Initial Grip Setup

The instructor begins from a closed guard position where the opponent has secured a belt grip. This common defensive position requires the top player to establish control before attempting the pass.

Breaking the Grip

The instructor secures a tripod base by holding the opponent's sleeve, then deliberately breaks the belt grip by posting on the collar. This disrupts the opponent's defensive structure and prevents them from controlling the top player's posture.

Elbow Control

As the opponent attempts to open the instructor's elbow to create space, the instructor counters by closing the elbow tightly and reestablishing upright posture. This compression prevents the guard from expanding and maintains positional dominance.

The Stack Position

The instructor stacks the opponent by pressing their back toward the mat while positioning their forearm and arm close to the opponent's hips. This technique compresses the opponent's legs and neutralizes their guard structure through strategic weight distribution.

Pressure Application

All weight concentrates through the forearm into the opponent's hip area, which increases pressure and forces the opponent to expend energy defending. The belt control becomes secondary as the stack itself becomes the primary control mechanism.

The Duck-Under Entry

The instructor demonstrates a spring-like motion, dropping the body low to duck under the opponent's guard while maintaining hip pressure. This explosive downward movement creates the momentum necessary to transition under the legs.

Guard Pass Completion

Upon releasing the initial grip, the instructor transitions to an underhook and secures the opponent's hand, establishing side control. This final grip change completes the guard pass and achieves a dominant pin position.

Stack Pass by Andre Galvao

Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics

Half Stack Pass

2 min read·7 key moments·PT59S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Grip Setup
•Breaking the Grip
•Elbow Control
•The Stack Position

Stack Pass by Andre Galvao - Click Here To Check Out Andre Galvao's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_ANDRE-GALVAO - 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 grip setup, breaking the grip, elbow control. 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 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.