Passing the guard in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an important skill that separates skilled practitioners from beginners. The guard is a strong position for your opponent, allowing them to control the pace and direction of the match. Learning how to effectively pass the guard gives you an advantage, putting you in a more dominant position for submissions or holds.
Every BJJ player encounters different types of guards, each requiring a unique approach to counter. Whether it’s a closed guard or an open guard, understanding these positions helps you choose the right technique for breaking through. Passing the guard involves more than just force—it’s about using leverage, timing, and strategy to overcome resistance.
Mastering guard passing requires practice, patience, and a solid grasp of basic principles. By focusing on specific techniques and tactics, you can increase your chances of success on the mat. With the right mindset and skills, you’ll be more confident and prepared to handle whatever guard your opponent uses. Ready to enhance your guard-passing skills? Let’s get started!
Understanding the Different Types of Guards
In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, knowing the various types of guards is crucial for effective guard passing. Each guard presents unique challenges and opportunities.
- Closed Guard: This is where an opponent wraps their legs around your waist and locks them together. The closed guard offers excellent control for the person on the bottom, allowing them to manage distance and attempt submissions.
- Open Guard: Unlike the closed guard, the open guard has the opponent’s legs unhooked, often with feet on your hips or gripping your sleeves. This position gives the bottom player mobility and the ability to transition to other guards.
- Half Guard: In this position, the opponent captures one of your legs with their two legs. The half guard can create problems by limiting movement and setting up sweeps or submissions.
- Butterfly Guard: Here, the opponent sits with their knees up and feet hooked inside your thighs. The butterfly guard is useful for lifting and sweeping you over, requiring you to adjust your balance constantly.
- De La Riva Guard: In this position, the bottom player hooks one leg outside your knee and controls with an opposite sleeve or collar grip. This guard is known for its ability to off-balance and attack with sweeps.
Understanding these guards helps you anticipate moves and adjust your strategy accordingly. Your response to each guard determines your success, so it’s important to study their intricacies and develop specialized techniques for each one.
Essential Techniques for Breaking Grip Control
Grip control is a critical part of passing the guard. Good grips give your opponent control over your arms and posture, making it harder for you to pass. Breaking these grips is essential to success.
- Posture Up: Keep your back straight and head up. By maintaining your posture, you limit the opponent’s ability to pull you into their guard. Use your hands to create space and break grips.
- Use Your Knees: When dealing with a closed guard, use your knees to apply pressure on your opponent’s legs. This action forces them to open their guard or shift their hold, giving you a chance to pass.
- Strip Sleeve Grips: If your opponent controls your sleeves, rotate your wrist outward in a quick motion. This breaks their hold and allows you to regain control. Use sharp, sudden movements for effectiveness.
- Break Collar Grips: Place your hands on the opponent’s grip and push down sharply while moving backward. This removes their grip and straightens your posture, giving you more freedom of movement.
- Leg Drag: If the opponent uses an open guard, hook their leg with your arm, drag it across your body, and step to the side. This breaks their grip and opens a path for passing.
Practicing these techniques helps you regain control and pass the guard more efficiently. Grip fighting is often the key to dictating the pace, so dedicate time to mastering these skills.
Using Leverage and Weight Distribution Effectively
Leverage and weight distribution are key elements when passing the guard. Understanding how to use your body effectively makes passing more efficient and less strenuous.
- Leverage Basics: Use your body parts as tools. Your legs, arms, and hips can all create leverage. For example, when breaking open a closed guard, press your knee into their tailbone while using your hand to control their hips. This forces them to shift their legs and gives you a chance to escape.
- Weight Distribution: Focus on where your weight goes. Always keep your centre of gravity low to make it harder for your opponent to sweep you. When passing, use your body weight to press down on the opponent’s legs or torso, tiring them out and making movements harder.
- Balance is Key: Maintain balance by spreading your weight evenly when possible. This makes it challenging for your opponent to tip you over or shift you out of position. Practice staying stable even under pressure.
- Angling Off: Attack from angles rather than straight on. By moving to the side, you use their leverage against them and lessen their grip strength, making it easier to pass.
Practise these concepts to enhance your guard-passing skills. Combined with technique, understanding leverage and weight can significantly improve your BJJ game.
Practising Consistent Pressure and Movement
Applying consistent pressure and maintaining movement is essential for successfully passing the guard. Keeping the opponent under pressure reduces their ability to mount an effective defence or attack.
- Staying Active: Never remain stationary. Constant movement keeps your opponent guessing and unable to set up their next move. Transition smoothly from one technique to another, cutting off their options.
- Pressure Passing: Apply steady pressure on the opponent’s hips or upper body as you pass. This static force makes it hard for them to break free or adjust their guard. Use your body weight effectively to smother their defence.
- Timing and Rhythm: Move with purpose, using the rhythm to your advantage. Practice recognising openings and acting quickly to exploit them. Consistent pressure and precise timing can wear opponents down.
- Adapting on the Fly: Adapt to your opponent’s movements. Keep the pressure constant but be ready to switch tactics when necessary. A flexible approach ensures you’re always a step ahead.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of guard passing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires dedicated practice and a thoughtful approach. Understanding the types of guards and effectively breaking grip control are foundational skills. Use leverage and weight distribution to gain an advantage, while practising consistent pressure and movement to keep your opponent on their toes. Each of these components plays a crucial role in enhancing your BJJ skills and achieving success on the mat.
At Marcus Soares Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, we provide top-notch BJJ training to help you refine these techniques and more. Our community is committed to helping you become a better practitioner, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fighter. Contact us today and take your guard-passing skills to the next level!
