In the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the X-guard is a versatile and highly effective position often used by bottom players to create sweeps and submissions. For the person on top, passing the X-guard requires precision, balance, and a clear understanding of the position. If you’ve ever struggled with being entangled in someone’s X-guard, this guide is here to help you navigate and pass with confidence.

Understanding X-Guard

X-guard is a position where the bottom player uses their legs to create leverage and control, with one leg hooking behind your knee and the other leg hooking underneath or across your far-side hip. The goal of the bottom player is often to off-balance you, elevate you, and sweep you into a dominant position. To counter this, you need to focus on maintaining balance, breaking grips, and clearing their hooks.

Key Principles for Passing X-Guard

  1. Stay Balanced
    Your opponent’s primary goal in X-guard is to disrupt your base. Avoid leaning too far forward or backward, as this makes you vulnerable to sweeps. Keep your weight centered and maintain a low, stable posture. Use your hands for balance by gripping their gi or posting on the mat as needed.
  2. Control the Hooks
    The legs of the X-guard player are their primary weapons. To pass effectively, you need to address the hooks:

    • Inside Hook: This is the leg hooked behind your knee. Focus on pushing it down with your hand or using your leg to clear it.
    • Outside Hook: The leg that hooks across your hip or thigh can be disengaged by stepping backward or by using your free hand to strip it away.
  3. Break Grips
    The bottom player may use grips on your pant legs, ankle, or belt to control you. Breaking these grips is critical. Use two-on-one grip breaks or explosive movements to free yourself.
  4. Keep Pressure
    Once you’ve cleared the hooks, apply downward pressure to pin your opponent and limit their movement. This pressure will make it harder for them to re-establish their guard.
  5. Choose a Direction
    Decide on a passing direction based on the openings you create. Common passes from X-guard include:

    • Backstep Pass: Step your free leg backward and rotate your hips to clear the hooks, transitioning to side control.
    • Knee Slice Pass: After clearing the inside hook, drive your knee across their body and slide into a dominant position.
    • Leg Drag Pass: If you can control the outside hook, drag their leg across your body to enter a leg drag position.

Drills to Improve X-Guard Passing

  1. Balance Drills
    Have a partner establish X-guard and focus on maintaining your base while they try to off-balance you. This will improve your awareness and stability.
  2. Grip Fighting Rounds
    Start in X-guard and practice breaking grips efficiently. Incorporate two-on-one grip breaks and footwork to disengage.
  3. Flow Passing
    Drill the transitions between different passing techniques—such as backstepping, knee slicing, and leg dragging—so you can react fluidly in live sparring.

Final Thoughts

Passing X-guard is a skill that takes time and repetition to master. By staying balanced, addressing your opponent’s hooks, and applying effective pressure, you can confidently shut down the X-guard and take control of the match. Remember, like all aspects of Jiu Jitsu, success in passing X-guard comes down to consistency in practice and a willingness to learn from mistakes.

So next time you find yourself caught in X-guard, don’t panic—stay focused, stay balanced, and work your way to the pass!

 

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