How to escape from a closed guard in Jiu Jitsu: Fundamentals and 3 effective moves

Introduction

One of the most frustrating positions for any Jiu-Jitsu practitioner, especially in the initial stages, is getting caught in closed guard . Whether you're just starting out or competing at a high level, knowing how to pass closed guard effectively and with control can make a huge difference to your performance.

In this article we teach you:

  • The key fundamentals to understanding how to get out of a locked guard position.

  • 3 guard passes you can apply from day one.

  • Explanatory videos where I show you how to perform each technique step by step .

Fundamentals for leaving the closed guard

Before discussing specific techniques, you need to understand the most important thing:

✅ Posture: Keep your back straight, head up, and hands well placed on the opponent's torso or hips.
✅ Control of sleeves and wrists: Prevents them from breaking your posture or preparing submissions for you.
✅ Active knees: Don't leave your knees lifelessly on the ground. Push inwards to create space.
✅ Patience and pressure: The closed guard requires technique and precision, not brute force.

1. How to get past the closed guard post (Basic passage)

This passage is ideal for beginners. The goal is to safely break through the closed guard and maintain control until transitioning to side control .

📹 Watch the full video here:
▶️ How to get past a closed guard duty - Step-by-step technique

Key points of the passage:

  • Control the opponent's hips with your forearms.

  • Bring one knee to the center, with good posture.

  • Use constant pressure to open the guard before starting the passage.

✅ Ideal for: beginners and intermediate levels.
✅ Objective: safety, control, and minimizing the risk of being swept or subdued.

2. Double Under & Over Under Passage

These techniques rely on heavy pressure and absolute control of the opponent's lower body . They are highly effective against strong or flexible closed guards.

📹 Learn both passages in this video:
▶️ Double Under and Over Under Pass - Complete Tutorial

Double Under Pass:

  • Hook both legs from below.

  • Lift your hips and press down towards your shoulders.

  • Control your waist and pass with technique and stability.

Over Under Pass:

  • One arm passes over one leg and the other under the other.

  • Close the space with your head and control the stack.

  • It rotates with control until it stabilizes in side control or 100 kilos.

✅ Ideal for: intermediate to advanced levels.
✅ Advantage: Maximum pressure and low risk of submissions if executed correctly.

3. Knee Cut Pass

This passage is versatile, fast, and very useful when you have already opened the closed guard and want to pass through the opponent's leg shield.

📹 Watch the video explaining the Knee Cut here:
▶️ Knee Cut Pass - Step by step

How does the Knee Cut Pass work?

  • You place your shin on the opponent's thigh, crossing their guard.

  • You control the opposite arm (to avoid underhooks or frames).

  • You cut the knee like a knife and stabilize the lateral position.

✅ Ideal for: all levels.
✅ Advantage: speed, fluidity and quick transition to lateral control.

Closing: Become a dangerous pinner starting today

The closed guard doesn't have to be an insurmountable wall. With good posture, technical understanding, and consistent practice, you can become an effective, safe, and strategic passer.

🔁 I invite you to practice these three techniques and see which one best suits your style.
💥 If you liked the explanations, subscribe to my channel for more weekly videos on technique, strategy, and mindset in Jiu Jitsu.
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And if you train hard, do it with the right equipment .
👉 Explore our high-performance rashguards and kimonos

See you on the mat. Oss! 🥋

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