Leg Weave Pass
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Leg Weave Pass·MICAEL GALVÃO
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Leg Weave Pass
SubFamilyレッグウィーブパス
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Leg Weave Pass is a pressure-based guard pass where the passer weaves one arm through and around the opponent's legs, creating a configuration that pins one leg while clearing the other — a methodical pass that combines elements of the over-under and the smash pass. [1] The weaving arm threads through the guard structure, immobilising one leg and creating a clear lane to pass on the unweaved side. [1],[2]
Leg WeaveWeave PassThread-the-Needle Pass
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the modern BJJ competition passing evolution. [1]
Competition Record
Used at IBJJF and ADCC competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Navigating past the opponent's guard legs using this specific passing mechanic to achieve side control
Joints Involved — Hips (hip switching and pressure), knees (cutting, wedging, or stepping), hands (grips on pants or legs for control)
Force Vector — Varies by technique — forward pressure for knee-based passes, lateral for toreando variations, backward for backstep
Pass Mechanic — Each variant exploits a specific guard weakness: knee passes split the guard from inside, toreando variants outflank from outside, backstep approaches from behind, and pressure variants flatten through heavy contact
Position & Entry
From headquarters position — Initiate this pass from the standard headquarters stance based on the opponent's guard reaction
From standing — Begin the pass from a standing position in front of the opponent's open guard
From guard break — After breaking the closed guard, transition directly into this passing technique
Videos
The Leg Weave Pass
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Leg Weave Pass·Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood
In this video, 3rd-degree black belt Miad Najafi gives a comprehensive tutorial on his take on the leg weave pass. Miad…
2 videos
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Guard passes carry minimal injury risk for both fighters under normal conditions
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
✓Drill this pass from the appropriate starting position until the mechanics are automatic
✓Chain this pass with 2-3 other passes to create an unpredictable passing system
✓Grip fighting before the pass is as important as the pass itself
✓Practice against progressive resistance
Common Mistakes
!Not establishing grips before initiating
!Not consolidating with crossface after passing
!Only passing to one side
!Rushing without reading the guard player's position
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Position
2Strip Grips
3Initiate Pass
4Navigate Legs
5Consolidate Side Control
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ passing methodology [2] Competition passing analysis
2BookBJJ competition analysis
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ passing methodology [2] Competition passing analysis
5CitationBJJ competition analysis
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip mobility, grip strength, timing
Favours
athletic ability, good reflexes
Key muscles
core, quadriceps, forearms
Sub-techniques
Notes
The leg weave threads one arm under the opponent's leg and weaves through to control the hip, then drives through to side control. Effective against half guard and open guard. (BJJ instructionals)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key to preventing my opponent from escaping the leg weave pass?
The primary focus is preventing the bottom knee from coming up and controlling your opponent's spine. According to Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood, you must collapse the knees, control the collar to bring them in, and prevent them from leaning their upper body back—if they do, they'll have the opportunity to pull the knee through and escape.
Where should my hand be positioned on the leg during the pass?
Place your hand on the front of the knee rather than just grabbing the trouser, as this allows you to properly block the bottom leg and maintain control during the pass, according to Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood.
How do I finish the leg weave pass once I have control?
After controlling and collapsing the knees, walk your hips forward, spike your opponent with your head into their chest, and move past. Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood describes the sequence as: control, collapse, pull—then drive with your head on the far side of their midline to complete the pass.
Why is shoulder pressure important in the leg weave pass?
Shoulder pressure is critical to keep your opponent from settling into the middle range and to weaken their spine, according to Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood. This pressure, combined with proper connection and control, prevents them from generating escape leverage.
How does the Leg Weave Pass work?
The Leg Weave Pass is a pressure-based guard pass where the passer weaves one arm through and around the opponent's legs, creating a configuration that pins one leg while clearing the other — a methodical pass that combines elements of the over-under and the smash pass. The weaving arm threads through the guard structure, immobilising one leg and creating a clear lane to pass on the unweaved side.
Where does the Leg Weave Pass come from?
This passing technique is part of the modern BJJ guard passing curriculum, refined through competition at IBJJF and ADCC.
Is the Leg Weave 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 Leg Weave Pass?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — guard passes carry minimal injury risk for both fighters under normal conditions
How do I set up the Leg Weave Pass?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Strip Grips → Initiate Pass → Navigate Legs → Consolidate Side Control.
How do I defend against the Leg Weave Pass?
Standard counters include: Guard retention / Frame and shrimp / Sweep timing / Re-guarding.
What are the variants of the Leg Weave Pass?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version of this pass); Modified version (adapted for specific guard types); Chain variant (transitioning to this pass from another pass that was def…).
How effective is the Leg Weave Pass in competition?
Used at IBJJF and ADCC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Leg Weave Pass?
Top errors to watch for: Not establishing grips before initiating / Not consolidating with crossface after passing / Only passing to one side / Rushing without reading the guard player's position.
What are other names for the Leg Weave Pass?
The Leg Weave Pass is also known as Leg Weave, Weave Pass, Thread-the-Needle Pass.