Credit Card

The Credit Card Pass is a guard-passing technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that involves splitting your opponent's legs (as though sliding a credit card between them) to bypass their Guard and transition into a dominant position. It’s particularly effective against Open Guard or Seated Guard players and relies on Pressure, Angles, and precise Grip Fighting to control and pass efficiently.

Note

The Credit Card Pass is not a universally recognized term across all Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu schools, and it may be referred to differently depending on the academy, instructor, or region. Some other terms or descriptions that might be associated with similar techniques include:

Leg Weave Pass

  • Refers to a passing technique that splits the opponent’s legs, often involving a weaving motion to control and bypass the Guard.

Split Pass

  • Describes the action of separating the opponent’s legs to isolate and control one side while passing.

Pressure Pass

  • A general term that includes techniques emphasizing Pressure and Weight Distribution to immobilize the opponent’s hips and pass the guard.

Thread the Needle Pass

  • Sometimes used to describe passes that involve threading your body or arms between the opponent’s legs, similar to the concept of sliding a "credit card" between them.

Staple Pass

  • Focuses on pinning one leg to the mat while passing to the opposite side, which could resemble elements of the Credit Card Pass.

Leg Splitter Pass

  • Another descriptive term for passes that separate the opponent's legs during execution.

Purpose of the Credit Card Pass

Guard Pass Solution

Leg Isolation

  • Splits the opponent’s legs, preventing them from maintaining guard or countering effectively.

Transition to Dominance

Neutralizing Hooks

Step-by-Step Execution

Establish Grips and Posture

  • Control your opponent’s legs by gripping their pants, ankles, or using Pocket Grips to manage their mobility.
  • Maintain strong Posture by staying upright and keeping your Center of Gravity balanced.

Open the Legs

  • Use your grips to guide their legs apart, simulating the action of sliding a credit card between their legs.
  • Apply outward Pressure to break their connection and disrupt their Base.

Step Through or Over

  • Step one leg through the gap between their legs to start isolating one side.
  • Alternatively, step over their thigh to pin it to the mat, preventing them from recovering guard.

Control the Hips

  • Apply Pressure on their hips using your hands, shoulder, or chest to immobilize their movement.
  • Focus on flattening their lower body to eliminate their ability to Hip Movement or reestablish guard.

Secure the Pass

Key Principles

Angles

  • Use angles to approach the pass, minimizing your opponent’s ability to defend or counter.

Pressure

  • Apply constant, directed pressure to their hips and legs to neutralize their defense.

Connection

  • Stay connected to their body during the pass to prevent escapes or recovery.

Grip Fighting

  • Manage their grips to reduce their control and limit their ability to defend the pass.

Common Uses of the Credit Card Pass

Breaking Open Guard

  • Splits the opponent’s legs to prevent them from establishing effective hooks or grips.

Countering Seated Guard

  • Forces the opponent to their back by disrupting their Base and posture.

Neutralizing Hooks

Dynamic Transitions

Drilling Tips for the Credit Card Pass

Solo Drills

  • Practice stepping through and controlling imaginary legs to develop fluid movement.
  • Work on Hip Movement and Weight Distribution to simulate the pressure required for the pass.

Partner Drills

  • Drill splitting your partner’s legs while they maintain light resistance to refine your timing and grip control.
  • Progress to live resistance to build adaptability.

Flow Drills

  • Combine the Credit Card Pass with other passes like Knee Cut or Toreando to develop a chain-passing system.

Positional Sparring

  • Start in Open Guard or Seated Guard and focus exclusively on executing the Credit Card Pass under resistance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak Pressure

  • Failing to apply sufficient pressure on the hips allows the opponent to recover guard.

Overcommitting

  • Rushing the pass without controlling grips or posture opens you to counters like Sweeps or submissions.

Flat Hips

  • Keeping your hips too low during the pass reduces mobility and effectiveness.

Neglecting Angles

  • Attacking straight on makes it easier for the opponent to defend or reestablish their guard.
Tip

The Credit Card Pass is a precise and versatile technique that thrives on strong Grip Fighting, calculated pressure, and fluid transitions. Practice it regularly to make it a valuable addition to your guard-passing game.

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