BJJ guard passes

A guard pass is the top player's job. You get past the other person's legs to side control, north-south, knee on belly or mount.

Under IBJJF rules a pass scores 3 points once you hold the pin for 3 seconds.

Opening the closed guard

Every closed guard pass starts with posture: back straight and head above your hips.

• Closed Guard BreakHow you open their locked ankles, on your knees or standing.
• Combat BaseOne knee down, one foot up. A strong base inside the guard.

Pressure passes

These passes are slow and heavy. You keep your weight on them so the legs cannot move.

• Double Under PassBoth arms under their legs, then you fold their hips over their head. Also called the stack pass.
• Over-Under PassOne arm under a leg, one arm over the other leg, and you walk around.
• Body Lock PassLock your hands around their waist and free your legs. Good against butterfly guard.

Speed passes

These passes go around the legs fast, before the bottom player can grip you.

• Toreando PassHold both knees, push the legs to one side and step around. Also called the bullfighter pass.
• X-PassPush one knee across and step around that leg quickly.
• Leg DragPull one leg across your body and pin it to your hip.

Half guard passes

• Knee Cut PassYour knee cuts across their thigh to the mat. Also used against open guard.
• Smash PassFlatten them with the crossface and underhook, then free your trapped knee.
• Back Step PassStep your free leg back over them and sit through to the other side.

Passing ideas

• Guard PassingWhat counts as a pass, and why you cannot score until you pass.
• PressureWeight placed where it is hard to carry. It is not strength.
• Grip BreakingTake their grips off before you start the pass.