Half Guard Top — Reverse Kesa Passing

The Lesson

Notice that neither of these passes started with a move. They started with the pin. The To Side Control pass and the To Mount pass come from the exact same starting position — the only thing that changes is how the bottom player reacts to it.

If they try to create space, you get Side Control. If they grip and refuse to let go, you get Mount. The pass isn't something you choose — it's something the bottom player chooses for you , based on how they respond to your control.

This week, don't go looking for a specific pass. Establish the Reverse Kesa pin, stay patient, and let your partner's reaction tell you which option is already open. The pin does the work. Your job is to read what it produces.