What BJJ Guard Passing Really Means
In practical training, bjj guard passing means clearing your partner’s hips, knees, and feet so their legs no longer frame or off-balance you. The goal is to pin their hips and shoulders while you cross their legs line, then stabilize side control, mount, or back control. Good passers blend pressure, angles, and timing to make the defender choose between conceding the pass or exposing submissions.
There are many styles of jiu jitsu guard pass. Pressure passing compresses the hips and diaphragm to limit mobility. Speed and angle-based passing uses footwork and grips to cut around the legs before frames set. Connection-based passing—like the bjj body lock pass—secures the pelvis to remove hip mobility entirely. Each approach solves the same problem with different tools.
Guard Passing Videos on BJJ University (Top 20 Videos, Top 10 Courses)
The Polish Power System Bundle By Adam Wardzinski
$399.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Adam Wardzinski, a renowned BJJ expert, delves into his world-famous top game: the "Polish Power System Bundle." He covers the finer details of his inside guard passing system, frequently referred to as power passing. The bundle also includes applications from different positions, including the mount, side, and back. Wardzinski focuses on delivering a comprehensive and transformative guide to improving your BJJ skills, highlighting that understanding the nuances of his techniques is key to mastering his system.
Killing The Guard Bundle by Andre Galvao
$397.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Andre Galvao, a 6x ADCC champion and multiple time IBJJF World Champion, teaching various techniques to effectively pass the guard. Galvao is known for his success in both Gi and No Gi. The video is part of a bundle that provides learners with access to four full-length instructional videos wherein Galvao shares his secrets for guard passing. This instruction stretches over 8 hours of footage.
The Down Under Top Game Bundle by Craig jones
$369.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features Craig Jones teaching his unique style of guard passing. This style blends the threat of submissions with the potential for a guard pass. The tutorial includes strategies applicable to trainees of any level and explains how to interchange the use of guard passes and submission threats. It also covers how to apply pressure, create fluidity in movements, and how to swiftly and easily pass an opponent's guard.
Systematically Attacking the Guard 3.0: Inside Camping by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Gordon Ryan demonstrates his advanced strategy for guard passing called "inside camping". Inside camping is a pressure-heavy technique focused on maintaining a dominant position and forcing the opponent to expend energy and expose weaknesses. This highly effective approach has been used by Ryan to successfully pass aggressive guards and move more readily into submission opportunities. The video is highly recommended for anyone seeking to elevate their guard passing skills.
Systematically Attacking The Guard by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video presents Gordon Ryan's 3-part, systematic approach to guard passing. Ryan, an ADCC World Champion and IBJJF No Gi Double Gold Black Belt World Champion, teaches his method which works regardless of size or skill level. In over 10 hours of detailed instruction and analysis of live sparring footage, he demonstrates how he dissects and bypasses the guard of highly skilled opponents. Emphasizing knowledge as the key to winning, Ryan shares insights from his intense, focused study of passing.
Systematically Attacking the Guard Body Lock Study by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, renowned grappler Gordon Ryan shares his comprehensive body lock system for successful guard passing. He delves into a range of techniques, such as front and side body locks, tight-waists, over-under body locks, high tripods and others, illustrating how to effectively break through the opponent's guard. He also introduces his "Golden Trilemma", a principle designed to create unstoppable passing threats. Additionally, Ryan offers breakdowns of his actual gym footage to demonstrate these techniques in action.
Systematically Attacking The Guard: Half Guard Passing by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video features Gordon Ryan, multiple-time ADCC champion, teaching his half guard passing system, specifically how to systematically attack different kinds of half guards like knee shield, butterfly, lockdown, and deep half guard. This system is optimized for all forms of grappling including no-gi, gi, and MMA. Additional footage of Gordon demonstrating these techniques during rolling in the gym is included, which he further analyzes for thorough understanding. This is an in-depth and comprehensive guide to mastering half guard passing.
Systematically Attacking The Guard 2.0 by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, several-time ADCC champion, Gordon Ryan, teaches his unique high-stepping method for effectively passing stubborn guards such as the Reverse De La Riva, De La Riva, and Ashi Garami. Gordon shares his methodology and offers advice on how to apply this system to revolutionize your guard passing game. He emphasizes the potency of the flanking position and the importance of strategically weaponizing the j point. Viewers also get to see this system in action through actual gym footage, broken down by Gordon for a clearer understanding of the moves.
