Every BJJ guard passing style explained: pressure passing, speed passing, leg drag, and torreando. Find your passing game and how to build it.
Why Your Passing Style Defines Your Game
Your guard passing style isn't just a technique preference β it's a statement about your entire grappling identity. Pressure passers and speed passers play completely different games. Knowing which suits your body type and temperament will focus years of training.
The 4 Major Passing Philosophies
1οΈβ£ Pressure Passing
Use your weight and body pressure to immobilize the guard, then methodically advance position.
- Best for: Heavier grapplers, methodical players, wrestlers
- Core principle: Remove frames, flatten the opponent, advance
- Famous practitioners: Gordon Ryan, Buchecha, Keenan Cornelius
2οΈβ£ Speed / Movement Passing
Move faster than the guard can adapt. Use direction changes, footwork, and explosive entry to get past.
Key passes: Torreando, bullfighter pass, knee slice variants
- Best for: Smaller, more athletic grapplers
- Core principle: Movement creates angles; angles bypass guard
- Famous practitioners: Leandro Lo, Rafael Mendes
3οΈβ£ Leg Drag System
Control one leg, drag it across your body, land in a passing position.
- Best for: All body types
- Core principle: Control leg β nullify guard β pass to back
- Famous practitioners: Bernardo Faria, Danaher System
4οΈβ£ Knee Slice System
Drive your knee through the guard with consistent directional pressure.
- Best for: Mid-level wrestlers, pressure players
- Core principle: Consistent pressure in one direction to cut through
Passing in Gi vs. No-Gi
| Situation | Recommended Approach |
|---|
| Gi vs. spider guard | Torreando / bullfighter to neutralize sleeve grips |
| Gi vs. lasso guard | Leg drag to neutralize lasso |
| No-gi vs. butterfly guard | Over-under or toreando (no lapel) |
| No-gi vs. seated guard | Knee slice or leg drag |
Building Your Passing Game
- Choose a primary style (pressure or speed) based on your body type.
- Master 1β2 passes from your primary style first.
- Add a complementary pass from a different style to handle guards that counter your primary.
- Drill entries into your passes as much as the passes themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best guard pass for beginners?
The torreando (bullfighter) pass is one of the best starting passes because it works against most open guards, requires minimal weight commitment, and teaches the core principle of controlling the legs.
Should I pressure pass or speed pass?
This depends heavily on your body type. Heavier, stronger grapplers generally benefit more from pressure passing. Lighter, more athletic grapplers often excel at speed passing. However, having both in your arsenal is ideal.
How do I pass against spider guard?
Spider guard is most effectively passed with torreando or bullfighter techniques that neutralize sleeve grips. Break one sleeve grip, then use torreando footwork to get to the side.