Bernardo Faria Pressure System

Passing System Intermediate difficulty

What is Bernardo Faria Pressure System?

Pressure passing depends on connection and weight placement.

Pressure passing depends on connection and weight placement. This guide examines how to limit hip movement, advance past the legs and settle into control. The linked instructional focuses on Bernardo’s no-gi approach, including over-under passing.

Use the implementation sequence to choose a training focus, the connected techniques to study each position, and the course recommendation to explore a detailed video explanation. This is BJJGraph’s study guide; it is not an official course outline or a substitute for coached practice.

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No Gi Pressure Passing

with Bernardo Faria

Who it suits: Students developing close-range passing. This course focuses on no-gi rather than gi-specific grip details.

Focuses on no-gi pressure passing, including Bernardo’s over-under approach and control from the knees.

View course & syllabus on BJJ Fanatics →

Core Principles

• Constant forward pressure forces opponent to work continuously
• Weight distribution creates exhaustion without requiring strength
• Systematic passing sequences create multiple attack paths
• Grip control establishes dominant hand fighting positions
• Patient pressure beats explosive counters through timing
• Base management prevents sweeps during passing attempts
• Position consolidation before advancing to next stage

Key Components

Knee Slice Passing (Primary guard passing tool that applies maximum pressure while advancing position) The foundational passing technique involves driving the knee across opponent’s thighs while controlling their upper body with strategic grips. The pass emphasizes weight distribution onto opponent’s hips and chest, making them carry your bodyweight while preventing guard retention. Timing the slice with opponent’s breathing and movement creates higher success rates.

Over-Under Control (Control position that exhausts opponents and creates passing opportunities) Establishing one arm over opponent’s leg and one arm under creates asymmetric pressure that prevents effective guard retention. The over-under position allows for strategic weight placement onto opponent’s chest and hips while limiting their mobility. This control position sets up both passing opportunities and back exposure through systematic pressure application.

Bodylock Passing (Eliminates opponent’s hand fighting while creating maximum control for passing) Connecting hands around opponent’s torso creates complete control of their core while eliminating grip fighting. The bodylock allows for strategic weight drops, pressure angles, and position advancement without giving opponent hand fighting opportunities. This position is particularly effective against butterfly and half guard structures where traditional grip fighting proves difficult.

Half Guard Maintenance (Control position in half guard that creates passing opportunities through pressure) When opponent establishes half guard, the system emphasizes maintaining dominant underhook position, crossface control, and strategic weight placement to flatten opponent. Rather than immediate passing, the focus becomes making opponent carry weight while systematically clearing the bottom leg through precise technique and timing. Patience in this position creates exhaustion and eventual passing opportunities.

Mount Consolidation (Dominant position that maximizes points and submission opportunities) After passing, the system emphasizes immediate mount consolidation through grapevine control, high mount positioning, and strategic weight distribution. The goal becomes making opponent carry maximum weight while preventing escape opportunities. This position serves as both a scoring position and submission platform within the overall system architecture.

Implementation Sequence

1. Grip Establishment: Begin standing or from combat base by establishing strategic grips that control opponent’s collar, sleeves, or pants. Priority grips include cross collar, sleeve control, or pant grips at the knees. Key points:

• Fight for dominant grips before posture engagement
• Control opponent’s collar to prevent guard pulling
• Establish sleeve control to limit defensive frames
• Maintain strong base during grip fighting exchanges

2. Pressure: Drive forward weight onto opponent through strategic positioning, forcing them to carry your bodyweight. Focus on placing pressure on their hips, chest, and shoulders rather than using muscular strength. Key points:

• Drop hips to create downward pressure vector
• Distribute weight through chest and shoulder contact
• Maintain forward momentum without losing base
• Force opponent to work continuously under pressure

3. Guard Opening: Systematically open closed guard through posture control, grip breaks, and strategic pressure application. Use knee placement, elbow positioning, and weight distribution to create guard opening opportunities. Key points:

• Establish strong posture before attempting guard break
• Use elbow placement on thighs to create opening
• Combine grip control with pressure application
• Transition immediately when guard opens

4. Passing Execution: Execute primary passing techniques including knee slice, over-under, or bodylock based on opponent’s guard structure and defensive reactions. Maintain constant pressure throughout passing sequence. Key points:

• Select passing technique based on guard type
• Maintain pressure during entire passing sequence
• Control opponent’s hips to prevent guard retention
• Consolidate position before advancing further

5. Half Guard Navigation: When opponent establishes half guard, immediately secure underhook position and crossface control. Focus on flattening opponent through weight placement and clearing bottom leg through systematic technique. Key points:

• Win underhook battle immediately
• Apply crossface pressure to limit mobility
• Flatten opponent’s back to mat
• Clear bottom leg through precise technique and timing

6. Position Consolidation: Upon passing to side control or mount, immediately consolidate the position through proper weight distribution, control points, and base management. Prevent immediate escape attempts through strategic pressure. Key points:

• Establish crossface and underhook in side control
• Secure grapevine or high mount in mount position
• Distribute weight to prevent bridging escapes
• Maintain base while applying submission pressure

7. Submission Attacks: From consolidated positions, attack high-percentage submissions including ezekiel choke, arm triangle, americana, or kimura. Maintain pressure throughout submission attempts to prevent escapes. Key points:

• Attack submissions while maintaining position
• Use pressure to limit defensive movements
• Chain submissions when first attempts fail
• Return to position consolidation if submission escapes occur

Where to begin in the instructional

Study the over-under controls first, then the adjustments that keep the opponent from recovering guard.

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Explore the course contents on BJJ Fanatics: No Gi Pressure Passing →

What Challenges Will You Face?

• Strong defensive frames prevent pressure application: Break frames systematically through grip control and angle changes. Use bodylock positions to eliminate frame opportunities. Combine grip breaks with weight drops to collapse defensive structures.
• Opponent establishes deep half guard during passing: Prevent deep half entry through strategic base widening and weight placement. If deep half is established, use systematic escape protocol including limp leg extraction and backstep techniques. Maintain upper body control throughout escape.
• Athletic opponents use explosive movement to escape pressure: Anticipate explosive movements through timing and base management. Use opponent’s explosive energy against them by redirecting rather than resisting. Maintain connection points that allow following opponent’s movement while reestablishing pressure.
• Exhaustion from maintaining constant pressure: Use technique rather than strength for pressure application. Focus on weight distribution and bone alignment to create pressure without muscular effort. Take strategic rest periods in consolidated positions while maintaining control.
• Difficulty passing flexible opponents with mobile guards: Prioritize controlling opponent’s hips rather than legs. Use bodylock and over-under positions that limit flexibility advantages. Apply systematic pressure that exhausts opponent’s mobility over time.

How to Measure Your Progress

Guard Passing Success Rate: Percentage of guard encounters that result in successful passes to side control, mount, or back control Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: 30-40% passing success in training
• Intermediate: 50-65% passing success with systematic approach
• Advanced: 70%+ passing success against comparable opponents

Pressure Maintenance: Ability to maintain constant forward pressure throughout passing sequences without exhaustion Proficiency indicators:

• Can maintain pressure for 2+ minute passing sequences
• Opponent shows visible exhaustion before practitioner
• Technique rather than strength creates pressure effect

Half Guard Dominance: Success rate in achieving dominant position and passing from half guard top position Proficiency indicators:

• Win underhook battle 80%+ of time
• Successfully flatten opponent within 30 seconds
• Pass half guard within 90 seconds average

Position Consolidation Time: Speed and effectiveness of securing dominant positions after passing Proficiency indicators:

• Establish side control crossface within 3 seconds of passing
• Secure mount grapevines within 5 seconds of achieving mount
• Opponent unable to immediately escape consolidated positions

Submission Rate from Top: Percentage of dominant positions that result in submission attempts or finishes Proficiency indicators:

• Attempt submission from 60%+ of passed positions
• Finish submissions from top 30%+ of matches
• Chain 2+ submission attempts before position loss

How to Train This System Effectively

Drilling Approach

Begin with static positional drilling focusing on proper weight distribution and pressure application without resistance. Progress to flow drilling where partner provides graduated resistance levels. Emphasize specific position training starting from various guard types, focusing on systematic passing sequences and pressure maintenance. Include conditioning drills that build endurance for sustained pressure application over multiple minute rounds. Use positional sparring with constraints such as ‘must pass within 3 minutes’ or ‘maintain pressure without getting swept’ to develop specific skills. Incorporate video analysis of training rounds to identify pressure application gaps and timing improvements. Practice grip fighting scenarios separately to develop automatic dominant grip establishment.