Dismantling And Passing The Half Guard: Half Guard Top by Professor Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video is an instructional guide by Professor Henry Akins, a black belt holder from Rickson Gracie. In the video, Akins shares techniques and strategies to control the half guard top effectively, dismantle the opponent's half guard and pass with precision. The lesson is laid down in a clear, detailed approach, making it suitable for practitioners of all experience levels. He also covers essential principles and concepts that underpin the effective half guard top control.
No-Gi Guard Passing: The One Concept You Need To Pass Any Guard by Professor Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video, headed by Professor Henry Akins, teaches a fundamental concept applicable to all no-gi guard passing moves. He simplifies his years of highly skilled training into a single concept to help viewers tackle any type of guard, including knee shield, De La Riva, reverse De La Riva, seated guards, and inverted styles. This instructional video advances a strategic approach to guard passing rather than isolated techniques or strategies. It equips viewers with a clear roadmap to passing any guard with definitive control and precision.
Core Methods and When to Use Them
Pressure and Smash: Examples include bjj pressure pass options like the over under pass bjj, stack pass bjj, smash pass bjj, and tozi pass bjj. Use these when opponents prefer seated or supine open guards and you can get strong chest-to-chest connections. They excel in no-gi and against flexible guards because they reduce movement and build incremental control.
Speed and Angle: Use bjj standing guard pass variations—toreando/x pass bjj, bjj tripod pass, long step pass bjj, and cartwheel pass bjj—when opponents hand fight well or insist on sleeve/collar control in the gi. These rely on controlling ankles, shins, and pant legs (or wrists/ankles in no-gi) while you pivot off grips to create side entries and backstep angles.
Connection-Based: The bjj body lock pass clamps the hips and knees to your ribs, denying guard retention. It’s particularly effective against modern open guards and knee shields when timed off entries like headquarters. Float passing bjj and buzzsaw passing bjj blend pressure and speed, constantly switching sides to force mistakes.
Half Guard Focus: Half guard is a hub you’ll meet in nearly every pass. Study bjj half guard pass sequences such as knee slice bjj/knee slide bjj, bjj leg weave pass, leg drag pass bjj, and cross-face underhook chains. Effective knee shield solutions and bjj knee shield pass details are must-haves to prevent stalling and reverse sweeps.
Closed and Specialty Guards: For closed guard passes bjj, establish posture, inside biceps control, and a safe base before opening. For butterfly, drill the bjj butterfly guard pass using head position, hip switches, and backsteps. When passing de la riva guard, address the hook and far hip line first, then cut angles or leg drag.
Guard Passing Body Lock (8 Videos, 4 Courses)
Rody Lock: The Nick Rodriguez Body Lock System by Nick Rodriguez
$194.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video teaches the foundations of body lock passing ("Rody Lock"), a technique used and explained by renowned grappler, Nick Rodriguez. He demonstrates how to secure tight body locks against seated and supine guards from both kneeling and standing positions and provides a step-by-step guide on forcing half-guard or beating the legs to secure dominant passing positions. The video also includes solutions to common problems encountered during a body lock, such as underhooks and sumi gaeshi counters. The technique is tailored to help the practitioner pass into dominant side control, mount, and back mount positions with the help of the body lock.
Body Lock The World by Shawn Williams
$149.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video, titled "Body Lock The World", teaches viewers about the no gi passing system with the body lock being the main technique. The instructor Shawn Williams, a black belt for nearly two decades, explains proper smash passing fundamentals, body lock techniques and leg pummeling secrets. This instructional video aims to help viewer develop a dynamic top game and add efficiency to their techniques. It emphasizes the importance of perfect mechanics, intelligent strategies and provides world level instruction to revolutionize viewer's no gi passing game.
Unfair Passing: High Bodylock by Dima Murovanni
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video is an instructional by Dima Murovanni on his Unfair Passing High Bodylock technique in guard passing. Known for his bodylock passing style, Dima provides a comprehensive guide to a highly effective, high-percentage system designed to beat guard players and control the match pace. He breaks down the technique in detail, giving the viewer the tools to unravel their opponents' defenses consistently and maintain incessant pressure. This guide is beneficial for both competitors and enthusiasts looking to improve their guard passing skills.
Iranian Bodylock System Weapons of Pass Destruction by Mike Rakshan
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, Mike Rakshan introduces the viewer to the Iranian Bodylock System and its application for a successful guard pass. The technique focuses on gaining and maintaining control of the opponent through the steps of the pass. Several pass paths are explored, including combinations for Dagestani handcuffs, lay across passes, knee slices and back steps. Furthermore, the video highlights how to avoid risky techniques and neutralize attacks such as guillotines, sumi gaeshi and buggy chokes.
