Keenan's basic NoGi PASSING CONCEPTS you need to pass any guard

Summary

The transcript captures a detailed discussion on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard passing techniques. It emphasizes the importance of proper technique, such as knee cuts and underhooks, to effectively pass an opponent's guard. The conversation highlights the need to separate the opponent's legs, apply chest pressure, and maintain good head and shoulder positions. It also touches on the strategic aspect of passing, including setting up for submissions and the importance of not rushing to submissions but instead focusing on controlling the opponent's body and maintaining top position.

Takeaways

• 🤼‍♂️ Effective guard passing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) involves a combination of technique and strategy, emphasizing the importance of doing the moves correctly and in sequence.
• 🛡️ Even if a guard pass is defended well, it's still considered successful as it forces the opponent to react and potentially exposes them to further attacks.
• 🔄 The concept of chaining passes is crucial; if one pass doesn't work, smoothly transitioning to another can keep the pressure on the opponent.
• 🦵 Understanding the mechanics of leg movements and control is key to improving guard passing, as it helps in pinning and separating the opponent's legs.
• 💥 The importance of using body weight effectively in BJJ, especially when applying pressure or attempting to pass the guard, cannot be overstated.
• 🚫 Avoid stepping into the guard without a clear strategy, as it can lead to being elevated and losing position.
• 🔄 The technique of switching hips and using the outside leg for leverage is highlighted as a useful strategy in guard passing.
• 🤝 Winning the hand fight is a critical step in establishing a good position for passing the guard and maintaining control.
• 🔄 The script emphasizes the importance of maintaining a low profile with the head and shoulders to avoid being framed and to pass the guard effectively.
• 🎯 Knowing where to apply weight is essential; it could be on the far shoulder, head, or chest, depending on the situation.
• 🚧 Guard passing is described as a process of separating the opponent's limbs, applying pressure, and maintaining a threatening position, much like a clockwork mechanism.
• 🛑 The script discusses the importance of not rushing to submissions like the flying guillotine without first establishing dominance in the guard passing game.

Q & A

What is the basic concept of passing a guard in the discussed technique?

The basic concept involves doing specific moves like the knee cut, which forces the opponent to defend, and then backing out to do the next move. The goal is to simplify the process and focus on executing the moves properly.

Why is it important to separate the opponent's legs when attempting a guard pass?

Separating the legs prevents the opponent from connecting their limbs, which makes it harder for them to defend against the guard pass and allows the attacker to maintain control and pressure.

What is the significance of maintaining a good head position when passing a guard?

A good head position is crucial for maintaining control and preventing the opponent from framing or escaping. It also allows the attacker to apply pressure effectively and prepare for potential reactions from the opponent.

How does the concept of 'over underpass' relate to guard passing?

The 'over underpass' is a specific technique used in guard passing. If the initial attempt is not successful, the attacker can switch to the 'double underpass' with proper technique, demonstrating the importance of adapting to the opponent's defenses.

What is the purpose of using weight effectively during a guard pass?

Using weight effectively means applying it to specific areas of the opponent's body to make them carry the attacker's weight, which can create openings and make the opponent feel the pressure, leading to a successful guard pass.

Why is it not recommended to pivot around the hand during a guard pass?

Pivoting around the hand can lead to an unstable position and makes it easier for the opponent to frame or counter. Instead, the attacker should pivot around the head, shoulders, and occasionally the knees for better stability and control.

What is the significance of the 'flying Guillotine' in the context of guard passing?

The 'flying Guillotine' is a submission attempt that can be used when the guard pass is not clean or when the opponent creates space. However, it should be used as a secondary option, as the primary focus should be on winning the wrestling battle and maintaining top position.

Why is it important to threaten the opponent with various submissions during guard passing?

Threatening with various submissions keeps the opponent guessing and defending multiple potential attacks, which can create opportunities for the attacker to exploit and successfully pass the guard.

What is the role of the hips in the guard passing technique discussed?

The hips play a crucial role in maintaining balance and applying pressure during a guard pass. The attacker should use hip movements to control the opponent's body and create space for the pass.

How does the concept of 'breaking the half guard' relate to guard passing?

Breaking the half guard involves separating the opponent's legs and preventing them from establishing a strong defensive position. This makes it easier for the attacker to pass the guard and maintain control.

What is the importance of practicing specific guard pass techniques?

Practicing specific techniques helps the attacker to develop muscle memory and improve the execution of the moves. It also allows for better adaptation and response to the opponent's defenses during an actual match.

