Passing guard is one of the hardest skills in BJJ. The person on bottom has gravity, leverage, and multiple attacks working for them. These five fundamental guard passes give you a foundation to work from against any guard player.
The Knee Slice Pass
Most versatile pass in BJJ. Works against closed guard, half guard, and many open guards.
Key Steps
- Control opponent is legs/hips
- Drop knee through middle of their guard
- Drive forward while controlling head
- Slide through to side control
When to Use
Anytime you can get a knee in the middle. High percentage against most guard types.
The Torreando Pass
Bullfighter pass. Fast and effective against open guards.
Key Steps
- Grab both pant legs near knees
- Push legs together and to one side
- Quickly step around to opposite side
- Drop into side control
When to Use
Against spider guard, collar-sleeve, or any guard where feet are on your hips.
The Stack Pass
Pressure-based pass that crushes flexible guard players.
Key Steps
- Control legs, lift hips high
- Drive forward stacking them
- Walk around while maintaining pressure
- Settle into side control or mount
When to Use
Against flexible players, rubber guard, or when you want to slow the pace.
The Under/Over Pass
Simple but effective against many open guards.
Key Steps
- One arm under their leg
- One arm over their leg
- Drive forward pinning their hips
- Walk to side control
When to Use
Against butterfly guard, seated guard, or when you want a low-risk option.
The Leg Weave Pass
Similar to knee slice but weaves through their defenses.
Key Steps
- Enter like knee slice
- Weave arm under their leg
- Drive knee through while controlling
- Complete pass to side control
When to Use
When knee slice is being countered. Creates different angles and pressure.
Training Your Guard Passing
Drill with Resistance
Start light, gradually increase partner resistance as you improve.
Chain Passes Together
If one fails, transition to another. Never stop moving.
Study High-Level Passers
Watch Gordon Ryan, Lucas Lepri, and other top passers. Note their grips and hip positioning.
Common Beginner Mistakes
- Standing too upright (easy to sweep)
- Not controlling hips/legs first
- Giving up too easily on a pass
- Being too predictable
- Forgetting to post hands when needed
Bottom Line
Master these five passes and you can handle 90% of guards you will face as a beginner. Focus on knee slice and torreando first – they are highest percentage and chain together naturally. Good passing separates good grapplers from great ones.