Key Concepts, Decisions, and Common Mistakes
Win the First Frames: Before thinking “best way to pass guard bjj,” win the initial frames—inside elbow position, head lower than theirs, and hips safe from off-balancing. If you lose inside position on biceps and shins, your pass becomes a scramble.
Control the Hips, Then the Shoulders: The list of bjj guard passes changes, but the hierarchy doesn’t. If the hips are mobile, you’re still in the guard. Clamp the hips (body lock, over-under, leg drag) before chasing chest-to-chest pins.
Beat the Knees with Angle, Not Force: Many beginners drive straight into strong knee shields and get stuck. Cut to the hip, split the knees with your shin, or redirect the shield before dropping pressure. Angles make basic guard pass bjj attempts high-percentage.
Grip and Posture Discipline: In gi, prioritize pant and collar grips that stop their hooks from reloading. In no-gi, control ankles, shins, and the belt line. Don’t lean; posture comes from hips under shoulders, not a bent back. Posture errors lead to sweeps and submissions.
Chain Passing: The best guard passes bjj operate as chains. For example, knee slice to leg drag, to backstep, to smash half. If your first pass stalls, immediately redirect to the other side. Tripod passing bjj or buzzsaw sequences excel here.
Common Mistakes: Reaching with arms before moving feet, trying to pass on your knees when you should stand, ignoring cross-shoulder pins after you clear the legs, and failing to stabilize three seconds for points.
Guard Passing Side Control (4 Videos, 1 Courses)
Guard Passing Mastery by Henry Akins
$279.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features a comprehensive Guard Passing mastery program by BJJ expert, Henry Akins. The focus of the teaching is to give students the knowledge and tools to control and pass their opponents with ease. The video, hosted by Henry Akins, a highly experienced black belt under Rickson Gracie, delivers invaluable insights and techniques relating to advantageous angles for guard passing. It mentions a particular emphasis on side control and offers a detailed understanding of weight distribution, pressure, and precise guard pass techniques.
What to Study First
Start with bjj guard passing fundamentals: posture, base, and inside position. Learn to stand up safely in closed guard, control ankles, and staple shins. Build a simple A-B system that covers most rounds.
Beginner Core System (No-Gi or Gi): 1) Knee slice bjj as your primary route from half or headquarters; 2) Over under pass bjj or stack pass bjj for pressure; 3) Leg drag pass bjj as your angle change; 4) A reliable bjj standing guard pass like the x pass bjj or toreando. This gives you an answer to half guard, seated open guards, and closed guard.
Half Guard Mini-Curriculum: Study bjj knee shield pass options, cross-face/underhook mechanics, long step and backstep finishes, and bjj leg weave pass for stubborn half. Add a simple cross-grip knee cut in the gi. These are your day-one defenses against the half guard roadblock.
Retention Awareness: Pair your passing with awareness of guard escapes bjj and common retention frames. Knowing what the bottom player wants—inside ties, knee line inside, underhooks—helps you shut it down early.
Watch High-Level Systems: If you like structured blueprints, compare perspectives such as john danaher half guard passing concepts, gordon ryan half guard instructional material, bernardo faria’s no gi pressure passing, paul schreiner half guard chains, and lachlan giles half guard passing details. Use them to refine decision-making, not to overload yourself.
Guard Passing Other (2 Videos, 4 Courses)
Pressure Drop Dynamic Guard Passing: Outside Position by Brian Glick
$197.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features Instructor Brian Glick teaching the Pressure Drop Dynamic Guard Passing technique in an outside position. The instructional video breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-follow sequences and emphasizes on pressure, timing, and control. It assures that with these key elements one can confidently dismantle the opponent’s guard and dominate the mat. The video further enriches viewers with detailed breakdowns, strategic insights and practical drills to apply the advanced concepts learned.
Rumble Passing: BJJ Trendsetters by Dima Murovanni
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this instructional video, coach Dima Murovanni teaches viewers the innovative techniques, strategies, and drills of his 'Rumble Passing' method. Well-respected in the BJJ community, Dima leads the B-Team to victory at ADCC and coaches at a prestigious gym. He discusses the misconception of lack of control in no-gi BJJ and provides insights into how to maintain control over an opponent. The video also offers a glimpse into the high-level passing technique taught daily at his gym.
Modern Split Squat Passing by Jason Rau
$127.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In the tutorial, Jason Rau, an internationally recognised BJJ Black Belt under Matt Serra, presents his tested strategies surrounding the modern ‘split squat pass’. The technique is crucial for guard passing by outmaneuvering opponents and dismantling defences like the De La Riva Guard, Butterfly, and the False Reap. The video embodies Jason’s advice and steps on how to execute successful passes by entering the split squat position with strategic misdirection setups. It details on the importance of key objectives like overshooting the opponent’s back, utilising scoop grips, and consistently breaching the inside of their elbow/knee line to facilitate passing.