Outlines

00:00

🤼‍♂️ Techniques and Strategy in Guard Passing

This paragraph delves into the intricacies of guard passing in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It emphasizes the importance of executing fundamental techniques correctly, such as knee cuts and over-under passes, and adapting to an opponent's defenses. The speaker discusses the necessity of controlling an opponent's legs and hips to prevent recovery and maintain offensive pressure. Key points include the use of underhooks, separating legs, and applying chest pressure to advance a position. The paragraph also touches on the importance of body positioning and weight distribution, highlighting the ineffectiveness of leg dragging and the need for direct weight application to make the opponent feel the pressure.

05:02

🏋️‍♂️ Pivoting, Weight Management, and Submission Opportunities

The second paragraph focuses on the concept of pivoting around the knees and feet during guard passing, rather than the hands, to maintain balance and control. It discusses the use of the knee as a defensive tool and the strategy of making the opponent carry the passer's weight. The speaker also mentions the potential for a flying Guillotine choke as a reaction to failed guard passes and emphasizes the importance of winning the wrestling battle to maintain a dominant position. The summary of this paragraph highlights the need for a strategic approach to passing, using weight and positioning to create opportunities for both passing and submissions, while also being prepared to capitalize on an opponent's reactions to maintain control.

10:04

🛑 Guard Passing Fundamentals and Positional Transitions

This paragraph provides a detailed breakdown of the fundamental concepts behind guard passing in BJJ. It starts with the importance of maintaining a strong base with elbows connected to knees and then describes how to use body mechanics to tilt and separate an opponent's legs. The speaker explains how to position oneself between the opponent's elbows and knees to open up passing opportunities. The paragraph also touches on the idea of not being limited to one side of passing and the importance of drilling movements to improve guard passing skills. It concludes with a discussion on the difficulty of reaching certain positions and the need to focus on creating pseudo-guard positions that are less defended by the opponent.

Keywords

💡Guard Passing

Guard passing is a fundamental technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and other grappling arts, where the objective is to move from a bottom position, where the opponent has control of your guard, to a top position where you can control them. In the script, guard passing is discussed as a strategic process involving controlling the opponent's legs, body weight distribution, and maintaining a proper position to advance towards the top.

💡Knee Cut

A knee cut is a specific guard pass technique used in BJJ, where one knee is used to cut under the opponent's leg, creating an angle that allows the passer to slide into a better position to pass the guard. The script mentions the knee cut as a move that, even if defended, still advances the passer's position and sets up the next move.

💡Double Underpass

The double underpass is a guard pass technique where the passer goes under both of the opponent's legs simultaneously. The script discusses this as an alternative technique if the initial attempts are not successful, emphasizing the importance of good technique and the ability to switch tactics.

💡Recovery Motions

Recovery motions refer to the actions an opponent takes to regain control or improve their position when they are under attack. The script talks about the necessity of understanding and countering these motions effectively to maintain control during guard passing.

💡Hip Pressure

Hip pressure is a concept in BJJ where the passer uses their hips to apply pressure on the opponent, making it difficult for them to maintain their guard or recover effectively. The script mentions hip pressure as a critical component of maintaining control and advancing the guard pass.

💡Underhook

An underhook is a grip in BJJ where one grabs the opponent's arm or sleeve just below the elbow, on the inside of their arm. The script discusses the use of underhooks to separate the opponent's legs and to control their body during the guard pass.

💡Leg Drag

A leg drag is a technique used in BJJ where the passer uses one leg to drag or manipulate the opponent's leg, often to create space or to set up a guard pass. The script critiques the leg drag technique, suggesting that it should be used with caution and not as a primary method of passing the guard.

💡Frame Control

Frame control in BJJ involves using one's arms to create a barrier or frame that the opponent cannot easily pass. The script mentions the importance of not allowing the opponent to establish a strong frame, which would hinder the passer's ability to advance.

💡Weight Distribution

Weight distribution is crucial in BJJ for maintaining balance and control during grappling exchanges. The script emphasizes the need for the passer to have proper weight distribution to effectively pass the guard and apply pressure without being easily moved by the opponent.

💡Flying Guillotine

A flying guillotine is a submission technique in BJJ that involves jumping over the opponent's head to apply a choke. The script advises against relying solely on the flying guillotine as a strategy, suggesting that it should be used judiciously and as part of a broader guard passing strategy.

