The Cortez Dickies Pass

Hey everyone, I just have to share my experience with what I call 'The Cortez Dickies Pass' – it’s been a game-changer for my jiu-jitsu game! I remember the first time I saw someone use this; they totally shut down an opponent who was trying everything to sweep. It looked so effective, and I knew I had to try it out myself. This pass is fantastic, especially when you're facing someone with a really active open guard, or when this vato has dickies on and is trying to keep you at bay. The key is to be proactive and not let them establish their grips. Here’s how I approach it, breaking it down into steps, just like I practice it: First, when he's gonna try to sweep me, I make sure to establish my grips. A crucial step is to grab his pant leg right here. I aim for a deep grip, usually near the ankle or shin, which helps control their leg and prevent them from getting under me. This grip is essential because it limits their mobility and sets up the next crucial steps. Next, I really focus on disrupting their base. I step on this foo's leg – specifically, the leg on the same side as my pant grip. This isn't just a casual step; it's a deliberate stomp that pushes their leg down and wide, unbalancing them and making it incredibly difficult for them to maintain their guard structure. It opens up a clear path for me to advance. Once their leg is pinned down, the next move is to shelf this leg right here. I use my other leg, usually my knee or shin, to "shelf" their free leg, preventing them from bringing it back into play. This isolates one of their legs and makes it easier to pass. It’s all about creating a pathway and taking away their tools. After that, it's about securing the position. I pin this foo down like this – usually by getting chest-to-chest, applying heavy pressure, and maintaining my grips. This pressure nullifies their ability to hip escape or recover their guard. It’s about being heavy and connected, almost like you’re trying to become one with them on the mat. From here, the pass is almost complete, but we're not done yet. You need to come right here – meaning, transition smoothly into a dominant side control or knee-on-belly position. Don't rush it, maintain your pressure and control. My goal is always to solidify the pass first, then look for the finish. And finally, the icing on the cake, you can often finish that choke! Once you've established dominant control like side control or mount, the opportunities for submissions open up. Sometimes, the pressure from the pass itself creates the opening for a quick arm triangle or a cross-collar choke. It’s incredibly satisfying to transition directly from a powerful pass into a submission. I truly call that one... The Cortez Dickies Pass because it feels so definitive and effective. It's become one of my favorite ways to deal with tough guard players. Give it a shot in your next rolling session; I bet you'll find it as effective as I do!