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
- 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. - 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.
- 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. - 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. - 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
- 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. - Grip Fighting Rounds
Start in X-guard and practice breaking grips efficiently. Incorporate two-on-one grip breaks and footwork to disengage. - 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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