How to Pass Open Guard in BJJ | Week 9
Table of Contents
This Weeks Focus
This week we explore the top open guard position and break down the real meaning behind “passing the guard.” Instead of rushing past, we’ll learn how to control the guard until it transforms into a dominant position. You’ll practice clearing grips, hooks, and posts, giving you the foundation to advance without losing balance or control.
Understanding the “Guard Pass” Mindset Shift
The phrase pass the guard sounds quick — like sprinting past an opponent. But in reality, guard passing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is rarely about speed. It’s about control.
If you think “pass,” you might rush. If you think “control,” you’ll slow down, secure each step, and make your way into a better position with purpose. This mindset shift changes the game:
Control prevents your opponent from re-guarding
Step-by-step positioning builds pressure without openings
Dominance becomes inevitable
When you stop trying to “get past” and start trying to “lock down,” your passing game improves dramatically.
Clearing Grips, Hooks, and Posts
Before you can advance, you must deal with the guard’s weapons:
- Grips: Opponent’s hands latch onto your sleeves, collar, or pants to control your movement.
- Hooks: Tops of their feet curl around your legs to pull or block your base.
- Posts: Soles of their feet press into you or the mat to push you away.
Think of these like vines and branches blocking your path in the woods. You need to “machete” them away before moving forward:
Break grips before engaging
Remove hooks by freeing your legs
Clear posts to get closer to their hips
Once these are gone, you control the space — and space control leads to position control.
Key Drills & Training Methods
- Grip Fighting Drill: Partner maintains grips, you focus only on breaking them.
- Hook Clearing Drill: Partner alternates between hooking and posting; you clear each.
- Pressure & Hold Drill: Get to a half-passed position and hold for 10 seconds before advancing.
Weekly Checklist
By the end of this week, you should be able to:
Identify grips, hooks, and posts in live rolling
Break at least 3 common sleeve or collar grips
Clear hooks and posts while maintaining balance
Advance from open guard control to a dominant position without rushing
Reflection & Next Steps
Ask yourself:
Did I feel rushed when trying to pass, or did I focus on control?
Did I break grips before trying to move forward?
Did I lose position because I skipped a step?
✅ Want feedback on your top control? Submit your roll here →
⏭️Week 10 | Bottom Open Guard