Open Guard (Top) Techniques
7 TECHNIQUESYou are standing or kneeling against your opponent's open guard, working to pass.
Use the search and filter functions below to find specific techniques by instructor or category. All techniques include video demonstrations from world-class instructors.
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X pass basics
Toreando pass
Knee cut pass
Over under pass
Leg drag pass
Passing the lasso guard
Double under pass basics
X pass basics OPEN | AB Aaron Benzrihem | PASSING |
Toreando pass OPEN | TVE Thomas Vander Eecken | PASSING |
Knee cut pass OPEN | GBBF Giancarlo Bodoni, Bernardo Faria | PASSING |
Over under pass OPEN | LG Lachlan Giles | PASSING |
Leg drag pass OPEN | RVSK Rory Van Vliet, Stephan Kesting | PASSING |
Passing the lasso guard OPEN | AW Andrew Wiltse | PASSING |
Double under pass basics OPEN | BM Brandon Mccaghren | PASSING |
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About Open Guard (Top)
Open guard top puts you in front of your opponent's open guard. You are the passer. Your goal is to get past their legs and establish a dominant position like side control or mount.
Grip fighting is essential here. Strip their grips on your sleeves and pants. Control their knees and ankles to shut down their guard retention. You can pass standing with toreando and leg drags, or drop to your knees for pressure passing.
Stay balanced and do not over-commit to one direction. Good guard players bait you into reaching, then sweep you off balance. Keep your posture, control the distance, and pass with purpose.
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