💡Pinning a Leg

Pinning a leg in BJJ involves controlling an opponent's leg to prevent them from using it to regain guard or to improve their position. The script discusses pinning a leg as a preparatory step before entering and separating the legs to pass the guard effectively.

Highlights

Techniques for passing moves in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are discussed, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and proper execution.

The necessity of defending against knee cuts in BJJ and the strategic approach to backing out and planning the next move.

The concept of chain passing in BJJ, where one move leads to another, and the importance of adapting to the opponent's defense.

Entering the guard effectively by maintaining body alignment and avoiding being elevated by the opponent.

The strategy of using hip pressure and re-entering with it after the opponent creates space.

The technique of separating the opponent's legs and pinning one leg to maintain control during a pass.

The importance of hand fighting in BJJ to gain underhooks and separate the opponent's legs.

Executing guard passes with precision, using body weight effectively to pin the opponent's hips and shoulders.

The discussion on the ineffectiveness of leg dragging without proper weight distribution and control.

The significance of maintaining a direct line with the body weight during guard passes to ensure the opponent feels the pressure.

The concept of pivoting around the head and shoulders rather than the hands during BJJ passes.

The strategy of using failed passes to create opportunities for submissions like the flying Guillotine.

The importance of winning the wrestling battle in BJJ to establish dominance and maintain a good head and shoulder position.

The discussion on the use of weight and pressure in BJJ, especially for taller and heavier practitioners.

The technique of threatening with wrist locks and cranks while the opponent is extending their limbs.

The concept of framing in BJJ and the importance of hiding one's neck to avoid being framed.

The strategy of forcing reactions from the opponent by separating their legs and extending their body.

The technique of using the leg drag cross position in BJJ and capitalizing on opportunities when the opponent recovers.

The importance of predicting and reacting to the opponent's movements in BJJ to maintain control.

The concept of guard passing as a fundamental BJJ skill, focusing on separating the opponent's legs and positioning oneself effectively.

The discussion on the difficulty of achieving certain guard positions and the need to break through the opponent's defenses.

The strategy of focusing on pseudo guard positions that appear to be half guard but are not, leaving the opponent with no effective defense.

The importance of not pinning the opponent's hips too low and moving up quickly to maintain bridge power in BJJ.

The technique of using layers in BJJ to peel apart the opponent's guard and maintain control.

