Bullfighter Pass

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Bullfighter Pass: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Bullfighter Pass, also known as the Toreando Pass, is a classic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu maneuver designed to pass your opponent's open guard. Named for its motion resembling a matador avoiding a charging bull, this pass involves stepping to the side while controlling your opponent's legs, effectively bypassing their guard.

Position

Open Guard

Japanese Name

Top or Bottom

Top

Step-by-Step Instructions

Establishing Base and Grips
- Start in your opponent’s Open Guard position. They may have their feet positioned on your hips or thighs.
- Ensure that you have a strong base with legs bent and firm pressure downwards from your lower body to prevent sweeps.
- Reach out to grip your opponent's pants at the knee or ankle level, using thumb-up grips for better control.
Creating Pressure
- While gripping their legs, step back with one leg, creating tension in their legs and stopping them from closing the gap.
- Push down on their knees or shins to keep their legs pinned to the mat.
Angle Step
- While maintaining pressure on their legs, step to one side of your opponent. This is crucial as it starts opening a path around the guard.
- Use your back leg to pivot around and create a path past their knees.
Passing the Guard
- As you angle yourself around their legs, simultaneously drag their leg across your body.
- Bridge your hips forward while guiding their opposite leg across your body with your grips.
- Keep your head low to avoid counters and maintain pressure to secure the pass.
Securing Side Control
- Once past their legs, immediately establish side control by placing your knee close to their hip and chest across their body.
- Transition your grips: weave your arm under their far shoulder and establish an underhook to solidify your position.
- Use chest pressure to stabilize your position, ensuring they cannot regain guard.

Tips for Success

Always keep a firm hold on your opponent’s pants throughout the pass.
Maintain strong posture and be wary of your opponent’s attempts to break your grips or disrupt your balance.
Stay agile and adjust to your opponent's movements to maintain optimal tension during the pass.

By effectively executing the Bullfighter Pass, you’ll be able to bypass the guard of an agile opponent, paving the way for dominant top positions, such as side control or mount. Practice this staple technique regularly to add a versatile passing option to your BJJ arsenal.

How to Execute

# Bullfighter Pass from Open Guard

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### Step 1: Engage the Guard
1. **Posture and Base**:
   - Start in a standing position with a solid base, feet shoulder-width apart.
   - Maintain a straight posture to prevent being pulled into your opponent's guard.

2. **Control the Legs**:
   - Use your hands to control your opponent's pants just above the knees.
   - Keep your elbows slightly bent and close to your body for better control.

### Step 2: Create an Angle
3. **Open the Guard**:
   - Push your opponent's knees towards their chest gently to create tension.
   - Simultaneously, shuffle your feet to one side (left or right), maintaining pressure on the knees.

### Step 3: Execute the Pass
4. **Move to the Side**:
   - Take a step to the side with your outside leg, ensuring your hips are facing your opponent.
   - As you step, use your grip on the knees to guide their legs across your body in the opposite direction of your movement.

5. **Complete the Pass**:
   - Once you've redirected their legs, pivot on your inside foot and circle around their legs.
   - Drop your outside knee to the mat near your opponent's hip for added control.

### Step 4: Establish Side Control
6. **Control the Upper Body**:
   - As you circle, use your free hand to secure an underhook on the far side of your opponent or control their near side arm.
   - Lower your body to establish chest-to-chest contact.

7. **Secure the Position**:
   - Transition your grips from the pants to securing around your opponent's head and arm.
   - Settle into side control by placing your weight on your opponent, maintaining pressure to prevent escapes.

### Tips for Success
- Maintain constant pressure on your opponent’s legs to prevent them from re-guarding.
- Stay balanced and ready to adjust if your opponent attempts to counter the pass.
- Practice timing and fluidity in your movements for a seamless transition from guard to side control.

By following these steps, you'll be able to effectively execute the Bullfighter Pass and transition into a dominant position in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Bullfighter Pass

About This Technique