How to Toreando Pass Like Gordon Ryan

Summary

In this video, the King and Mr. Dominic share valuable no-gi guard passing tips with a focus on Toriondos. The key emphasis is on footwork, specifically stepping past the opponent’s hip line to create pressure, making their guard harder to maintain. Grips on the legs are secondary; it's the footwork and knee positioning that truly control the pass. The instructional tips highlight how to use small cross steps and pivots to force the opponent into weaker positions, leading to guard passes and successful transitions into dominant positions like side control or north-south.

Takeaways

• 😀 The key focus for passing guard with Toriondos in no-gi is footwork, not the grips on the ankles or knees.
• 😀 In no-gi, grips should be more of a 'touch-and-go' nature, meaning short, temporary grips rather than long-lasting holds.
• 😀 The footwork involves taking a small outside step with the left foot, followed by a cross step with the right foot past the partner's hip line.
• 😀 Stepping past the partner's hip line is crucial to putting pressure on the guard and creating a real threat of passing the guard.
• 😀 After stepping past the hip line, pivot to point your knee towards the far hip of your partner to prevent them from bringing their legs back in.
• 😀 Proper footwork helps reduce the chance of your partner attacking you, especially with their legs.
• 😀 To maintain control, you should keep your hands ready to catch your partner's ankles while maintaining the proper foot position.
• 😀 If the opponent brings their knees in, shift your weight and use the footwork to step to the opposite side to reset your positioning.
• 😀 The more you step past the partner’s hip line, the more strain you place on their abdomen, forcing them to pull their knees to their chest, which is tiring.
• 😀 Stepping past the hip line reduces the opponent’s ability to push you away with their legs, making it easier to pass the guard.

Q & A

Why is footwork emphasized over grips in no-gi guard passing?

In no-gi, you can't rely on gripping your partner's clothing, so footwork becomes crucial in controlling and passing the guard. The focus shifts to using your foot positioning and movement to destabilize the opponent's guard rather than holding onto their clothes.

What is the significance of stepping past the opponent’s hip line during the guard pass?

Stepping past the opponent's hip line is essential because it puts pressure on their guard, forcing them to pull their knees to their chest instead of pushing away with their legs. This makes it more difficult for them to maintain guard and drains their energy.

How does pivoting the knee towards the far hip affect the guard pass?

Pivoting the knee towards the far hip prevents the opponent from re-entering guard or attacking your legs. It also helps you maintain better control over their position, making it harder for them to counter or recover guard.

What should you do if the opponent brings their knees in to recover guard?

If the opponent brings their knees in, you can adjust by taking a small step out past their hip line, leaning your weight onto the opposite foot, and performing a cross-step on the opposite side to continue the pass.

What is the main issue if you don’t step past the opponent’s hip line?

If you don't step past the opponent’s hip line, they can maintain guard by pushing you away with their legs, making it harder to pass their guard. The goal is to apply pressure by crossing the hip line.

How does stepping past the hip line affect the opponent’s ability to maintain guard?

Stepping past the hip line forces the opponent to pull their knees to their chest to maintain guard. This is inherently more taxing and less stable than pushing their feet away, weakening their guard and making it easier for you to pass.

What is meant by ‘touch-and-go grips’ in no-gi guard passing?

‘Touch-and-go grips’ refer to brief, light grips on the opponent’s legs, such as their ankles or knees, used to establish control. These grips are not held for long; they are meant to help with positioning rather than maintaining a secure hold.

What does constant pressure on the opponent's abdomen do during the guard pass?

Constant pressure on the opponent's abdomen, especially when stepping past their hip line, forces them to pull their knees in, which weakens their guard and tires them out, making it easier to pass their guard.

Why is pivoting important during the guard pass?

Pivoting is important because it helps you maintain a dominant angle, preventing the opponent from attacking or recovering guard. It also keeps you in position to apply further pressure and transition to side control or other dominant positions.

How does the footwork sequence improve the likelihood of a successful guard pass?

The footwork sequence ensures that you are always past the opponent’s hip line, putting consistent pressure on their guard and limiting their ability to re-establish guard. The sequence of small steps, cross-steps, and pivots creates a dynamic and effective approach to guard passing.