BJJ <strong>Open <strong>Guard</strong></strong> Passing: Torreando, Leg Weave and Speed Passes
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
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Master BJJ open guard passing: torreando, leg weave, bullfighter and knee cut passes to defeat open guards.
Open guard passing requires reading the guard player's grips and hips and moving faster than they can react. This guide covers the most reliable open guard passes for gi and no-gi.
Contents
Open Guard Pass Categories
| Category | Passes | Entry Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Redirecting | Torreando, bullfighter | Both pants/ankle grips |
| Smashing | Leg weave, knee slice | HQ position + one leg control |
| Speed | Long step, backstep | Reading hip movement |
| Leg entanglement | Over-under pass, stack | Both legs stacked |
Torreando Pass Step by Step
- Grip both pants at the knees or ankles.
- Push both legs to one side (right or left).
- Step around the legs to side control.
- Establish crossface and hip block simultaneously.
Passing Open Guard — Key Principles
- Kill grips first: strip sleeve or collar grips before attempting any pass.
- Move on the beat: pass in the same motion as the hip move, not after.
- Angle your base: never pass straight forward — pass on an angle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is open guard passing in BJJ?
Open guard passing is the set of techniques used to move around or through the opponent's guard when their legs are not locked around you. It requires grip fighting, posture and decisive movement.
What is the torreando pass?
The torreando (bullfighter) pass grips both of the guard player's pants or ankles and redirects them to one side while stepping around to side control. It is one of the most reliable passes against open guards.
What is the leg weave pass?
The leg weave pass (also called the headquarters pass) weaves one leg between the opponent's legs and drives the knee to the mat, removing the guard and advancing to side control or half guard.