Jiu-Jitsu 101: The Knee Slice

When you start learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu, it easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of techniques that make up the arsenal of a BJJ practitioner. There are so many. And each offers its own entries, modifications and finishes, as well as its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

And can we talk about all those names?? A single technique can have two to three different names, depending on which affiliation you train under or which style you practice. It’s daunting – but not impossible – to get them all straight.

In this series, I’ll provide you a 101 guide to the most common – and uncommon – jiu-jitsu techniques. We’ll cover a basic understanding of the techniques, common positions and ways in which they are executed, as well as tips to help you get the desired result.

In this edition, we’ll cover one of my favorite techniques: the knee slice.

What is the Knee Slice?

The knee slice pass (sometimes known as the knee cut pass) is one of the most fundamental and effective guard-passing techniques in BJJ. Incredibly versatile, it works well in both Gi and No-Gi and offers you the ability to transition directly from guard into side control, or even mount. Many would agree that it’s an indispensable part of your jiu-jitsu tool kit and one of the first passes every practitioner should master.  

At its essence, the knee slice – just as its name implies – is an inside pass that involves “slicing” across your opponent’s inner thigh.

Mechanics of the Knee Slice

Like all passes, the knee slice combines pressure, balance, precision and timing. It is often executed from a recently-broken closed guard, half guard, or an open guard in which your opponent is on his/her side (such as reverse de la riva).

From closed guard, you’ll first break the guard, then bring your inside knee up and over your opponent’s thigh as it rests on the mat, keeping your balance with your outside leg propped up and maintaining steady pressure on your opponent. From an open guard, of course, you won’t need to break the guard. At this point, your opponent may or may not attempt to put their knee shield up. If it’s in place and preventing your forward movement, you’ll need to either push it to the outside, out of the way, or collapse it upon their bottom leg. You will then “slice” across – leading with your knee – to pass into the side control position. Easy, right?

Well, easier said than done. There are a few things to keep in mind…

Key Details for Effective Execution

As with every technique or position, there are key details that will determine how effective and successful you are. With the knee slice, these include:

• Hip Control – The essence of the knee slice pass – any pass, really – lies in your ability to control your opponent’s hips. By shutting down their ability to move or invert, you can slice through their guard with minimal effort and maintain your position after you’ve passed. You do this by applying pressure against your opponent’s other hip or inner thigh (opposite of the side you’re passing to) with your inside hand or elbow. Slicing across the leg on one side and pushing against their opposite hip helps immobilize their hips and limits their ability to move and retain their guard.
• Pressure, Pressure, Pressure – The knee slice is an iconic “pressure pass.” In order to execute it effectively, you must maintain a heavy base, constant forward movement, and as much bodily connection as possible to eliminate any space. Avoid rushing… slow, controlled pressure is key.
• The Angle – Offensive jiu-jitsu is all about angles, and the knee slice is no exception. You don’t want to slice parallel to your opponent’s body, as that will limit your ability to maintain connection and pressure. A 45 degree angle is ideal.

A Few of Our Favorite Videos

• This Drill Will Give You A Deadly Kneecut Pass
• Ffion Davies | The Knee Slice in FULL DETAIL
• Very Efficient Knee Cut BJJ Guard Passing No Gi by JT Torres
• The Most Precise Jiu Jitsu Guard Pass (Knee Cut) by Lucas Lepri

When executed properly, it can be one of the most efficient ways to advance your position in Jiu-Jitsu, giving you an immediate pathway from guard to dominant control and even slick submissions. Whether you're rolling in the Gi or No-Gi, the knee slice pass should be a staple in your guard-passing arsenal.

Have you checked out our previous Jiu-Jitsu 101 video?

• Jiu-Jitsu 101: The D’Arce Choke