Body Lock Pass System Overview
The body lock pass system is organized around three fundamental concepts: shelving, stuffing, and splitting the opponent's legs. Shelving involves placing the opponent's legs on the passer's body, while stuffing drives a leg into half guard position. Splitting uses one or two of the passer's legs to separate the opponent's leg entanglements.
Shelving and Stuffing Applications
When shelving, the passer can control the opponent's legs using either front or side body locks. Stuffing the leg into half guard allows the passer to step over and bypass the opponent's top leg, eliminating the need to navigate around the knee shield and arm frames that would otherwise obstruct the pass.
Leg Splitting Variations
The splitting method can employ either one or two of the passer's legs to divide the opponent's guard. A double-split approach uses the passer's legs to separate both of the opponent's legs simultaneously, preventing effective guard retention and enabling straightforward guard passage or transition to half guard.
Front to Side Body Lock Conversion
Converting from a front body lock to a side body lock occurs when the opponent attempts a forward shift to create separation. The side body lock is presented as superior to the front body lock, and the conversion allows the passer to maintain control while locking hands and completing the pass from either position.
Locked and Unlocked Hand Transitions
Rather than maintaining continuously locked hands throughout the pass, the passer can fluidly transition between locked and unlocked hand positions based on the opponent's resistance. When the opponent posts strongly on one side, unlocking the hands and switching to a tight waist grip allows the passer to step over legs or re-engage with an inside elbow control.
Back Take Counter Sequence
When the opponent turns away into a turtle position to avoid being pinned, the passer applies a deep tight waist control with their ear on the opponent's back. As the opponent attempts to escape by scissoring and rising up, the passer inserts hooks progressively—first one hook into a power half position, then a second hook for back control.
Pressure and Control Philosophy
The body lock passing system emphasizes reducing the opponent's athleticism through positioning rather than attempting to match or exceed their physical capabilities. By maintaining deep pressure and controlling the opponent's movement options, the passer forces the opponent into labored, predictable actions that create opportunities for pass completion or back control.
Learn How To Do The Perfect Jiu Jitsu Body Lock Pass by Gordon Ryan
Key Takeaways
- •Body Lock Pass System Overview
- •Shelving and Stuffing Applications
- •Leg Splitting Variations
- •Front to Side Body Lock Conversion
If you watch Gordon Ryan training or competing, you will notice that he has a perfect Body Lock Pass. Learn how to do it today :) - Click Here To Check Out Gordon Ryan's Instructional Videos - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/fighter_GORDON-RYAN - "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 body lock pass?
This video covers body lock pass system overview, shelving and stuffing applications, leg splitting variations. It provides detailed instruction from Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics.
How long does it take to learn 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 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing body lock pass?
When the opponent turns away into a turtle position to avoid being pinned, the passer applies a deep tight waist control with their ear on the opponent's back. As the opponent attempts to escape by scissoring and rising up, the passer inserts hooks progressively—first one hook into a power half position, then a second hook for back control.
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