How to Do the Knee Tap Pass in BJJ
The knee tap pass from open guard uses a quick tap on the inside of the opponent's knee to collapse their guard and create a passing lane. Combined with upper body control, the knee tap drops them to one side while you pass to the other.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 From standing, grip the collar or head with one hand
- 2 Use your other hand to tap the inside of their near knee
- 3 The knee tap collapses their guard structure to one side
- 4 Pass quickly to the side where the knee was tapped
- 5 Secure side control with heavy crossface
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Tapping too gently to collapse the guard
- ⚠️ Not combining the tap with upper body control
- ⚠️ Passing to the wrong side after the tap
- ⚠️ Not following through quickly enough
- ⚠️ Leaving space after the tap instead of closing distance
🔄 Variations
- → To knee on belly
- → With collar tie
- → Against butterfly guard
- → To leg drag
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Frame on the collar grip
- → Reguard after the tap
- → Underhook when they tap
- → Counter-sweep during the pass
Track Your Knee Tap Pass Progress
Log every time you practice the Knee Tap 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 Tap Pass? ▼
The Knee Tap 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 Tap 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 Tap Pass? ▼
The Knee Tap 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.