How to Do the Knee Slice Pass in BJJ
The knee slice pass drives your knee diagonally across the opponent's thigh to slice through their half guard. Combined with upper body control, the slicing knee motion cuts through the guard quickly. It is one of the most commonly used passes at all levels of competition.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 From combat base or half guard top, position your lead knee across their thigh
- 2 Grip the collar and far underhook for upper body control
- 3 Slice your knee diagonally across their body toward the mat
- 4 Your weight follows the knee slice, driving through the guard
- 5 Complete the pass to side control with crossface
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Knee slicing straight down instead of diagonally
- ⚠️ Not getting the far underhook for control
- ⚠️ Allowing them to get a knee shield before slicing
- ⚠️ Not driving enough weight through the knee slice
- ⚠️ Getting caught in half guard during the slice
🔄 Variations
- → With collar grip
- → Against knee shield
- → Against DLR
- → To mount variation
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Knee shield before the slice starts
- → Underhook to prevent the pass
- → Frame on the slicing knee
- → Reguard during the slice
Track Your Knee Slice Pass Progress
Log every time you practice the Knee Slice 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 Knee Slice Pass? ▼
The Knee Slice 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 Knee Slice 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 Slice Pass? ▼
The Knee Slice Pass is typically executed from half guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.