Pass the Guard BJJ | Complete Guide to Dominant, Sweeps-Proof Passing

Let me take you back to my blue belt days.

I’d pull off a slick takedown. I’m on top. I feel unstoppable.

Then, snap, I’m on my back, staring at the ceiling, wondering what just happened.

Sound familiar?

Yeah, I’ve been there. More times than I’d like to admit.

You see, passing the guard bjj isn’t just another move. It’s the bridge between control and domination.

And if you’re stuck getting swept every time you enter someone’s guard, you’re not alone.

But here’s the good news: guard passing can be learned. Not by being stronger. Not by hoping your opponent slips up.

By understanding how it works and practicing the right way.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I wish I knew when I was struggling:

• The core principles no one talks about
• The best passes for beginners (and why they work)
• How to fix the mistakes that keep you stuck
• Drills that actually build muscle memory

Whether you’re a white belt or pushing toward black, this is your roadmap to passing with confidence.

Let’s get you off the bottom and keep you there.

What Is the Guard? Understanding Your Opponent’s Toolbox

Think of the guard like a spiderweb.

You land in it… and suddenly, you can’t move without triggering a trap.

That’s exactly what happens when you’re in someone’s guard.

The person on the bottom uses their legs to control you, set up sweeps, and threaten submissions, all while lying on their back.

It sounds unfair. But that’s BJJ.

Now, not all guards are the same.

Just like ice cream comes in flavors, the guard comes in types.

Let’s break down the big ones.

Closed guard: Legs wrapped around your waist like a seatbelt. Tight. Hard to escape.

Open guard: Legs are open but active. They might be gripping your sleeves, your pants, even your head.

Common forms include:

• Spider guard (pushing with feet on arms)
• Lasso guard (one leg wrapped around your arm)
• Butterfly guard (feet inside, ready to explode up)

Half guard: One of their legs is between yours. Annoying? Yes. Dangerous? Absolutely.

They can lock it down, sweep you, or even go for a triangle.

And then there’s X-guard, de la Riva, worm guard, names that sound like video game bosses.

But don’t panic.

The key is this: you don’t need to know every variation.

You just need to recognize the type you’re facing and pick the right tool to pass it.

Which brings us to the next question…

Why should you even care about passing the guard?

The Strategic Importance of Guard Passing

Imagine you’re playing chess.

You capture a pawn. Big deal.

But what if you checkmate the king?

That’s the difference between holding position and passing the guard bjj.

Here’s why it matters:

1. You move up the positional ladder.
   In BJJ, some positions are better than others.

Guard → Side Control → Mount → Back Mount

Each step gives you more control and more ways to finish the fight.

Pass the guard, and you’re one major step closer to dominance.

2. You unlock high-percentage submissions.
   Try submitting someone from their guard?

Good luck.

But once you pass? Armbar, triangle, kimura, choke, it’s all easier from side control or mount.

I remember rolling with a purple belt who never passed my guard.

He tried armlocks from the bottom for 10 minutes.

I didn’t even break a sweat.

Meanwhile, I passed once, and tapped him in two seconds with a mounted cross-collar choke.

Position beats panic.

3. You score points, in class and in competition.
   In IBJJF rules, a successful guard pass earns you 3 points.

That’s huge.

It can swing a match.

Even in casual sparring, your coach notices who’s advancing, not just surviving.

And let’s be real: passing feels good.

There’s a rush when you finally break through after weeks of failure.

But here’s the truth most people miss…

Passing isn’t about strength.

It’s about principles.

Get these wrong, and you’ll keep getting swept, no matter how many techniques you learn.

So let’s talk about the foundation.

The Core Principles of Effective Guard Passing (The Unbreakable Trinity)

If technique is the car, then principles are the engine.

You can have the fanciest moves, but without these three things, you’re going nowhere.

I call them the Unbreakable Trinity.

Master these, and your passing improves overnight, even if you only know one technique.

Let’s dive in.

