Guard Pass
Sources and other names
Also called: backstep pass, controlling the bottom leg, cut the angle, floating guard pass, guard pass, guard passer
Start with the example · Playing top
See guard pass in a timestamped teaching example, with this page focused on playing top. Watch the starting position and the response that makes the next action possible.
BJJ Fanatics · Paid course
Passing the Guard: BJJ Fundamentals - Go Further Faster by John Danaher
8 volumes · Stream or download
Learn with John Danaher
Connect your guard passes into a game plan.
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- Open closed guard and start passing
- Link over-under, double-under and toreando passes
- Use leg drags to build your next position
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Connections describe what coaches teach across 2,044 indexed videos. Watch a clip to see the connection, or select its name to keep browsing.
Transitions to
25- Side ControlWhen: chest to chest connection via cross side position
- Side ControlWhen: successful guard pass progression
- MountWhen: land in mount after guard passing
- Back MountWhen: continuing from guard pass
- Mountno-giWhen: extract leg and establish position
- Knee on BellyWhen: lift and pass to achieve knee on belly position
Escapes to
1Leads into
5This counters
1Countered by
1Built on
29- Pressure Passingno-giWhen: alternative passing method
- Weight DistributionWhen: manage weight and position
- Distance ControlWhen: get chest on opponent
- Grip FightingWhen: establish grips first before passing
- Hip ControlWhen: focus on controlling hips not arms when opponent resists
- Head PositioningWhen: keep head in middle of chest for control
Available from
1Reached from
16- Closed GuardWhen: defend until opponent gives opening or tires, then work pass
- Butterfly GuardWhen: get underhook, head down, create space on one side, drive through
- Back MountWhen: lateral movement and swinging transitions
- Half GuardWhen: after camping and pressure fatigue
- Lasso GuardWhen: control trousers and pass lasso guard
- Leg Lock PositionWhen: pass initiated