How to Do the Knee Cut Pass in BJJ
The knee cut pass (knee slice) is one of the most versatile and high-percentage guard passes in BJJ. You slice your knee through the middle while controlling grips to pass to side control.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 Control their pants at the knee and collar/lapel
- 2 Step your knee to the inside of their thigh
- 3 Slice through while keeping your shin across their thigh
- 4 Stay heavy and low, driving shoulder into their face
- 5 Clear the legs and establish side control
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Not controlling the far arm
- ⚠️ Knee goes too wide
- ⚠️ Too upright (easy to sweep)
- ⚠️ Letting them get an underhook
- ⚠️ Not clearing the bottom leg
🔄 Variations
- → Knee cut with underhook
- → Backstep knee cut
- → Leg weave knee cut
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Underhook
- → Knee shield
- → Grab far leg
- → Half guard
Track Your Knee Cut Pass Progress
Log every time you practice the Knee Cut Pass and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Guard Passes
View all →Double Under Pass
The double under pass stacks your opponent by getting both arms under their legs. It's a pressure-ba...
Torreando Pass
The torreando (bullfighter) pass is a speed pass where you grip the legs and throw them to one side ...
Leg Drag Pass
The leg drag is a highly effective pass where you drag your opponent's leg across your body while ci...
Over-Under Pass
The over-under pass is a pressure pass where one arm goes over their leg and one under. It's a stapl...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Knee Cut Pass? ▼
The Knee Cut Pass is typically introduced at the white belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. The beginning of the BJJ journey. Focus on survival, basic positions, and fundamental movements.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Knee Cut 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 Knee Cut Pass? ▼
The Knee Cut 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.