Posture & Base: Your Foundation Against Sweeps

Ever seen someone try to pass guard, only to get flipped like a pancake?

Usually, it’s because their posture is broken.

Your posture is how you hold your body: head, shoulders, hips.

If your head is too low, you’re in danger of a triangle.

If your back is rounded, you’ll get swept.

So what’s good posture?

Simple: head above your hips.

Keep your chest up, elbows tight to your ribs.

Think of yourself as a tripod: two knees and one hand on the mat.

That’s your base.

Wide base = harder to tip over.

I used to stand too upright, like I was trying to look cool.

Big mistake.

One whiff of a butterfly kick, and I was airborne.

Now? I stay low. I stay balanced.

And I stay on top.

Pressure & Weight Distribution: Becoming “Heavy”

Next up: pressure.

No, not stress before a tournament.

I mean physical pressure, using your weight to shut down movement.

Think of it like sitting on a beach ball.

If you just rest your hand on it, it bobs around.

But if you sit on it with your full weight? It goes flat.

Same idea in BJJ.

When you pass, be heavy.

Use your shoulder, hip, or head to pin their leg or torso.

Don’t push. Settle.

Gordon Ryan does this perfectly.

He doesn’t rush. He just… arrives.

And suddenly, you can’t breathe.

You can’t move.

That’s pressure.

But don’t confuse pressure with stiffness.

You should be relaxed but compressive.

Like a warm hug from a bear.

Positioning & Angles: Move Around, Not Through

Last principle: angles.

Most new passers try to go straight through the guard.

Bad idea.

It’s like trying to walk through a brick wall.

Instead, go around it.

Use angles to bypass their legs.

How?

Control their hips.

If their hips can’t move, their guard dies.

Try this: press down on their near thigh while stepping to the far side.

You’re not fighting their legs, you’re making them irrelevant.

John Danaher calls this “killing the hips.”

Once the hips are pinned, the legs can’t generate power.

No power = no sweep.

No submission.

Just you, moving smoothly into side control.

Remember: You don’t go through the guard. You go around it.

Now that you’ve got the principles down, let’s talk styles.

Because not everyone passes the same way.

And that’s okay.

In fact, it’s smart.

The 3 Main Styles of Guard Passing: Find Your Fit

Think of guard passing like music genres.

Some people love heavy metal.

Others prefer jazz.

Same goal, great sound, but different paths.

In BJJ, there are three main styles of passing.

Pick the one that fits your body, your personality, and your game.

Pressure Passing (“Smash Passing”)

This is the “bull in a china shop” style.

Slow. Heavy. Relentless.

You use your weight to crush frames, flatten your opponent, and inch forward.

Best for:

• Stronger, heavier grapplers
• Gi BJJ (where fabric helps control)
• Fighters who like control over flash

Key moves: Over-under pass, double under pass, smash pass.

I started here.

As a bigger guy, I leaned into my size.

I’d stack my opponent, drive forward, and just… stay.

No fancy footwork.

Just pressure.

Pros: Hard to stop once you’re moving.
Cons: Can be slow. Leaves you vulnerable if you lose balance.

Speed & Mobility Passing (“Float Passing”)

Now imagine a dancer.

Light on their feet. Fast. Elusive.

That’s speed passing.

You use agility, timing, and misdirection to slip past the guard.

Best for:

• Lighter, flexible athletes
• No-gi grappling
• Those who hate getting tied up

Key moves: Toreando pass, X-pass, knee-through.

Marcelo Garcia is the king of this.

He’d float around legs like they weren’t even there.

Pros: Hard to defend if timed right. Looks cool.
Cons: Risky. One mistimed step, and you’re swept.

Hybrid Passing (“Combination Passing”)

Here’s the modern favorite.

Mix pressure and speed.

Start fast, switch to pressure when needed.

Or fake pressure, then float out.

It’s like having both a hammer and a scalpel.

Best for: Almost everyone.

This is where BJJ is headed.

You adapt. You flow.

