Top 5 Guard Passes for White Belts — A Priority Roadmap

If you can't pass the guard, your game goes nowhere. A white belt doesn't need to master countless passes in the first year — just five is enough. This beginner roadmap covers those five in order of priority.

1. Toreando pass

Grab both of your opponent's knees and circle around to the side. This is the number one priority for white belts — it's simple and works well in no-gi.

• Grips: the gi at both knees (ankles in no-gi)
• Footwork: drive the knees hard to one side and step the other way
• Most common failure: upper body too far forward, exposing you to the triangle

2. Knee cut pass (knee slice)

Slice one knee through between your opponent's thighs. The most universal pass — every belt uses it for life.

• Key: trap the opponent's leg against your side (underhook)
• Grips: cross-collar + the opponent's pant leg at the knee
• Common failure: pulling the knee out too early and giving up your back

3. Over-under pass

One arm over a leg, one arm under the other. A heavy pressure pass — great for people who are strong and bigger.

• Style: pressure. Pin the opponent's chest to the mat
• Key: lower-body balance (base). If your knees don't lift, your weight doesn't land

4. Double under pass (stack)

Slide both arms under both legs, lift, fold and stack your opponent. Your card for forcing open a guard that won't break.

• Caution: risk of lower back injury — lift with your legs, not your back
• Common failure: going in too deep and getting caught in a triangle or omoplata

5. Long step / leg weave pass

Tangle and tie up the legs to pass — essential for breaking open guards like De La Riva and lasso. Usually learned in late white belt to early blue.

Three-month practice plan

1. Month 1: Toreando only. Start every roll by trying the toreando
2. Month 2: Add the knee cut. When the toreando is blocked, go to the knee cut
3. Month 3: Add the over-under. Choose based on your opponent's body type