Transcripts

Jitsu really is like you just do the

techniques what are the what are the

passing moves you just do that yeah

that's really simplifier that's it just

do but if you just do the knee cut right

they have to defend it and that's a

successful even if they defend it well

you still did the move and then you back

out and then you do the next move the

move being like in over underpass

properly with good technique and then

you back out if that's not working you

go in the double underpass proper

technique you do it that's not working

you back yeah you just like do the

actual moves and go through them and

then

they'll get they'll become better at

defending that specific past type

and then you see the chain passing like

like when they throw the leg over you do

that you come under the other side

you're like they bring the leg across

and you go down into side Smash and then

you can start adding the moves but

that's if you don't do that it's gonna

be very difficult to pass someone's

guard who's like good at those recovery

motions you know you're very much like

enter like this

your whole upper body is like staying in

a line

you have to like either be like

this or like this yeah but this is not

really effective this is like stepping

into the guard you can do that but from

yourself

but if I step into the guard and then

continue passing like this then my

weight just goes over him and he can

Elevate me and enter myself

but if I step in like this and then

immediately switch to head forward like

this it defends my legs

splitting his limbs so he can't connect

through the legs

and then if you create space you pushes

me off

then I can step back and re-enter maybe

with my hip pressure okay but then when

he creates space off the knee so what

happens I switch actually your hips down

hips up oh hip shot

all right go hips down again so hips

down on the outside leg I think hips

down for us is awkward because we're so

lanky but unless you find the outside I

mean

it's down just means like lead with your

hips whether in like a knee cut

or like side smash but the problem is

you're just too willing to step in and

you're trying to like leg drag you're

trying to do stuff like this yeah or

pushing between it like that yeah but

it's like why you don't control at the

end of the leg like just because I can

move his leg it doesn't affect his body

at all like it doesn't affect his hips

he can just use it to entangle yeah so

you have to your goal is not to control

a leg and bring it across your goal is

to pin a leg and then keep his legs

separate

and while at the same time trying to

force his body and his hips flat so it's

like we separate the legs we pressure in

with like this

but look I've just positioned myself in

between his limbs so he can't connect

his legs together I'm fighting for the

underhook already thinking about what's

gonna happen next and then I use a hand

fight so underhook separate legs and

hand fight so that when I put my chest

pressure in now all he can do is push an

underhook and I can try and get his his

shoulder blades flat for the final move

and if he does go flat he has the under

hook he's going to try and turn

one way or the other and we have to be

ready for that yeah it's like it's

really like clockwork you have to do it

just like that yeah you got to enter the

legs separate them

but like pushing the ankles with your

hands are not going to achieve anything

it's very unlikely

like you said with a clock yeah

like Center and then your hips kind of

yeah

you're always going in completely out

yeah as opposed to doing like this and

it got here and then back here yeah keep

your head here right right and then as

he's defending

yeah so I'm pulling my head out too much

where I should keep it in and move my

body instead like it's about putting all

your like you need to be direct with

your weight yeah you have to put your

body weight in a singular Point like

where is where do I need to put my

weight on his body right now sometimes

it's the far shoulder

sometimes if you need to put the weight

here with your head other times you got

to put another chin another time

but you need to use your weight because

if you step in like this look at where

all my weight is distributed it's on my

own feet

I'm not putting weight on it yeah I'm

just moving his legs around not making

him carry my weight he's not not going

to feel heavy and if you leg drag

dropping my weight here doesn't actually

do much because it just gets in the way

of his legs again and then I have to get

bounced back off so it's better instead

of trying to leg drag into passes

separate the legs

pin enter with a block and a knee cut

and then when he resists

roll your back across that focus when he

resists I just walk

look where my head is pointed I'm

fighting the leg my head's ready to go

to that far shoulder I can start

swimming under Hooks and working my

position side smashing pressure

but we have to like put the weight in

very specific areas okay and I feel like

when you're passing it's a lot more like

yeah

like this kind of yeah like his heads up

your head is up and you're just like

pivoting it around your knees and your

feet instead of pivoting around your

hand you should be pivoting around your

head and your shoulders and occasionally

your knees but the knee is just like

more like he created defense and space

yeah and I take a knee for a second but

when he starts to extend I want to cover

those hips

carry make him carry my weight

that makes sense yeah I'm thinking more

of it like putting my hands on outside

of his leg but I'm not dropping the

chest down nearly enough yeah I just got

in there the whole point of like opening

the leg just to drive your head to this

exposed core but also Jr if you're dead

your head's gonna be up you should look

for like 10 straps yeah that's what I

want to do a lot more today flying

Guillotine right so when he's like the

pass is not going to be clean every time

right I'm putting pressure and he starts

to create space that's when I can start

reaching to the head like off the failed

passes when he creates space pushes you

away or sits up right or sits up yeah

yeah so more sit up I'd probably be yeah

flying Guillotine attempt if he's

pushing out but not but that shouldn't

be like uh that should be like an A-game

thing you should make them defend the

pass like you have to pass cigar yeah

because the passing of the Guard leads

to the turtle which leads to the back

which leads to the submission but if you

just try flying Guillotine you're

jumping straight to submission it's

equivalent to sitting back on a leg lock

yeah if you have a super high percentage

Guillotine like slow and maybe it can be

more achy but if you start diving over

people's heads you're just at you're

just initiating a scramble giving up top

position and potentially losing it yeah

but with your height and weight you have

to put your you have to use it kind of

use that weight pressure them down maybe

