Toreando Pass
- BJJ
- Guard Passing
- fundamental
- Open guard
- 3 steps
Pin both legs to one side and circle around them like a bullfighter into side control. Also known as the Bullfighter pass or the Toreana. Here is the exact breakdown from the DARCE app: 3 steps, the details that make it work, and the mistakes to avoid.
When to use it
Use the toreando against open guard when the opponent has their feet on your hips or knees. Grip the pants or shins and stay standing with your hips back. It beats flexible guards that tie you up when you get close.
Step by step
- 01
Grip the legs
Standing, grab both pant legs or shins and keep your hips back out of their guard.
- 02
Pin the legs & circle
Push both legs down and across to one side, pinning them to the mat as you step around the other way.
- 03
Settle into side control
Clear the legs, drop your chest onto theirs and lock side control with a cross-face and underhook.
Key details
- Push the legs down and to the mat, not just across.
- Keep your hips back from their feet until the legs are pinned.
- Move fast around the legs before they can re-guard.
Common mistakes
- Standing too close so they catch a hook or de la Riva.
- Pinning the legs but stepping the wrong direction.
- Letting the legs come back up before you reach side control.
Common counters
Opponents swing their legs back in front, hook your leg with de la Riva, or turn onto their side to recover. Moving slowly lets them re-guard. Pin the legs to the mat and move fast.
How to drill it
Your partner lies on their back with their feet up: pin the legs, circle and settle in side control, ten reps on each side. Then do three rounds of one minute against light resistance.
Related techniques
- Knee Slice PassBJJSlice a knee across the thigh to the mat while controlling the upper body, clearing the legs to side control.
- Double-Under PassBJJScoop both legs with your arms, stack the opponent onto their shoulders and walk around to side control.
- Stack PassBJJStand and drive the opponent’s knees toward their face, then slide around the stacked legs to pass.
Train it with the AI coach