How to Do the Chest to Chest Pass in BJJ
The chest to chest pass closes the distance to the guard player and uses heavy chest pressure to pin them while working past the legs. By getting chest to chest and driving your weight forward, you nullify their guards that require distance. You then work your legs past one at a time using hip switching.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Close the distance and get your chest heavy on theirs
- 2 Control their hips with your hands or underhooks
- 3 Use hip switching to work past one leg at a time
- 4 Maintain constant chest pressure throughout the pass
- 5 Settle into side control with crossface
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Leaving space between your chest and theirs
- ⚠️ Not controlling the hips during the hip switch
- ⚠️ Getting caught in guard while closing distance
- ⚠️ Rushing the hip switches instead of being methodical
- ⚠️ Lifting your chest during the pass giving them space
🔄 Variations
- → From combat base
- → With double underhooks
- → To north-south transition
- → With head and arm control
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Frame before they get chest to chest
- → Create angles to prevent the pin
- → Underhook to prevent chest pressure
- → Reguard by hip escaping
Track Your Chest to Chest Pass Progress
Log every time you practice the Chest to Chest Pass and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Chest to Chest Pass? ▼
The Chest to Chest Pass is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Chest to Chest Pass works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Chest to Chest Pass? ▼
The Chest to Chest Pass is typically executed from open guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.