Torreando Pass BJJ: White Belt Biomechanical Guide

1. Grip the opponent's pant legs just above the knees with a "thumb-in" grip, ensuring your knuckles face your own body.
2. Place your lead foot slightly wider than shoulder-width, with your knee and toes pointing forward, creating a stable base.
3. Shift your weight onto your lead foot, slightly bending your supporting knee, while keeping your hips low and square to your opponent.
4. With your non-lead hand, grip the opponent's opposite hip or thigh to control their base and prevent them from turning into you.
5. Drive your hips forward and slightly to the side of the opponent's legs, creating a slight off-balancing angle.
6. As the opponent reacts to the pressure, use your grips to "pull" their legs apart and step your rear leg through the gap, aiming to land with your knee on the mat behind their hips.
7. Immediately transition your base by planting your rear foot and driving your hips forward to secure side control, ensuring your chest is connected to their chest.

• Attempting to forcefully rip the legs apart without creating an off-balancing angle: This can lead to a hyperextended knee joint or a torn ACL in the opponent, and a strained shoulder or elbow in the passer.
• Standing too upright and trying to "jump" over the legs: This puts excessive stress on the lower back and can result in disc herniation or facet joint injury, and leaves the passer vulnerable to sweeps.
• Not establishing a strong base and allowing the opponent to pull you forward: This can lead to a knee-on-ankle injury or a twisted ankle, and allows the opponent to easily regain guard or transition to a sweep.

1. Solo drilling: Practice the grip acquisition, base establishment, and hip drive motion without a partner. (10 reps each side)
2. Partner drill (static): With a compliant partner, practice the entire sequence of grips, stepping, and transitioning to side control with 0% resistance.
3. Partner drill (light pressure): Partner provides minimal resistance to guard retention, focus on smooth execution of steps and hip movement. (50 reps each side)
4. Partner drill (controlled movement): Partner actively tries to maintain guard, but allows the pass to be completed if executed correctly. (25 reps each side)
5. Live rolling (controlled): Implement the Torreando Pass in rolling scenarios with a focus on timing and pressure, accepting that it may not always be successful. (5 minutes)
6. Live rolling (full intensity): Apply the Torreando Pass as a primary passing strategy in full-speed rolling, focusing on reaction and adaptation. (10 minutes)

• WHEN TO ATTEMPT:
• When the opponent's hips are not actively engaged in controlling your base.
• When the opponent's legs are slightly extended or their guard is not fully closed.
• When you have established a strong, low base and control of the pant legs.
• PRIMARY COUNTERS:
• Inside Heel Hook: If the opponent extends their leg and you fail to step through cleanly, they can attempt to attack your leg from the inside.
• Scissor Sweep: If you step through too slowly or with insufficient hip pressure, the opponent can use their legs to scissor your hips and sweep you.
• Back Take: If you are too upright and the opponent manages to peel your hands off their legs, they can transition to your back.

Watch step-by-step breakdowns from black belt instructors: