10th Planet Watch – 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu Van Nuys Blog

This month at 10th Planet Van Nuys, we’re working on different strategies for passing the half guard position. One of my favorite passes from this position is the “No Hand,” “Smash,” “101 Pass.” I’ve heard this move called by several different names, but the theme is always the same. The idea behind it is this:

1. Starting from half guard, using a head and arm control, pin your opponents shoulder’s to the matt
2. Bring the knees to the side, pinning them to the matt.
3. Pin the bottom leg with your free leg.
4. Pull the trapped leg out using pressure and gravity
5. Once free, Drop the knee to the mat and kick the legs, freeing the ankle from the 1/4 guard
   Move into side control

Because this move is so popular, the downside is that it can be countered easily as well. That doesn’t mean it’s not effective, it just means you better know what your oppoent’s response is going to be before he does it, so you can beat him to the position. Here are some tips and details to getting this pass.

• Twist your opponent up! Have the knees facing 90 degrees from the torso. Don’t let his knees go towards the ceiling, you want to make sure you don’t allow him to move around.
• Keep your head on the matt, and keep your shoulder pressure heavy. This will also keep them from being too comfortable to want to even think about a counter or escape.
• Stay high on your opponent. Don’t let him get his hand on your hip and push you down the body. It will make it harder to get your weight down.
• Keep your weight off to the side. Never let them control where your weight distribution goes. If your opponent can get underneath you, he can determine where he wants to take you. Keep your hips as low as possible.
• After you pass, use shoulder pressure as to not allow your opponent to turn into you. You want to be solid like a rock. No swaying, no momentum. Also, don’t put all your weight on the mat our knee, put it on your oppoent as much as possible.
• Always Smash, Smash, Smash!!!