Establishing the Reference Point

The leg weave pass requires establishing a clear reference point: the ability to weave the hands through the opponent's legs to control the hips. This foundational concept guides all entry variations, whether from butterfly guard, knee slide, or half guard positions.

Entry from Half Guard

From half guard, the practitioner controls the inside of the opponent's knee while gripping the trouser material, then collapses the knees together. When the opponent's grip is strong, a two-handed approach using shoulder pressure through the midline becomes necessary to achieve the knee-to-knee position.

Controlling the Opponent's Posture

Preventing the opponent from unwinding is critical—the practitioner maintains upper body control through collar or sleeve grips while driving through the opponent's spine. By keeping the opponent in a weak spinal position rather than neutral, the practitioner limits the opponent's defensive options.

The Passing Sequence

The pass is executed by collapsing the opponent's knees, establishing control grips, then walking the hips forward while spiking the head into the opponent's chest. This controlled advance creates the final opening to clear the legs and complete the pass.

Spinal Position and Joint Range

The technique exploits the principle that strength is compromised at extreme joint ranges. By forcing the opponent into full spinal flexion or rotation, the practitioner weakens their structural stability and ability to resist the pass.

Hand and Head Positioning Details

The front hand should control the front of the knee rather than just the trouser to prevent blocking the bottom leg. The head must drive on the far side of the opponent's midline while the knees go opposite, creating rotational pressure that prevents leg weaving.

Managing Trapped Foot Position

When the foot becomes caught on the opponent's ankle during the pass, the windscreen wiper motion—rotating the foot across the opponent's body—can unlock the position. Even partial hooks can be cleared by weaving the leg through with proper foot positioning.

Adjusting Against Side Escape

If the opponent attempts to come up on their side during the pass, transitioning the collar grip to a higher position and opening the elbow creates additional rotational pressure. This forces the opponent away from the ideal escape angle, allowing the practitioner to continue forward.

Final Control and Completion

The finish position emphasizes head control on the opponent's ribcage to maintain spinal compression. This final pressure point ensures the opponent cannot recover their posture as the practitioner completes the guard pass.

The Leg Weave Pass

Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood

Leg Weave Pass

2 min read·9 key moments·PT7M44S video

Key Takeaways

•Establishing the Reference Point
•Entry from Half Guard
•Controlling the Opponent's Posture
•The Passing Sequence

In this video, 3rd-degree black belt Miad Najafi gives a comprehensive tutorial on his take on the leg weave pass. Miad is the head instructor at Centre Line Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Worthing: https://www.worthingmartialarts.co.uk This video was filmed at the 2022 JJB Network Seaside Summer Special. You can learn more about the JJB Club Network here: https://www.jiujitsubrotherhood.com/pages/jiu-jitsu-brotherhood-club-network Film production: Baran Çırakoğlu -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/jjitsubrotherhood For more Jiu-Jitsu and grappling tips, visit: http://www.jiujitsubrotherhood.com The Jiu-Jitsu Brotherhood official store: https://bit.ly/3emVxSN Free Beginner's Guide to BJJ: https://bit.ly/36rBgIQ Free Jiu-Jitsu Training Secrets Guide: https://bit.ly/2A9m9rf

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about leg weave pass?

This video covers establishing the reference point, entry from half guard, controlling the opponent's posture. It provides detailed instruction from Jiu Jitsu Brotherhood.

How long does it take to learn leg weave pass?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.