Leandro Lo: Lessons from a Legend – High-Percentage Techniques You Can Use

The Jiu-Jitsu world lost a legend when Leandro Lo passed away, but his influence and legacy live on through the countless matches, moments, and techniques he shared with us. Lo was known not only for his humble personality and love for the sport, but also for being one of the most successful competitors of all time.

Lo competed against the best in the world and consistently came out on top. The data from From 2011–2012, shows the high-percentage techniques he relied on that period  – the ones that worked in the heat of competition, against elite opponents.

These moves aren’t just “cool” techniques – they’re battle-tested tools that work when it matters most. As students, you can study and apply them in your own game to increase your success on the mats.

1. Guard Passes – Kneeslide King (42.3%)

Lo’s most effective pass was the Kneeslide Pass – responsible for nearly half of his guard passes during this period.

• Why it works: The kneeslide is fast, pressure-heavy, and works against many types of guards, from half guard to open guard.

• Key details: Control the opponent’s hips, win the underhook, and use your knee as a wedge to split their guard.

• Training Tip: Start from knee shield half guard and practice drilling the pass with full pressure, keeping your hips low.

Other notable passes:

• Lo Drag Pass (23.1%) – A quick movement pass to catch opponents by surprise.

• Torreando Pass (19.2%) – Great for speed and creating angles.

2. Sweeps – Spider-X Sweep Specialist (36%)

Lo’s Spider-X Sweep was his most successful sweep, accounting for more than a third of his sweeps.

• Why it works: Combines the control of spider guard with the off-balancing of X-guard grips, making it hard for the opponent to recover.

• Key details: Maintain strong lasso/spider grips while feeding your leg into the X-guard position for a controlled off-balance and finish.

• Training Tip: Drill entries from spider guard directly into the X-guard position, focusing on keeping grips strong and feet active.

3. Submissions – Attacking from Everywhere

Lo didn’t rely solely on submissions to win, but when he attacked, he used fundamental, high-success finishes:

• Armbar (30%) – Versatile and effective from guard, mount, or transition.

• Cross Collar Choke (20%) – Simple, powerful, and great for controlling pace.

• Bow and Arrow Choke (20%) – Especially dangerous when he had the back.

Lessons for Your Training

If you want to follow in Lo’s footsteps, focus on mastering a few high-percentage techniques and making them unstoppable.

1. Pick one guard pass – Kneeslide Pass is a proven winner.

2. Pick one sweep – Spider-X Sweep gives you both control and reversals.

3. Pick one submission – Armbar or Cross Collar Choke for their versatility.

Drill these moves until they feel automatic. Then test them in sparring, refine your details, and keep building confidence.

Leandro Lo’s legacy reminds us that champions are made by mastering the basics and applying them at the highest level. His game wasn’t about endless moves – it was about a few sharp weapons, sharpened to perfection.

Train hard, keep learning, and carry forward the spirit of one of the greatest to ever step on the mats.