🥋 Techniques

What is Crossface in BJJ?

Quick Definition

Driving your forearm or shoulder across the opponent's face to control their head.

Full Explanation

The crossface is a controlling technique where you drive your forearm, wrist, or shoulder across the opponent's face or jaw, turning their head away from you. This controls their posture and limits their ability to turn in and recover guard. Crossfacing is fundamental to maintaining side control and completing guard passes, particularly the knee cut pass. A strong crossface makes many escapes very difficult for the bottom player.

Examples in Context

"His crossface from side control was brutal"

"Use the crossface to control their head during the knee cut"

Related Terms

Side Control

A dominant top position perpendicular to your opponent, controlling their upper body.

Guard Pass

A technique to get past your opponent's legs and establish a dominant top position.

Pressure

Using body weight effectively to control and exhaust your opponent.

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