In Jiu-Jitsu as will as other grappling sports, Passing the closed guard is an essential move one should make to gain a better position while mounted on their opponent. But it’s not a good idea to stay mounted in your opponent’s guard because you can be at a disadvantage when he starts attacking you with strikes, joint locks, and choke holds.
Therefore your objective while in mount position is not only to strike to soften up your opponent, but to pass his guard to be at a more advantageous position.
Also Read: How To Do A Standing Armbar
Passing The Guard Basics
When you attempt to pass the guard you have to know which guard you are passing. There are only two guards; closed and open. You also have to factoring in how you are passing the guard, does your opponent have on a gi or no go?
Passing The Closed Guard (With Gi)
1) You will start off inside your opponent’s guard
2) The first thing you should do is grab both of your opponents biceps and keep your elbows down. This is to prevent him from grabbing you.
3) Next move is to come up on your left foot and twist your body to the side, this will create space between you and your opponents right leg. Be sure that your left foot is not too far forward, otherwise your opponent may grab it.
4) Step 4 is to slide your left hand between your stomach and your opponents right leg. Place this hand on the ground so your opponents right leg is on your left shoulder.
5) Next you want to reach over your opponent with your left hand and grab the left side of their collar with your thumb on the inside. Your aim is to try and get a deep grip with this hand, ideally your fist should be touching the ground. Be sure to always keep your head up to prevent your opponent attempting the Triangle Choke.
Also Read: How To Do An Armbar From Mount
6) Put your left knee back down to the on the ground and come up on your right foot. Walk round to the side of your opponent, pushing your left elbow down to the ground to the right of your opponents head. Now lean over your opponent to force their knees to the ground. This should cause them to uncross their feet.
7) Finally When your opponent uncrosses their feet, bring your head under their right leg. To finish simply bring your right hand from under your opponents right leg and take up the side mount.
Also Read: MMA Standing Guillotine Choke
Kurt Osiander – Closed Guard Passes
3 Ways To Break The Closed Guard
How To Pass Open Guard (BJJ)
There are ways you can pass while out of your opponent’s guard (open guard) and still be highly successful. There are a number of great passes that you can implement with no gi. Every method will work whether is a standing open guard pass or if you’re bending close to your opponent. There are no gi versions of the Toreando pass, the knee slice pass, and the step over pass. These methods all work great. And because there is no clothing to grab, even if you don’t successfully pass at first, you’ll most likely still be out of the guard and can attempt again. That really is the brilliant part about all of this.
The videos below shows several ways to pass an open guard.
Also Read: How To Pass The Half Guard
Kurt Osiander – Passing Open Guard Tips
Passing the Open Guard with Pedro Sauer
Pass Open Guard Jiu-Jitsu (Andre Galvao)
Gracie Insider – Open Guard Pass
Open Guard Pass (Toreando)
In conclusion working on passing your opponents closed or open guard is essential for you to gain a more dominant position. Always remember that if your opponent has you in his guard if you’re not careful in escaping it he can really do some damage if he knows what he is doing. in competition don’t be lackadaisical. Always be thinking and moving to gain a better advantage over whoever it is you’re facing. Practice always and I also recommend getting the “Passing The Guard” book.