built that eventually but wear them out

first with the past attempts at like 30

minutes right yeah if the opportunity

presents itself you want to take the nap

if they give you the neck but really the

the strategy should be win the wrestling

battle or sweep get on top break start

to break their guard maintain good head

position maintain good shoulder position

drive your pressure and if they fully

escape and get to your legs then sure

you enter into the legs and you start

defending Etc but you should be up

separating their limbs going in between

with your weight driving your head into

their chest and shoulders or hip

blocking those legs from coming in front

you're always threatening something like

a wrist lock a crank on a foot or

something yeah as the as they are like

extending you want to be trying as

they're framing you want to be like

threatening so like when you get to my

legs if I'm here because yeah so you're

saying pin a leg and then getting the

separation and then more so here right

well this is in the past all right this

is like this is not going to do anything

but if you over under it will work

that's over under would be here and here

this can work I mean so I'm not saying

it's going to be a guaranteed thing

there are counters but it's a good way

to enter and then you don't stay here

you just circle yeah just circle hard

and start trying to get yeah and they

want to have to recover go the other way

but keep your chest pressure and head

down yeah your head's too high if your

head is high it's just I'm just gonna

use it as a frame I'm just going to

frame on your esophagus all day you

actually have to hide your neck by

putting your head down yeah and getting

it because if you keep your head on the

outside of my frame this is basically

just my get out of jail free car because

I can just push into your neck all day

so you actually have to win the hand

fight get your head in between my arms

and then start to put pressure and pass

right I have to rebuild my friends

yeah yeah like I feel like you don't

fight for this enough where like it's

not a great position but just this yeah

look he separated my legs I can no

longer connect my legs to do something

and the second that he feels like

threatened and he brings his leg outside

and I can't connect I can't use my legs

it forces a reaction where I must only

push and extend and when I'm forced to

extend my legs and push it exposes

shoulder pressure and passes because my

legs are straight but what you're doing

is kind of the opposite you're like

crowding my legs in and letting them

come here where I'm like okay I can just

absorb your weight whereas what he just

did was separating it all out forcing me

to extend extend my body and then get

pinned see I kind of like that leg drag

cross position too but you didn't jump

on the opportunities like where he was

here and then he did that leg Drive

recovery here as soon as he hits the

head all right

yeah if we're gonna go for the legs if

you're doing that leg drag type of

position just even with that single heel

hook it gives you a reaction oh because

as he kicks then I can actually finish

the defend it he's going to drop the

hips down on the outside the leg if

anything but like you're saying not sit

back too late because then I think it's

good to threaten it like it says if you

can force a reaction and you know you

can get good at predicting the reaction

you know I'm going to straighten my leg

then yeah you can fake it and drop in

yeah or even I'd really go for it after

like right

now yeah

[Music]

that makes sense but just think about it

like this like if you're on your back

connect your elbows to your knees

like this if you're facing me flat like

this I can't be cut I can't get through

your guard at all so the first thing I'm

going to do keep your elbows on your

knees

just imagine this is like a generic

passing position or a guard playing

position I just stepped at a 45 degree

angle tilt you to one side so now I've

picked okay we're gonna I'm gonna pass

to this side

I can underhook here I can grab the head

I can start look what I'm doing to your

legs I'm separating it all and then the

final thing is your elbows to your knees

so I've separated the legs now I have to

position myself between your elbows and

your knees and open your mouth

and that's what a guard pass is it's

like it's about kicking aside

and then opening up this on both sides

like that's the goal right and how

that's achieved is through every pass

but like you have to build the passing

game around that as a fundamental

concept so like if someone someone likes

playing with this side that doesn't mean

I have to pass to this side I can walk

all the way to the other side I'm the

one who did taste the face I can pin I

can start entering if you're playing

knee Shield that's fine I can step in

like Salazar saying break it look what

I'm just separating all of this is just

being exposed so when I make chest

contacts and you you don't actually have

even half guard anymore

you can pass or

maybe it's like this

maybe I have to underhook

I'm here for a minute

we have to drill those movements like

yeah they're just guard pass techniques

but you don't do them really yeah you

kind of just get in there and rock climb

the main way I really get like yes for

real kind of like rock climbing but you

got to do those yeah the main way I

actually separate is like when I force

the half bar in half the moon then I

think it's like a fundamental solid

guard pass but getting there is tough

for me so I gotta yeah because that's

gonna be one of the hardest positions to

get to because it's like you have to

break through so much stuff and you're

giving them a guard like yeah this is

giving them if you give someone half

guard they can still do things like even

if I get here and here the game's not

over yeah you know there's tilts and

things it can get under your leg I think

in general it's better to

focus on getting to those sort of pseudo

guard positions where they think it's a

half guard but it's not really yeah so

when you try and close your legs into a

half it's like there's actually nothing

there and we can just look like where's

my pressure it's like all here because

it's like

right it's all about that shoulder pain

and sometimes I see you trying to pin

their hips instead you've gotten too low

down here

like it's good that's good for the first

step yeah but then everything has to

move up quickly and then get away from

those hips so now when you bridge you

have no Bridge power right you can't

like do most yeah

yeah and as it opens up the circle in an

elbow ties

you know you start twisting up their

arms

yeah that makes sense I gotta

especially you if I can maybe I just

gotta like work on the slow passing like

lower belt guards focusing on like

peeling apart they're I think you just

use the layers yeah I mean it's gonna be

tough I literally am telling you how to

do this so when you try it on me I'm

gonna be like yeah