Grip Fighting - Guard Passing

Freeing hands is essential when passing the guard, and movement should occur when hands are not controlled. Understanding the timing of when to move and when to rest is crucial in guard passing. Breaking grips while on top differs from when the hands are controlled, as the opponent has stability and can absorb force, making it challenging to break their grip with weight distribution alone.

1. When hands are controlled, focus on breaking grips before attempting to pass. This may involve clearing a leg off the hip that is blocking space.
2. Address and break the grips that are controlling your hands. For example, in a Spider Guard, break one grip and then the other.
3. Use the second hand to lean and block, creating weight movement in two directions, and then rip away the grip.
4. Once hands are free, avoid placing them back in the same position. Instead, move immediately to prevent the opponent from regaining control.
5. Block the opponent's leg to stop them from following and absorbing the movement, then circle to the inside and lever the hand over the outside of their shin, throwing the elbow forward.
6. Open the guard, step, and initiate movement. This could lead to various guard passes such as Torreando, knee cut, closing the space, or double underhooks.
7. Find the window of opportunity to pass by ensuring hands are free from grips before moving, rather than forcing a pass while being controlled.