Learn fundamental BJJ guard pass techniques to break your opponent's guard and achieve dominant positions. This guide covers step-by-step instructions,...
Passing
White
π₯ Blue Belt
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Intermediate
Guard passing is a fundamental skill in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, essential for advancing your position and ultimately submitting your opponent. It involves breaking your opponent's control from their guard and transitioning to a dominant top position like side control or Mount. Mastering guard passes is crucial for controlling the pace of the fight and dictating where the match goes.
Technique Map
graph LR
Passing["Passing"]:::catNode
Passing --> Guard_Pass
Guard_Pass["Guard Pass"]:::currentNode
Guard_Pass -.-> Torreando_Pass["Torreando Pass"]:::relNode
Guard_Pass -.-> Knee_Slice_Pass["Knee Slice Pass"]:::relNode
Guard_Pass -.-> Leg_Drag_Pass["Leg Drag Pass"]:::relNode
Guard_Pass -.-> Headquarters_Pass["Headquarters Pass"]:::relNode
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classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Step 1: Establish Dominant Grips and Posture. Begin by breaking your opponent's primary grips and maintaining a strong, upright posture to prevent them from breaking your balance or setting up attacks.
2
Step 2: Create an Angle and Initiate Pressure. Step to one side, using your knee to slice through their legs or drive into their hip, creating an angle that compromises their guard structure.
3
Step 3: Drive Forward with Relentless Pressure. Use your weight and head position to drive forward, flattening your opponent's hips to the mat and making it difficult for them to re-guard.
4
Step 4: Clear the Legs and Secure the Hip. Pin their hip or thigh with your knee or arm, securing an underhook on the far side, and actively clear their bottom leg to remove their last point of control.
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Step 5: Transition to a Dominant Position. Once the guard is broken, swiftly transition to side control, knee-on-belly, or mount, maintaining heavy pressure and establishing your new, superior position.
Key Details & Tips
1
Pressure & Posture: Always maintain good posture and apply relentless, forward-driving pressure to break your opponent's base and keep them flat.
2
Grip Fighting: Winning the grip battle is paramount; control their wrists, sleeves, or collar to prevent them from setting up attacks or maintaining their guard.
3
Head Position: Keep your head up and drive it into your opponent's chest or shoulder to maintain balance, apply additional pressure, and dictate their movement.
4
Timing & Momentum: Look for opportunities when your opponent's hips are off the mat or their legs are extended, as these are prime moments to initiate or complete a pass.
Variations
1
Over-Under Pass: A powerful pass where you go under one leg and over the other, often used against strong open guards and to smash opponents.
2
Torreando Pass (Bullfighter Pass): A dynamic, movement-based pass that involves circling and clearing the opponent's legs with your hands, relying on speed and agility.
3
Leg Drag Pass: A highly effective pass where you grab one of your opponent's legs and drag it to the side, pinning their hip and preventing them from recovering guard.
When to Use
Guard passes are used any time your opponent has you in their guard (Closed Guard, open guard, half guard, etc.) and you are on top. The goal is to escape their control and move to a dominant top position like side control, knee-on-belly, or mount, setting up future submissions.
Counters & Defenses
1
Re-guarding: The opponent uses their hips and legs to quickly re-establish their guard before you can fully pass.
2
Sweeps: The opponent executes a sweep from guard to reverse the position, putting you on the bottom.
3
Submissions: The opponent attacks with submissions like armbars, triangles, or chokes from guard, forcing you to defend or break off the pass.
Elite Athletes Who Use This Technique
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: What is the most important principle in BJJ guard passing?
The most important principle in BJJ guard passing is a combination of relentless pressure and strong posture. Maintaining heavy, constant pressure breaks your opponent's base and prevents them from setting up sweeps or submissions, while good posture keeps you safe from their attacks and allows you to drive forward effectively.
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