Initial Hip and Shoulder Control

The practitioner begins by driving the opponent's hip and shoulder down to the mat. This foundational control is achieved by tucking in tight and moving across the opponent's body, establishing dominance in the half guard position.

Establishing the Cross Face

Once the opponent's shoulder is secured on the mat, the practitioner applies a strong cross face. This critical control point prevents the opponent from creating space and prepares for the passing sequence.

Transitioning to Three-Quarter Mount

The practitioner uses their elbow to push downward, driving their knee to the mat. This movement establishes a three-quarter mountain position, a powerful transitional posture that controls the opponent's upper body while maintaining leg pressure.

Scapular Cross Face Technique

The practitioner applies a scapular cross face by driving through the opponent's scapula. This hand placement, executed from the appropriate side, intensifies shoulder pressure while preventing the opponent from reclaiming half guard.

Shoulder Over Hand Position

The practitioner brings their shoulder directly over their own cross face hand. This body positioning compounds the pressure and creates mechanical advantage for the follow-up passing movement.

Back Step and Grip Lock

The practitioner executes a back step while establishing a firm grip on the opponent's pant leg at the knee. This positioning prevents the opponent from recutting their legs while preparing for the final pass.

Shoulder Line Alignment and Bridge Tension

The practitioner walks their foot up to the opponent's shoulder line, maximizing cross face bridge tension through the leg. This precise alignment creates opposing directional forces that destabilize the opponent's position.

The Final Pass Execution

The practitioner places their foot on the opponent's knee while pulling with the bottom hand and pushing with the top hand. This coordinated movement completes the pass, transitioning to side control as the opponent is unable to prevent the leg clearance.

Passing Half Guard by John Danaher

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Half Stack Pass

2 min read·8 key moments·PT1M video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Hip and Shoulder Control
•Establishing the Cross Face
•Transitioning to Three-Quarter Mount
•Scapular Cross Face Technique

Passing Half Guard - Click Here To Check Out John Danaher's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_JOHN-DANAHER - For all your BJJ Gear and Apparel Needs Visit - https://store.bjjfanatics.com/ - Are you a BJJ Fanatics Insider? If not, you are missing out! Join now at: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/insiders-club - Bernardo Faria is a 5x World Champion. Bernardo started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Juiz de Fora - MG, Brazil at the age of 14 in 2001. After receiving the Black Belt from his first instructor Ricardo Marques in 2008, He moved to Sao Paulo to join BJJ legend Fabio Gurgel and his Alliance team. After many years of training and winning many major titles, Bernardo moved to NYC in 2013 to train and teach at Marcelo Garcia Academy. In 2015 Bernardo achieved his dream of winning the IBJJF World Championship Open class title and his division, doing the double Gold and becoming the 1st in the IBJJF Ranking and also chosen as the best athlete of 2015. Bernardo Faria has now taken on the mission to share some of the lessons, techniques, experiences and more that he has learned along in his 16 years and counting as a BJJ student, teacher and world class competitor. Subscribe to his channel, and join him in this amazing BJJ Journey. We promise that you will also improve your BJJ with his awesome Video Lessons, Episodes of his "5 Minutes BJJ Talk" and more www.fujisports.com - 15% OFF Coupon Code: FARIA15 www.bjjfanatics.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: YOUTUBEFARIA www.fujimats.com - 10% OFF Coupon Code: FARIAMAT10 http://bernardofaria.com https://www.facebook.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://www.instagram.com/bernardofariabjj/ https://twitter.com/bernardofariajj .

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about half stack pass?

This video covers initial hip and shoulder control, establishing the cross face, transitioning to three-quarter mount. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn half stack pass?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.