Example: Start a toreando pass, but if they resist, switch to a leg drag with pressure.

Or begin a knee slice, then transition to lockdown if they half guard.

This style lets you handle any situation.

And honestly?

Most top players today use hybrid passing.

It’s versatile. It’s effective. It’s smart.

So which style should you use?

Start with what feels natural.

If you’re strong, try pressure.

If you’re fast, try speed.

But don’t stay stuck.

Eventually, blend them.

Because the best passers? They’re chameleons.

Now, let’s get into the actual techniques.

Ready?

We’ll start simple.

Step-by-Step Breakdown: Essential Guard Passing Techniques

Alright, Steve here.

Now that you’ve got the principles and styles down, let’s get into the moves.

No fluff. No 50-pass overload.

Just the high-percentage techniques that actually work, especially for beginners.

I’ll break each one down like I’m teaching my younger self: simple, clear, and with the why behind every step.

Let’s go.

Closed Guard Passes

Closed guard is the first real test.

Legs locked around your waist. They’re gripping your sleeves or collar.

You feel stuck.

But here are three proven ways out.

The Knee Slice Pass – Your First Weapon

This is the bread and butter of BJJ.

If you only learn one pass, make it this.

Why? It works in gi and no-gi. It uses pressure. And it teaches core concepts.

Step 1: Control the knee and grip.
Place your right hand on their left pant leg (or knee).
Your left hand grabs their collar or sleeve.

Step 2: Slide your knee across.
Drive your right knee over their left thigh, like you’re slicing through butter.

Keep your head to the outside of their body. Never let it go between their legs.

That’s a triangle trap waiting to happen.

Step 3: Pin and flatten.
Once your knee is across, use your forearm to pin their far leg down.

Then drop your weight. Flatten them out.

Finish in side control.

Common mistake: Letting your head fall inside.
Fix: Keep your chin tucked, eyes on their shoulder.

I drilled this pass 100 times in a row once.

My coach made me do it.

Next roll? I passed three times in five minutes.

Drilling works.

The Over-Under Pass – Power Meets Position

This one feels strong.

You’re not sneaking past, you’re taking control.

Best when they’re sitting up and framing.

Step 1: Get underhooks.
Swim your right arm under their left leg.
Your left arm goes under their right armpit (underhook).

Step 2: Step behind.
Take your right foot and step it behind their back.

Now you’re in position to break them down.

Step 3: Break posture and advance.
Use your underhook to pull their upper body forward.
Drop your weight. Walk your hips around.

End in side control or knee-on-belly.

Pro tip: If they resist, add a cross-face with your free hand.

It shuts down their movement.

I used this to pass a tough blue belt who loved butterfly sweeps.

He couldn’t generate power because I killed his base.

The Double Under Pass (Stack Pass) – The Human Pancake

Big guys love this one.

You stack them. You squash them. You win.

Perfect for when they’re deep in closed guard.

Step 1: Swim both arms under.
Slide your arms under both of their legs.

Connect your hands behind their lower back, gable grip or S-grip.

Step 2: Stack and walk.
Push their knees toward their chest.
Walk forward like you’re climbing a hill.

They turn into a human taco.

Step 3: Clear and finish.
Once their legs are stacked, pivot to the side.
Clear one leg and slide into side control.

Warning: Don’t leave your head in the middle.

Even stacked, they can still catch you in a triangle if you’re careless.

I learned this the hard way. Tap city.

Open Guard Passes

Open guard is tricky.

They’re pushing, pulling, using grips to control distance.

But you don’t need magic.

Just timing and technique.

The Toreando Pass – Elegance in Motion

“Toreando” means “bullfighter.”

And just like a matador, you dodge the horns and step to safety.

Great for no-gi. Also works in gi.

Step 1: Grip the pants.
Grab both pant legs at the knees (or shins in no-gi).

Step 2: Push one, circle the other.
Push their right leg down while stepping around to their left side.

Keep your arms straight. Don’t bend at the elbows.

