structure to defend against rolling Kimura entries and underhook passes (Energia Martial Arts). Key defensive principles include keeping the defending knee in front of the opponent's chest or hips to prevent mount escape, pulling the opponent forward to disrupt their base, and maintaining elbow-deep grip control on the opponent's leg rather than shallow hand placement (Energia Martial Arts). From shin-to-shin, the primary offensive option is transitioning to single-leg X position by falling to the side and lifting the opponent's leg, which enables sweeps, leg lock attacks, and positional advancement (Energia Martial Arts, The Grappling Academy). The Grappling Academy outlines four attacks: wrestling-style leg hugs with ankle collection, single-leg X sweeps with hook variations, deep half guard transitions from combat base, and leveraged hook sweeps from kneeling positions. For defenders passing the position while seated, RGA South Herts emphasizes avoiding leg elevation, using ankle pushes early before tight connection, executing knee-slide passes through underhook gaps, and employing float passing with windshield-wipe foot movement to escape elevation attempts.

Synthesized from 4 instructors

  • Energia Martial ArtsShin to shin basics: Provided comprehensive framework on entry positioning, arm placement (elbow-deep), head safety, knee blocking mechanics, balance disruption, and transition to single-leg X with basic sweep execution.
  • The Grappling Academy4 Awesome Attacks From Shin To Shin: Detailed four distinct offensive attacks from shin-to-shin: wrestling-style leg hug sweeps, single-leg X variations, deep half transitions, and hook sweeps from both standing and combat base positions.
  • RGA South HertsPassing The Shin to Shin Guard - 4 methods: Focused on defensive passing strategies against seated shin-to-shin guard, including early ankle-push escapes, underhook knee-slide passes, elbow-pop knee drives, and float passing with windshield-wipe foot clearing.
  • Cobrinha BJJ NoHoShin-to-Shin Sit-up Guard Sweep • Cobrinha BJJ NoHo #bjj #jiujitsu #bjjlifestyle #tutorial: Demonstrated basic shin-to-shin position setup and upper body base mechanics for sweep execution, though transcript clarity limited detailed technical contribution.

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

2
Low2/10

Guard passing — positional technique, not a strike or submission

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate
Competition Legality

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 RulesPDF

Training Notes

Drill 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 → Shin-to-Shin Pass → 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

What's the key mistake to avoid when first learning shin-to-shin guard pass?

Resist the temptation to rush into aggressive movements early on. According to RGA South Herts instruction, you should practice the foundational position first before attempting more complex techniques.

How do I control my opponent's leg during a knee slide pass?

Move your knee through rather than trying to move your entire leg or ankle. RGA South Herts emphasizes that by moving your knee, you can choose the direction to go, and the knee slides across your opponent's body as you walk through the position.

What should I do if my opponent tries to push my leg up in shin-to-shin?

Remain in a neutral position and resist the push rather than collapsing backward. RGA South Herts explains that by resisting at the neutral point, you maintain much more control even if your opponent can still lift your leg.

How do I prevent my opponent from escaping forward when I'm in shin-to-shin guard?

Block or grab your opponent's leg immediately to prevent them from stepping forward, and maintain the correct angle on the shin. Energia Martial Arts notes that if you don't block early and your opponent steps forward, you'll be at the wrong angle and it will be harder to control the position.

How does the Shin-to-Shin Pass work?

The Shin-to-Shin Pass uses shin-on-shin pressure to collapse the opponent's open guard frame, driving through with forward pressure.

Where does the Shin-to-Shin Pass come from?

The Shin-to-Shin Pass is a guard passing technique detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach.

Is the Shin-to-Shin Pass 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 Shin-to-Shin Pass?

Danger rating 2/10. Guard passing — positional technique, not a strike or submission

How do I set up the Shin-to-Shin Pass?

The standard setup chain: Control grips → Shin-to-Shin Pass → Establish side control or mount.

How do I defend against the Shin-to-Shin Pass?

Standard counters include: Re-guard / Frame and hip escape / Underhook from bottom.

How effective is the Shin-to-Shin Pass in competition?

Used in UFC and professional MMA competition

What are common mistakes when doing the Shin-to-Shin Pass?

Top errors to watch for: Rushing without controlling grips / Allowing guard re-composition.

What are other names for the Shin-to-Shin Pass?

The Shin-to-Shin Pass is also known as Shin-to-Shin Pass, Shin Pass.