## Knee Insertion Technique The Knee Insertion technique is a strategic maneuver in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that is often used as a guard pass or a setup for a more dominant position. It's versatile and can be employed from a few key positions, primarily the **Half Guard**. ### Japanese Name N/A (No widely recognized Japanese name for this technique) ### Position - **Half Guard** - **Open Guard** ### Top or Bottom - **Top** ### Step-by-Step Instructions #### From **Half Guard (Top)**: 1. **Maintain Posture:** - Start from the **Half Guard** position, with your opponent controlling one of your legs between theirs. Maintain good balance by keeping your knees bent and weight evenly distributed. 2. **Break Opponent's Grip:** - Use your hands to control and peel off any grips your opponent may have on your sleeves or collar. This is crucial for maintaining control as you progress through the technique. 3. **Pin the Opponent's Arm:** - Reach over your opponent's body, aiming to post your hand on the mat or grab the opponent's opposite shoulder. This will help in breaking any cross-face grips. 4. **Knee Positioning:** - With your free leg, adjust and slide your knee to insert it between the opponent's knees. The goal is to wedge your knee across your opponent's thighs, hindering their ability to clamp down their legs tightly around yours. 5. **Create Space:** - Use your knee to pry open the opponent's leg grip. Lower your hips slightly while applying pressure through your knee to create a gap. 6. **Slide into Position:** - As the space opens, slide your controlled leg through. Simultaneously, reposition your grips and posture to amplify control. 7. **Secure a Dominant Position:** - Transition to **side control** or **mount** by settling your weight on the opponent, weaving past their defenses. Ensure your knees are pinched tightly to control any erratic movements. 8. **Finish with Connection:** - Once past the guard, connect your elbows to their hips. This solidifies your control and can set up additional submissions or control tactics. ### Tips - **Be Efficient:** Smooth knee insertions often rely on capitalizing on quick opportunities or momentary lapses in the opponent's defense. - **Maintain Pressure:** Consistent downward pressure ensures your opponent cannot regain his guard or employ significant resistance. - **Dynamic Adjustments:** Keep your movements fluid and ready to adapt based on the opponent's strategy, using the knee insertion to transition seamlessly to other positions.