That kills your leverage.

Step 3: Circle to side control.
Keep moving in a semi-circle until you land on their hip.

Then secure side control.

Mistake I made: Standing too tall.
Fix: Stay low. Hips below shoulders.

When I finally got the angle right, it felt like gliding.

No struggle. Just flow.

The X-Pass – The Float That Shocks

Flashy? Yes.

Effective? Absolutely, if done right.

You cross one leg over the other and float around.

Best for flexible, mobile grapplers.

Step 1: Secure a grip.
Grab their far-side pant leg.

Step 2: Cross your legs.
Bring your near leg over theirs, deep into their space.

Step 3: Float and finish.
Use momentum to swing your body around.

Land in half or side control.

Caution: This leaves you exposed if they catch your leg.

So only use it when they’re flat or sitting high.

I tried this in a tournament once.

Worked perfectly… until I did it again.

Second time? Sweep city.

Now I use it as a surprise move, not my main plan.

The Leg Drag Pass – Control Through Chaos

This one’s smooth.

You drag one leg across their body, then follow with your knee.

Shuts down spider guard, de la riva, lasso.

Step 1: Break grips.
No point passing if they’re holding your sleeves.

Strip their hands first.

Step 2: Grab the pant cuff.
Get a strong grip on their far ankle or pant.

Step 3: Drag and follow.
Pull their leg across your body.

Step in with the same-side knee. Block their recovery.

Advance to knee-on-belly or mount.

Bonus: From here, you can set up a back take.

I used this against a guy who lived in spider guard.

After two leg drags, he stopped pulling guard altogether.

Mission accomplished.

Half Guard Passes

Half guard is the most annoying.

They’ve got one leg between yours.

You think you’re passing…

Then, whoosh, you’re on your back.

Here’s how to shut it down.

The Whizzer Pass – Old School, Still Gold

You’ve seen this in wrestling.

It works in BJJ too.

Step 1: Secure the whizzer.
As they frame with their near arm, throw your arm over the top (like a seatbelt).

This is your control.

Step 2: Step behind.
Take your far foot and step it behind their back.

Block their hip escape.

Step 3: Flatten and advance.
Use your whizzer to pull them down.
Drop your weight. Move to side control.

Key: Don’t let them underhook.

If they get an underhook, they’ll sweep you.

I practice this every week.

Because half guard shows up in every roll.

The Lockdown Pass – Gordon Ryan Style

Heavy. Powerful. Submission-ready.

You trap their leg, extend, and ride them like a horse.

Step 1: Clear the near leg.
Use a knee slice or underhook to break their half guard.

Step 2: Trap the far leg.
Slide your leg over theirs, trapping it between your thighs.

Step 3: Extend and control.
Straighten your leg to pin theirs down.

Now you’re in lockdown.

From here, you can pass to mount, or go straight for a toe hold.

Yes, really.

I didn’t believe it until I got tapped by one.

Now I drill it, and defend it, weekly.

Troubleshooting: Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

Let’s be real.

You’re going to mess up.

I did. Still do.

But the best thing about BJJ?

Every mistake has a fix.

Here are the big ones, and how to stop them.

Mistake 1: Poor Posture = Free Sweeps

If your head is lower than your hips, you’re in danger.

Triangles, omoplatas, butterfly sweeps, they all start here.

Fix: Drill the “head up, hips low” rule.

Hold a combat base for 30 seconds between rolls.

Build that muscle memory.

Mistake 2: Ignoring Grips

They’re holding your sleeve?

That’s a sweep trigger.

Don’t try to pass until you break their grips.

Fix: Use your free hand to strip grips early.

Or pin their wrist with your shoulder.

No grips = no control.

Mistake 3: Rushing the Pass

I used to charge in like a madman.

Result? Swept. Tapped. Humiliated.

Passing isn’t a sprint.

It’s chess, not checkers.

Fix: Slow down.

Set up. Test their reaction.

Use feints: fake a knee slice, then go toreando.

