Passing
White

Torreando Pass: A White Belt's Biomechanical Guide

Q: How can I Torreando Pass against a much bigger opponent?

Against a larger opponent, leverage is paramount. Instead of pushing their hips directly, use your grip on their collar and sleeve to off-balance them slightly as you begin your hip circle. Focus on creating a tight angle and driving your shoulder into their hip to prevent them from re-framing. Your base must be wider.

The Torreando Pass initiates from your opponent's Closed Guard or open guard, aiming to achieve side control. White belts often struggle due to a lack of coordinated hip and shoulder movement.

The key is to understand that this is not a 'strength' pass; it's about using leverage and creating space to circle your hips.

This pass relies on disengaging one leg while maintaining pressure and circling your hips to the outside, effectively "torreando" (bullfighting) past their legs.

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Contents

Grips & Mechanics

Grip: Secure a collar grip with your right hand and a sleeve grip on their left arm with your left hand (if passing to your right).
Base: Establish a wide, stable base with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, and hips low.
Weight Transfer: Shift your weight onto your left leg, slightly lifting your right foot off the mat.
Disengage: With your right hand, push their left hip away and simultaneously pull their left arm across your body, creating a slight angle.
Hip Circle: Begin to circle your hips to your right, keeping your head up and chest down.
Leg Movement: As you circle your hips, step your right foot out and around their legs, aiming to get your right knee past their hips.
Pressure & Transition: Drive your chest into their hip and begin to establish side control, securing grips on their collar and far armpit.

⚠️ White Belt Warnings

Knee hyperextension: Trying to "force" the pass by driving forward with a straightened knee can cause hyperextension, damaging the ACL and PCL. Always maintain a slight bend in your lead knee.
Ankle sprain: Stepping with your foot flat and turning your ankle inward while your hips are not yet clear can lead to a severe ankle sprain. Keep your foot slightly dorsiflexed and rotate from the hip.
Lower back strain: Arching your back excessively to try and create space or lift your opponent can strain your lumbar spine. Maintain a neutral spine and use your hips and shoulders for leverage.

Drill Progressions

Solo Hip Circles: Practice circling your hips on the spot with correct posture for 30 seconds, 5 reps.
Shadow Pass (No Partner): Perform the entire Torreando Pass movement without a partner, focusing on smooth transitions, 5 reps per side.
Stationary Partner Drill: Partner lies on their back; you practice grip acquisition, weight transfer, and hip circling, 10 reps per side (0% resistance).
Light Resistance Drill: Partner maintains a loose closed guard; you execute the pass with minimal resistance, focusing on grip breaks and hip movement, 10 reps per side (25% resistance).
Controlled Guard Retention: Partner actively tries to retain guard but doesn't actively resist the pass; focus on maintaining pressure and circling your hips, 10 reps per side (50% resistance).
Live Rolling: Attempt the Torreando Pass during sparring, prioritizing technique over speed, 5 rounds (75-90% resistance).

When to Use & Counters

WHEN TO ATTEMPT:
When your opponent is framing strongly with their hands on your hips, limiting your forward pressure.
When your opponent attempts a sweep and their hips create an opening to circle.
When your opponent has a loose closed guard and you can easily break grips.
PRIMARY COUNTERS:
Hip Escape to Guard Retention: If the passer starts to circle, immediately hip escape to re-establish your guard or create space for a sweep. The passer's hips must remain mobile.
Knee Shield: If the passer drives too hard, establish a knee shield with your leg between their hips and chest to prevent them from circling past. Maintain a strong frame.
Guard Pull/Sweep: If the passer leaves an opening as they circle, attempt to pull them into your guard or initiate a sweep from a compromised position.

Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

Q: Why does my knee hurt when I try the Torreando Pass?

Knee pain often stems from trying to force the pass with a locked or hyperextended lead knee. Instead, maintain a slight bend in your lead knee throughout the movement, allowing it to act as a pivot. Focus on the hip circle to create the space, not brute force through the knee joint.

Q: How can I Torreando Pass against a much bigger opponent?

Against a larger opponent, leverage is paraMount. Instead of pushing their hips directly, use your grip on their collar and sleeve to off-balance them slightly as you begin your hip circle. Focus on creating a tight angle and driving your shoulder into their hip to prevent them from re-framing. Your base must be wider.

Q: Is the Torreando Pass better for gi or no-gi?

The Torreando Pass is highly effective in both gi and no-gi, but the grip strategy differs. In the gi, collar and sleeve grips are standard. In no-gi, focus on wrist control or bicep slicers on the arms and controlling their hips with your hands or forearms. The core hip-circling mechanic remains the same.