Open Guard (Top) Passing Techniques
7 TECHNIQUESOpen guard passing techniques get you past your opponent's legs and into dominant top positions.
Browse 7 passing techniques from open guard (top) below. Each technique includes video demonstrations from world-class instructors.
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 |
Toreando pass OPEN | TVE Thomas Vander Eecken |
Knee cut pass OPEN | GBBF Giancarlo Bodoni, Bernardo Faria |
Over under pass OPEN | LG Lachlan Giles |
Leg drag pass OPEN | RVSK Rory Van Vliet, Stephan Kesting |
Passing the lasso guard OPEN | AW Andrew Wiltse |
Double under pass basics OPEN | BM Brandon Mccaghren |
More passing techniques
About open guard (top) passing techniques
Passing the open guard is one of the most important skills in BJJ. Your opponent uses their feet, hooks, and grips to keep you at bay. Your job is to control their legs, shut down their guard retention, and advance to side control or mount.
Toreando passes, leg drags, and over-under passes are the foundations of open guard passing. Toreando uses your grips on their pants to throw their legs to one side and pass around. Leg drags control one leg across their body. Over-under passes use pressure to stack and flatten.
Grip fighting determines who wins the open guard battle. Strip their grips first, then establish yours. Control their knees and ankles before committing to a pass. Speed passing and pressure passing are both valid strategies. Pick the one that matches your body type and game.
Visualise your game plan
Build flowcharts of positions, techniques, and transitions to map out your BJJ strategy
Create visual flowcharts with positions and techniques
Connect transitions and map decision trees
Link instructional videos and resources to each move