Make them guess.

Mistake 4: Forgetting the Far Leg

You clear one leg…

But leave the other free?

They’ll re-guard. Or sweep.

Always secure both sides.

Fix: After clearing the first leg, immediately pin the second.

Use your forearm, knee, or body weight.

Control = safety.

Training Drills to Master Guard Passing

Techniques mean nothing without practice.

Here are the drills that built my passing game.

Do these regularly, and you’ll see results fast.

Solo Drills

Yes, you can train alone.

Shadow passing:
Move through passes slowly in your living room.

Focus on footwork, angles, and posture.

No partner needed.

Combat base holds:
Squat low, elbows in, head up.

Hold for 30–60 seconds.

Builds endurance for long passes.

Partner Drills

These are gold.

Positional sparring:
Start in guard. Your goal: pass.

Reset when you do.

Do 5 rounds. Track how many passes you get.

Pass-and-replace:
You pass. They immediately recover guard.

You pass again.

Builds cardio, patience, and adaptability.

Grip break flow:
They grab your sleeves. You break and pass.

Cycle through different grips.

Teaches real-time problem solving.

Guard Passing by Belt Level: A Progressive Roadmap

Your passing should evolve as you grow.

Here’s how:

White Belt: Pressure & Repetition

Focus on:

• Knee slice
• Smash pass
• Stack pass

Drill them over and over.

Don’t worry about fancy yet.

Just get good at being heavy and staying safe.

Blue Belt: Add Timing & Transitions

Now introduce:

• Toreando
• Leg drag
• Over-under

Start mixing passes.

Learn to read resistance.

Ask: “Can I float? Or do I need to smash?”

Purple+ Belt: Master Hybrid Systems

This is where art meets science.

Chain passes together.

Example:

Start toreando → they resist → switch to leg drag → they half guard → lockdown → mount.

Study Danaher, Galvão, Ryan.

Adapt. Flow. Win.

Guard Passing in Real Contexts: Competition vs. Self-Defense

Let’s talk reality.

BJJ isn’t just rolls and tournaments.

Sometimes, it’s about survival.

In Competition

Goal: Score points and dominate.

A clean pass = 3 points.

Knee-on-belly = 2 more.

Referees reward advancement.

So focus on clear, controlled passes.

Avoid stalling.

And always look to submit after passing.

In Self-Defense

You’re not trying to impress judges.

You want to stand up or disengage.

So use simple, strong passes:

• Knee slice
• Smash pass
• Stand-up pass (if applicable)

Minimize time on the ground.

Get to your feet. Create distance.

Remember: In real fights, the ground is the last place you want to be.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Let’s answer the questions I get most.

Q: What is the easiest guard pass for beginners?
A: The knee slice pass. It uses pressure, teaches fundamentals, and works in gi and no-gi.

Q: How do I stop getting swept when passing?
A: Fix your posture, control their hips, and break grips before you move.

Q: Can small people pass the guard effectively?
A: Yes! Use speed, angles, and timing. Try toreando or X-pass.

Q: Pressure vs. speed, what’s better?
A: Neither. The best passers blend both. Start with what fits your body.

Q: How long to master guard passing?
A: Noticeable improvement in 6–12 months. True mastery? Years. But progress is daily.

Conclusion 

Look, I get it.

Passing the guard bjj can feel impossible.

You try. You fail. You get swept. Again.

But here’s the truth:

Every expert was once a beginner who refused to quit.

You don’t need to be the strongest.

You don’t need to be the fastest.

You just need to practice the right things, the right way.

Start with the principles:

• Posture
• Pressure
• Positioning

Pick one pass. Drill it 100 times.

Then try it live.

Fail? Good.

Learn. Adjust. Try again.

I’ve been there.

And now?

I pass more than I get swept.

Not because I’m special.

Because I kept showing up.

So will you.

Now go train.

And next time you hear that snap of someone pulling guard?

Smile.

Because you know what comes next.

You do.