Initial Setup and Grip

The instructor begins with a seated opponent and establishes an inverted grip on the opponent's ankle with the right hand while securing a collar tie with the left. This grip combination creates immediate pressure and threatens to establish a favorable passing angle, forcing the opponent to react defensively.

Level Change and Body Lock

As the opponent squares up in response to the angle threat, the instructor executes a level change by bringing both elbows back and driving the head into the shoulder before locking the hands around the torso. Importantly, the lock is established with one long arm and one short arm rather than in the middle, which maintains a wider base and prevents sumagata escapes.

Head Pressure and Hip Control

The instructor uses sustained head pressure to drive the opponent's shoulders toward the mat while simultaneously sprawling the right hip to eliminate the butterfly hook threat. This coordinated movement prevents the opponent from generating upward leverage and keeps them pinned to the mat.

Knee Walk and Knee Pin Attempt

The instructor walks out toward the left side while actively pinching the opponent's knee with the left elbow, then steps the left knee over the opponent's knee to control it. When the opponent posts inside the knee to prevent the pass, the instructor unlocks the hands and transitions to an underhook position.

Transition to Half Guard Underhook

After unlocking from the body lock, the instructor flicks the elbow into the opponent's forearm and secures a near-side underhook while switching the head to the opposite side. This transition sets up the finishing sequence from the half guard position with superior upper-body control.

Double Underhook Response

When the opponent posts on the instructor's knee to prevent a clean three-quarter mount position, the instructor swims the hand inside to secure a double underhook. This adjustment dismantles the opponent's defensive post and creates space to continue advancing the position.

Knee Drive and Head Switch

With double unders established, the instructor drives the knee to the mat while simultaneously switching the head across to the opposite side. This coordinated movement disrupts the opponent's frame and prepares for the final escape sequence.

Butterfly Hook and Pass Finish

The instructor inserts a butterfly hook and uses it to free the trapped leg, then executes a windshield wiper motion to swing the legs to the opposite side. The near-side knee is finally placed on the mat to establish complete side control and secure the pass.

Nicky Ryan: Unstoppable Body Lock Pass Details | B-Team Technique

The B-Team

Standard Body Lock Pass

2 min read·8 key moments·PT7M46S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Setup and Grip
•Level Change and Body Lock
•Head Pressure and Hip Control
•Knee Walk and Knee Pin Attempt

https://bteamjj.myshopify.com Merch is now live! | Nicky Ryan shows you how to effectively enter the half guard to begin body lock passing, how to use the near-side underhook to control your opponent, and important leg work for passing into top position. Instructionals: • Nicky Ryan: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_nicky-ryan • Craig: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/craig-jones • Nicky Rod: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_nick-rodriguez • Ethan: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_ethan-crelinsten • Jay Rod: https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/instructional-videos/fighter_jacob-rodriguez Official Store: https://bteamjj.myshopify.com Website: https://bteamjj.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/bteamjj Merch: https://www.ma1combat.com/ #BTeamJiuJitsu #BJJ #JiuJitsu #nogi 00:00 - Intro 00:12 - Entering half guard 03:30 - Explanation of the next step 04:14 - How to pass with the near-side underhook 06:07 - Bonus rolling footage

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard body lock pass?

This video covers initial setup and grip, level change and body lock, head pressure and hip control. It provides detailed instruction from The B-Team.

How long does it take to learn standard body lock 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.