The Importance of Passing Guard in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
If you’ve been training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) for any amount of time, you’ve likely heard your coach emphasize the importance of guard passing. But what’s the big deal, right? Well, passing guard is one of the most crucial skills in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and mastering it can change your game dramatically. In fact, I’d argue that understanding how to pass guard separates good grapplers from great ones.
When I first started training, I was obsessed with submissions. I thought if I could just nail that perfect triangle or armbar, I’d be set. But as I advanced, I quickly realized that those flashy submissions don’t matter if you can’t first establish control by passing your opponent’s guard. Passing guard gives you a dominant position and opens up endless opportunities to finish the fight or score big in competitions.
Let’s dive deeper into why passing guard is so important and how it can take your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu game to the next level.
Why Guard Passing is a Game-Changer
It Puts You in Control
Passing guard means you’re now in a dominant position like side control or mount. Once you pass, your opponent is forced to play defense, while you can dictate the pace and attack. You’re the one in control, deciding when to apply pressure and when to make your move. This is huge, especially in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition, because controlling the match gives you a mental and physical edge.
I remember my first competition win vividly. I was able to get a clean submission because I passed my opponent’s guard early in the match. Once I got past his legs and into side control, I could feel the shift in energy. That’s when I realized how powerful guard passing could be in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Scoring Points in Competition
Speaking of competitions, passing guard is one of the most valuable ways to score points in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments. In most rule sets, a clean guard pass earns you three points. Those three points can often be the difference between winning and losing, especially when submissions are hard to come by against skilled opponents.
Not only does passing guard score you points, but it also demoralizes your opponent. After all, they’ve worked hard to establish their guard, and breaking through that can feel like a big victory. Plus, if you’ve passed once, your opponent will have a harder time defending future attempts as fatigue sets in.
The Tactical Advantages of Passing Guard
Controlling the Pace of the Match
Passing guard is like getting the keys to the car—you’re now in the driver’s seat. Once you pass, you control the pace and tempo of the match. Whether in a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition or rolling in class, your opponent is now forced to react to you. They’re fighting to escape, while you’re focusing on advancing your position or setting up a submission.
One thing I learned early on is that if you’re ahead on points after a successful guard pass, you don’t need to rush things. I made the mistake early in my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competition career of forcing submissions after passing, only to lose position and allow my opponent to recover guard. Trust me, if you’ve passed and are in a strong position like side control, take your time, breathe, and look for openings. You’ve already got control; the submission will come.
Setting Up Submissions
A clean guard pass opens up a ton of opportunities for submissions. From side control, you can attack with kimuras, arm triangles, or even transition to mount for an armbar or choke.
One of my favorite passes is the knee slide pass, which not only breaks through the guard but also leaves you in a great position to attack submissions. Guard passing creates endless submission opportunities in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Common Mistakes Beginners Make When Passing Guard
Rushing the Pass
One of the biggest mistakes I see beginners make is rushing the guard pass. They get impatient and try to blast through their opponent’s legs, leaving themselves off-balance and vulnerable to sweeps or submissions.
I’ve been there too. Early in my Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training, I’d get tunnel vision trying to pass as quickly as possible. I’d often end up getting swept because I wasn’t paying attention to my base and posture. Over time, I learned that slow and steady usually wins the race when it comes to passing guard.
Focus on staying heavy and controlling your opponent’s hips. Instead of trying to rush, use pressure to wear them down. Once you’ve established control, then you can start looking for openings to pass.
Poor Posture and Balance
Another common mistake is poor posture. Beginners often lean too far forward or backward when trying to pass, which gives their opponent a chance to off-balance them. Remember, a good guard passer in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu always maintains solid posture and balance.
For example, when passing an open guard like spider or De La Riva, it’s crucial to stay grounded and keep a strong base. If you lean too far forward, you’ll get swept. If you lean too far back, your opponent can push you away and reset their guard. Try to keep your hips under your head.
Effective Guard Passing Techniques
Pressure Passing vs. Speed Passing
There are two major styles of guard passing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: pressure passing and speed passing. Each has its own advantages, and knowing when to use each is crucial for success.
- Pressure Passing: This involves using your weight to methodically break through your opponent’s guard. Techniques like the over-under pass or knee slide are great examples. Pressure passing works well against stronger or more defensive opponents, as it wears them down and forces mistakes.
- Speed Passing: On the other hand, speed passing focuses on quick, explosive movements to get around your opponent’s legs. The Torreando pass is a classic speed pass, where you bypass their guard entirely by quickly circling to the side. Speed passing works best against more open guards or when your opponent’s legs are not fully engaged.
Essential Guard Passes to Master
- Torreando Pass: An explosive speed pass perfect for open guards.
- Over-Under Pass: A slow, grinding pressure pass that works well against heavier opponents.
- Knee Slide Pass: Ideal for breaking through half guard and setting up submissions like arm triangles.
I suggest picking a couple of these passes and drilling them religiously. You don’t need a dozen different techniques—just a few that you can execute confidently in both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi and No-Gi.
Drilling for Success in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Repetition and Muscle Memory
Guard passing is a skill that needs constant repetition. The more you drill, the more these techniques become second nature. I always tell my students that they should drill their guard passes just as much, if not more, than their submissions. Submissions are exciting, but without a good guard pass, you may never get to use them.
Live Rolling Scenarios
In addition to drilling, live rolling scenarios are critical for improving your guard passing under pressure. Start in your opponent’s guard and work specifically on passing while they try to sweep or submit you. By adding this element of resistance, you’ll develop a more realistic feel for when and how to execute your passes.
Guard Passing in No-Gi vs. Gi
Passing guard in No-Gi is a bit different from Gi because you lose the advantage of grips. In No-Gi, you’ll rely more on controlling your opponent’s body, using underhooks, and keeping tight pressure. Gi allows for grip control, which can make it easier to slow down your opponent’s movements, but it can also make it harder to pass if they have strong grips.
Personally, I love passing guard in both, but I adjust my strategy depending on the format. In Gi, I’ll use grips to control and slow down the guard, while in No-Gi, I focus more on using my body weight and speed to pass.
Passing Guard is the Key to Your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Success
If there’s one thing to take away from this article, it’s that guard passing is an essential part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Whether you’re looking to win competitions or just dominate in the gym, mastering the art of passing guard is crucial. It gives you control, opens up submissions, and helps you score big points in matches.
Take your time, drill often, and remember—passing guard isn’t just about getting past your opponent’s legs. It’s about taking control of the fight in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
-JH