Progression Path

Foundation Building (Focus: Master basic weight distribution, grip control, and primary passing techniques (knee slice, over-under)) - Months 1-3 Pressure Development (Focus: Develop ability to maintain constant pressure without exhaustion, improve timing and base management) - Months 4-6 Half Guard Specialization (Focus: Master half guard top position, develop systematic passing from half guard, improve underhook control) - Months 7-9 System Integration (Focus: Combine all passing techniques into seamless system, develop passing chains and submission connections) - Months 10-12 Competition Application (Focus: Apply system under tournament conditions, develop match strategies and timing, refine techniques based on competition feedback) - Months 12+ Advanced Refinement (Focus: Develop opponent-specific adaptations, master subtle pressure adjustments, teach system to others to deepen understanding) - Ongoing mastery

Common Mistakes

• Using muscular strength instead of proper weight distribution for pressure
• Rushing passing sequences without proper grip control and base establishment
• Losing patience and attempting explosive movements instead of systematic pressure
• Failing to consolidate positions immediately after passing
• Neglecting underhook battle in half guard top position
• Attempting submissions before establishing dominant control
• Poor base management leading to sweeps during passing attempts

Which Positions, Transitions, and Principles Connect to This System?

• Side Control (Position) - Primary position achieved through pressure passing system
• Mount (Position) - Dominant position targeted after successful passing sequences
• Knee Shield Half Guard (Position) - Common defensive structure that system addresses with specific techniques
• Deep Half Guard (Position) - Defensive position requiring specific escape and passing protocols
• Body Lock (Position) - Key control position used to eliminate grip fighting and create passing opportunities
• Headquarters Position (Position) - Strategic position for initiating pressure passing sequences
• High Mount (Position) - Advanced mount position for submission attacks after passing
• Combat Base (Position) - Starting position for establishing grips and initiating passing sequences
• Closed Guard (Position) - Guard structure requiring systematic opening and passing approach
• Butterfly Guard (Position) - Open guard structure addressed with bodylock and over-under techniques
• Knee Cut Pass (Transition) - Primary passing technique within the pressure system
• Over-Under Pass (Transition) - Core passing technique for creating asymmetric pressure
• Body Lock Pass (Transition) - Passing technique that eliminates opponent’s grip fighting opportunities
• Half Guard Pass (Transition) - Critical passing skill for system success from half guard top
• Long Step Pass (Transition) - Alternative passing technique used when knee slice is defended
• Double Under Pass (Transition) - Passing variation using bilateral underhook control for pressure application
• Side Control to Mount (Transition) - Position advancement sequence after successful passing
• Knee Slice Pass (Transition) - Fundamental pressure passing movement driving knee across opponent’s thighs
• Hip Pressure (Principle) - Core pressure principle for applying weight through hips during passing sequences
• Center of Gravity (Principle) - Core principle for creating effective pressure without exhaustion
• Forward Pressure (Principle) - Fundamental concept of maintaining constant offensive pressure
• Cross Face Control (Principle) - Essential control principle for half guard and side control dominance
• Guard Passing (Principle) - Theoretical framework supporting systematic passing approach
• Base (Principle) - Critical principle for preventing sweeps during passing attempts
• Control Maintenance (Principle) - Principle for consolidating positions after successful passes
• Pressure (Principle) - Technical principle for applying weight effectively during passing
• Gordon Ryan Passing System (System) - Complementary modern passing system with different technical emphasis
• Roger Gracie Fundamental System (System) - Related fundamental-based system with similar pressure philosophy
• Arm Triangle (Submission) - High-percentage submission from consolidated side control position
• Ezekiel Choke (Submission) - Primary submission attack from consolidated mount position

Take one idea into your next session

Enter the over-under position cooperatively, then add resistance to retaining the connection. Judge progress by control rather than speed.

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Check the sample and current price on BJJ Fanatics: No Gi Pressure Passing →