This month at 10th Planet Van Nuys we are working on passing the guard. The style of passing that we are working on is the same style that Demian Maia is using right now in MMA. Below is a great breakdown that BJJ Scout created on Maia’s primary passing series. In the video BJJ Scout breaks down how Maia passes from the 3/4 mount to the full mount and how he uses the dope pass to mount his opponent.

I am really enjoying both passes. The 3/4 mount to full mount pass has been super effective for me because it is super slow and methodical. Instead of relying on athleticism it relies on you smothering your opponent and manipulating their body to make your pass easier. I also like it because it can lead into a kimura set up from side control.

The dope mount set up that Maia uses is also super powerful and easy to use. What I like about this set up is that once you reach a certain point, the outside knee into the hip, the rest of the pass just seems to fall into place due to your opponent’s body positioning. By pushing their knee in one direction and cross facing their face in the other direction you create an immense amount of pressure on their spine. The only way to alleviate the pressure is to extend your trapped knee which gives the top player the pass. This pass is a great example of how jiu jitsu players can use body mechanics against their opponents.

If you are interested in learning more about these two passes make sure to stop by 10th Planet Van Nuys this month!