Opening Closed Guard| Structure, Posture, Arm Control

Opening the closed guard by controlling the arm neutralizes many of the opponent's attack options, such as armbars, triangle chokes, and cross chokes. Controlling the arm on the side opposite to the leading leg in guard passing is beneficial. This allows for the option to step up with either leg without the risk of the opponent hugging the leg to initiate attacks like pendulum sweeps.

1. Control the opponent's arm on the side you plan to step up with, using a hooking grip and keeping your palm forward.
2. Lift your hip and pull your shoulder back to lift the opponent's shoulder off the mat, limiting their movement and options.
3. Use your free hand to work on opening the guard, pushing or unhooking as needed, and step back to create an angle and apply more weight against the opponent's feet.
4. Before the opponent can reposition, scoop their leg over your shoulder, breaking any sleeve grips if necessary.
5. Drive the opponent's leg to the mat and slide your knee through, using your other knee to block and frame against the direction of their hip movement.
6. Pinch your knees together to control the opponent's hip, creating a stable base for passing.
7. With the opponent's guard compromised, you can either pull yourself close and back step or use a leg drag to pass.
8. Keep the controlled arm marked to prevent the opponent from regaining guard, and look for underhooks or head control to secure the pass.
9. Shift away from the side you want to step up with, step up with your hips forward and shoulders back, and open the guard as needed.
10. Once the guard is open, scoop the leg, transfer the grip, and drive the opponent's leg down while keeping your back straight and head up.
11. Drag the opponent's leg across your body, clearing your knee from behind your armpit, and look for a pathway to pass to side control.

Successfully locking the opponent in this position makes completing the pass much easier, as their options are significantly limited without the use of their arm.