Initial Positioning and Base

Begin the body lock pass by establishing close proximity to the opponent's hips. Position the knees wide and lower the hips significantly to prevent the opponent from generating effective pushing power with their butterfly hooks. This low, wide base is essential—when the opponent's legs are positioned higher on the body, they can easily create distance.

Establishing the Body Lock

Drive the hips forward and place both elbows tightly against the opponent's body with no gap between the arms and torso. The grip should pass under the opponent's spine, with hands positioned directly beneath the shoulders. This creates a unified pressure point that eliminates space and makes it difficult for the opponent to escape.

Waiting for Defensive Movement

Apply slight forward pressure to provoke the opponent into attempting an upward escape. As the opponent begins to elevate their hips to create distance, immediately close the grip and pull it downward to maintain control. Ensure the grip sits low on the torso for maximum mechanical advantage.

Head Positioning and Hip Control

Determine the most advantageous direction to pass based on the opponent's defensive positioning. Move the hips in one direction while placing the head on the opposite side, creating a 2-on-1 hip advantage. This positioning allows the passer to control the opponent's lower body while maintaining upper-body pressure.

Executing the Hip Escape

If the opponent secures hooks around the passer's torso, take a significant backstep to free the hips from entanglement. This step is critical to regaining mobility and preventing the opponent from controlling the lower body during the pass sequence.

Knee Positioning and Leg Control

Control one of the opponent's legs by using both of the passer's legs against it. As lateral movement is generated, drive the knee toward the opponent's knee to disrupt their base and create passing lanes. This two-versus-one leg control is fundamental to progressing the pass.

Switching Directions Against Defense

If the opponent creates strong frame pressure on one side, step over their leg and transition to the opposite direction or to a mounted position. Effective defensive opponents will not be vulnerable everywhere simultaneously—the passer must be willing to shift angles multiple times to find openings.

Final Positioning and Knee Placement

Continue driving lateral pressure while searching for the top of the opponent's knee with the passer's own knee. Use the back and core to maintain pressure throughout the transition into a dominant passing position such as knee-on-belly or mount.

No- gi BJJ Technique: Body Lock Pass Against Butterfly Guard

Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp, Phuket, Thailand

Standard Side Body Lock

2 min read·8 key moments·PT7M15S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Positioning and Base
•Establishing the Body Lock
•Waiting for Defensive Movement
•Head Positioning and Hip Control

Coach Aleksei Perederiy teaches a couple of methods of passing an opponent's butterfly guard, in the morning all levels no-gi BJJ class here at Tiger Muay Thai. Our all levels no-gi BJJ classes run Monday-Friday at 9:30am, with Open Mat taking place on Saturdays at 9:30am. Whatever your experience level and whether you are a BJJ practitioner, MMA fighter, or interested in self defense, come join a class and learn from our world class coaches! Train with us: https://www.tigermuaythai.com/online-booking Get TMT gear: https://www.tmtfightstore.com/en/ Subscribe for more training, instructional and fight videos: youtube.com/tigermuaythai?sub_confirmation=1

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard side body lock?

This video covers initial positioning and base, establishing the body lock, waiting for defensive movement. It provides detailed instruction from Tiger Muay Thai and MMA Training Camp, Phuket, Thailand.

How long does it take to learn standard side body lock?

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.