### X Pass Technique - One of the most effective guard passing techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, particularly used to break and pass an opponent's open guard. #### Position - **Position:** Open Guard - **Top or Bottom:** Top #### Japanese Name - **Japanese Name:** N/A #### Step-by-Step Instructions ##### **Step 1: Engage with Base and Balance** - Start in your opponent's **Open Guard** position. - Establish a strong base by keeping your knees slightly bent and your hips low. - Focus on maintaining balance and readiness to respond to your opponent's movements. ##### **Step 2: Control the Opponent's Legs** - Secure control over one of your opponent’s legs by either gripping the pants near the ankle or cupping behind their knee. - Simultaneously, use your other hand to control the opposite side of your opponent’s leg, just above their knee or gripping their pants near the thigh. ##### **Step 3: Create an Angle** - Slightly step backward and to the side, using your controlled leg to lead the movement. - As you step, push down and across on the leg you've secured the grip on, to initiate breaking the open guard. ##### **Step 4: Cross the Legs (The X Movement)** - With a quick and deliberate motion, step the leg that's controlling the belt-line across your opponent’s far thigh, forming an “X” shape with your legs. - Ensure your knee comes to rest outside your opponent's hip or their far knee. ##### **Step 5: Clear the Opponent’s Hips** - Ensure the leg you pushed is crossed over your own shin, pinning it momentarily to the mat or away from your pathway. - Simultaneously, swing your free knee inward towards your opponent’s midsection or the mat to maximize pressure. ##### **Step 6: Secure Side Control** - Transition your upper body weight forward and press into your opponent with upper body control. - Slide your non-leading knee onto the opponent's torso, securing chest-to-chest connection. - Establish **Side Control** by dropping your weight effectively and securing either the head & arm or an over-under grip. --- ### Tips - Maintain constant pressure and control of your opponent’s legs until you're securely past their guard. - Be ready to adjust your movements in response to your opponent’s reactions, like switching the X Pass approach to the other side if needed. - Smooth execution of the X pass minimizes time spent in the dangerous middle ground of Open Guard. --- This technique is a staple for practitioners looking to exploit gaps in an opponent’s defensive guard and transitioning effectively into a dominant position.