Guard Passing Basics: The Staple Pass Control Position

Getting past the guard is one of the most important skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In this class at Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness in Hayward, we explain what the guard is, why you need to pass it, and how to control your opponent's legs with a staple pass.

What Is the Guard?

Any time someone is on the bottom with their legs between you and them, that's their guard. Closed guard, seated guard and open guard all work the same way: the legs defend them. In self-defense, the guard even keeps someone from being able to punch you, because the legs keep distance.

Why You Need to Pass

If you stay in someone's guard, you're in their trap. Their legs are above your hips, which sets up triangles, armbars and sweeps. To dominate the position, you need to get past the legs.

The Staple Pass Control Position

1. Staple the same-side leg with your shin, knee on the mat and foot flat by their knee. Don't stay on your toes or they can scoot the leg out.
2. Put your knee by their hip and sit on the leg.
3. Grab deep around the head and hug them tight, chest to chest, head down.
4. If they scoot back or push, stay connected and move with them. Push on the thigh, not the knee.

Don't Rush It

We drill just the control position first, for about 10 seconds at a time, before finishing the pass. Getting comfortable controlling the legs is the foundation of every good guard pass.

Train BJJ in Hayward

Mindset Martial Arts & Fitness is at 24249 Hesperian Blvd in Hayward, CA, next to Southland Mall, and has been teaching in Hayward for about 16 years. We're a short drive from San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Castro Valley and Union City. Our adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes are beginner-friendly, and we also offer kids BJJ and fitness kickboxing.

Check the class schedule or reserve your first class.