BJJ Passing Mastery Guide

Guard passing is the bridge between bottom defense and top control. Effective passing requires understanding different guard types and developing multiple passing approaches. Passing mastery means advancing position methodically and controlling your opponent.

Passing Fundamentals

• Control First: Before passing, establish hand/arm control. Prevent hip movement and underhooks.
• Posture: Stay high on your toes, weight forward. Low posture gets caught in leg lock threats.
• Timing: Pass when opponent is defending other threats, not when they're defending the guard specifically.
• Pressure: Use body weight and pressure to advance, not just speed or explosiveness.

Passing Styles

• Pressure Passing: Methodical, control-based. Advance slowly with constant pressure.
• Speed Passing: Fast, explosive transitions. Less suitable for beginners or smaller athletes.
• Leg Drag Passing: Control leg position, advance to side control. Excellent foundation.

Handling Guard Variations

Different guards need different passes: closed guard requires collar-tie control, open guard needs leg management, half-guard needs specific passes. Study each variation.

Post-Pass Positioning

After passing, establish side control dominance. Don't immediately hunt submissions. Control first, then attack.