Cartwheel Pass: Advanced Technique

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Contents

Overview

The cartwheel pass is an advanced technique using explosive hip movement and leg positioning to bypass guard defenses.

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Setup Phase

Establish control of their legs
Position yourself perpendicular to their body
Base yourself with both arms

Explosive Hip Movement

Drive your hips explosively, rotating your body like a cartwheel. This momentum carries you past their legs and into side control.

Timing and Positioning

Attack cartwheel when they are posturing up or when their leg control is loose. The explosiveness overcomes their frame.

Landing and Control

Complete the cartwheel into a solid side control or knee on belly position. Recovery from the cartwheel momentum is important for stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to learn Cartwheel Pass Technique?

Most practitioners develop functional competency with Cartwheel Pass Technique within 3–6 months of consistent drilling. Mastery — the ability to execute reliably in live rolling against resisting opponents — typically takes 1–2 years.

Is Cartwheel Pass Technique effective for beginners?

Yes. Cartwheel Pass Technique is part of the core BJJ curriculum and taught at all belt levels. Beginners should focus on the fundamental mechanics and concepts before refining advanced entries.

How often should I drill Cartwheel Pass Technique?

3–5 times per week is ideal for rapid skill acquisition. Even 10 focused repetitions per session compounds over time — consistency matters more than volume.

What positions connect to Cartwheel Pass Technique?

BJJ is a linked system. Cartwheel Pass Technique flows naturally to and from related positions. Study transitions in both directions to build a complete positional game.

Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

Q: Why do I feel a sharp pain in my shoulder when I try to execute the Cartwheel Pass: Advanced Technique against a resisting opponent?

This pain often arises from a lack of proper shoulder external rotation and scapular retraction. As you initiate the cartwheel, if your lead shoulder isn't externally rotated and your shoulder blade isn't pulled back towards your spine, the joint capsule and rotator cuff muscles are forced into an unstable, vulnerable position under pressure, leading to impingement or strain.

Q: How can I effectively use my hips to generate power for the Cartwheel Pass: Advanced Technique when my opponent is using a strong base and preventing me from moving around them?

To generate hip power, focus on a powerful hip extension coupled with a strong pelvic tuck. As you initiate the cartwheel, drive your hips forward and upward by extending your hip joints, simultaneously tucking your pelvis under your torso to create a fulcrum. This action leverages the larger gluteal and hamstring muscles to propel your body through the pass, bypassing their base.

Q: What is the correct angle of my body and the placement of my hands and feet to avoid getting stuck in my opponent's guard during the Cartwheel Pass: Advanced Technique?

Maintain a 45-degree angle relative to your opponent's hips, ensuring your lead foot is planted firmly to pivot and your trailing foot provides a powerful push-off. Your hands should grip the opponent's hips or thighs to control their base, and as you cartwheel, your trailing hand should aim to touch the mat slightly behind your lead foot to maintain momentum and create space for your hips to clear their legs.