Open Guard Passing: Essential Techniques for BJJ Fighters

One of the most challenging aspects of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is passing an opponent’s open guard. When someone has their legs wrapped around you, it can be difficult to find a way to advance your position. However, with the right techniques and strategies, you can effectively pass an open guard and gain the upper hand in a match. In this article, we’ll cover six essential techniques for open guard passing that every BJJ fighter should know.

The Lace Pass:

The lace pass is a common BJJ technique used to pass the guard. To execute the lace pass, start in the open guard position and grab your opponent’s pant leg with your same-side hand. Step your other foot across your opponent’s body, placing it on their hip. From here, drop your knee to the ground and place it on their shin. With your other hand, grab their opposite-side collar and pull it towards you, creating space and disrupting their balance. From here, slide your knee up their shin towards their thigh and switch your grip to their other collar, using it to control their upper body as you drive your knee through and pass their guard.

Knee Cut Pass:

The knee cut pass is another popular technique for passing an opponent’s open guard. This pass involves using your knee to slice through your opponent’s legs, creating space for you to pass to side control or mount. To execute this pass, you’ll need to have good pressure and control, as well as the ability to quickly change direction if your opponent tries to counter.

Over/Under Pass:

The over/under pass is a versatile technique that can be used to pass a variety of open guards. This pass involves using one arm to control your opponent’s hips while the other arm wraps around their leg. By shifting your weight and driving forward, you can pass your opponent’s guard and end up in side control or mount.

Leg Drag Pass:

The leg drag pass is a more advanced technique that involves using footwork and timing to pass an opponent’s open guard. This pass involves stepping over your opponent’s leg while simultaneously dragging their other leg across your body. The key to success with this pass is to be patient and wait for the right moment to execute it.

Toreando Pass:

The Toreando pass is a classic open guard pass that involves using your arms to push your opponent’s legs to the side while simultaneously stepping over them. This pass requires good timing and coordination, as well as the ability to maintain your balance and avoid your opponent’s counterattacks.

Smash Pass:

The smash pass is a powerful technique that involves using your body weight and pressure to smash through your opponent’s open guard. This pass involves driving your shoulder into your opponent’s hips while simultaneously pushing their legs to the side. If executed correctly, you can end up in a dominant position such as side control or mount.

 

By mastering these six essential techniques for open guard passing, you’ll be able to effectively pass your opponent’s guard and gain the upper hand in any BJJ match. Remember to practice each technique carefully and focus on developing good timing, pressure, and control. Good luck!