Passing The Guard No Gi by Pete Letsos
$97.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Pete Letsos teaching guard passing techniques tailored for No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu. Letsos explains multiple passes such as the stack pass, staple pass, and over/under. He provides a systematic approach to open the closed guard, focusing on five specific pathways, including his special wrist lock series. The video is designed to help viewers develop a solid passing system and manage various effective guards in Jiu-Jitsu, including half guard, x guard, butterfly, closed guard, and open guard.
How to Use BJJ University to Study Guard Passing
BJJ University is a free, curated learning hub. Use the navigation menu to browse categorized videos, clips, breakdowns, and instructional resources by instructor, technique, position, category, and training topic. Our Guard Passing category organizes content across pressure, speed, body lock, half guard solutions, and closed guard openings so you can build a coherent game.
Start at the Guard Passing main page to scan featured playlists and subtopics. Dive into technique clips to see grips and angles, then watch competition examples to understand timing. Use breakdowns to connect entries, finishes, and follow-ups so your passes become chains, not one-offs.
Search by instructor to compare styles—old-school pressure, modern leg pummeling, and connection-based passing. Bookmark the pages you revisit, track a short weekly study list, and share BJJ University with teammates who want more free BJJ learning resources. The more you return, the faster your passing system compounds.
Guard Passing Guard Generic (12 Videos, 4 Courses)
Killing The Guard Bundle by Andre Galvao
$397.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This video features Andre Galvao, a 6x ADCC champion and multiple time IBJJF World Champion, teaching various techniques to effectively pass the guard. Galvao is known for his success in both Gi and No Gi. The video is part of a bundle that provides learners with access to four full-length instructional videos wherein Galvao shares his secrets for guard passing. This instruction stretches over 8 hours of footage.
The Down Under Top Game Bundle by Craig jones
$369.00 • BJJ Fanatics
The video features Craig Jones teaching his unique style of guard passing. This style blends the threat of submissions with the potential for a guard pass. The tutorial includes strategies applicable to trainees of any level and explains how to interchange the use of guard passes and submission threats. It also covers how to apply pressure, create fluidity in movements, and how to swiftly and easily pass an opponent's guard.
Systematically Attacking the Guard 3.0: Inside Camping by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
In this video, Gordon Ryan demonstrates his advanced strategy for guard passing called "inside camping". Inside camping is a pressure-heavy technique focused on maintaining a dominant position and forcing the opponent to expend energy and expose weaknesses. This highly effective approach has been used by Ryan to successfully pass aggressive guards and move more readily into submission opportunities. The video is highly recommended for anyone seeking to elevate their guard passing skills.
Systematically Attacking The Guard by Gordon Ryan
$349.00 • BJJ Fanatics
This instructional video presents Gordon Ryan's 3-part, systematic approach to guard passing. Ryan, an ADCC World Champion and IBJJF No Gi Double Gold Black Belt World Champion, teaches his method which works regardless of size or skill level. In over 10 hours of detailed instruction and analysis of live sparring footage, he demonstrates how he dissects and bypasses the guard of highly skilled opponents. Emphasizing knowledge as the key to winning, Ryan shares insights from his intense, focused study of passing.
FAQs
What is the simplest bjj beginner guard pass to learn first?
A consistent starting point is the knee slice. It teaches posture, hip switching, and shoulder control. Pair it with a basic toreando or x pass to handle open guards and an over-under to finish when opponents clamp.
What’s the best way to pass guard bjj against a strong knee shield?
Win the inside space with your shin, control the far hip, and cut an angle before dropping pressure. Options include knee slice to hip switch, long step to the far side, or a body lock that beats the hips first.
Should I pass standing or on my knees?
Develop both. Stand to break closed guard and to force open guards to move; drop to your knees when you have strong chest-to-hip control for pressure finishes like the over-under or stack.
How do I stabilize after I clear the legs?
Pin the near hip with your knee, block the far hip with your hand or elbow, and establish a cross-shoulder underhook or head control. Wait for three seconds before advancing to mount or back.
How do I pick the best guard passes bjj for my body type?
Experiment across methods. If you’re explosive, favor angle and speed passes; if you’re methodical, build pressure chains. Everyone benefits from a knee slice, a leg drag, a body lock, and one strong pressure finish.