Improving your passing game is one of the most rewarding steps in your Bjj journey. Whether you are new to the mats or already training at an advanced level, mastering guard passing helps you become a more confident and effective grappler. It also makes you a more well-rounded martial artist. In Madison, you will find a passionate community of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practitioners who are eager to learn, compete, and improve together. If you want to strengthen your skills, explore new techniques, and become part of a supportive training environment, you can Join Pirate BJJ, which is one of the top places to train jiu jitsu Madison offers.

This guide will teach you how to elevate your passing game with practical advice, positional concepts, mindset development, and training strategies. Everything you learn here can be applied regardless of your current belt level. When you combine high quality instruction with consistent training, your passing skills will grow faster than you expect.

Why Your Passing Game Matters in Bjj

Guard passing is at the heart of Bjj. Your opponent might have an effective guard and strong grips, but your ability to break through their defenses and establish dominance determines whether you win or lose an exchange. A strong passing game also supports your submissions, because a clean pass puts you in positions where submissions are easier to attack.

Here are a few reasons why guard passing is a fundamental part of every martial artist’s training:

• It helps you stay safe from sweeps and submissions.

• It teaches you to apply pressure with control instead of force.

• It develops your balance, coordination, footwork, and timing.

• It helps you build confidence in competitive situations.

• It deepens your understanding of how different guards work.

• It builds a foundation that supports your overall martial arts progression.

Whether you train recreationally or competitively, mastering your passing game will make every round of Bjj more productive and enjoyable.

Understanding the Foundation of Guard Passing

Before you develop an advanced passing game, you need to understand the fundamentals. Many Bjj athletes focus on flashy movements or advanced passes, but they struggle because their foundation is weak. Strong fundamentals allow you to pass any guard with greater efficiency.

Below are key concepts you must master.

1. Base and Balance

A solid base prevents your opponent from knocking you over or sweeping you. Think of your base as your foundation. Without it, every movement becomes risky. Good balance allows you to adjust your weight, move confidently, and counter your opponent’s reactions.

To improve base and balance:

• Keep your feet wide on top.

• Keep your hips stable and low.

• Avoid leaning too far forward or backward.

• Develop comfort in both kneeling and standing positions.

• Practice adjusting your weight as your opponent shifts their hips or grips.

When you Join Pirate BJJ, you will see that many classes in jiu jitsu Madison start with drills that strengthen your base because it is the first step to becoming a confident passer.

2. Grip Fighting

Your opponent’s grips decide what guard they play and how they control your posture. Winning the grip battle makes passing easier and prevents you from falling into traps.

Focus on:

• Breaking grips quickly and decisively.

• Establishing your own controlling grips.

• Recognizing grip patterns that lead to sweeps or submissions.

• Using grip fighting to set up passing angles.

In martial arts, grips function like steering wheels. If your opponent controls your sleeves, ankles, or collar, they control the direction of the fight. Grip fighting allows you to take that power back.

3. Posture and Pressure

Posture keeps you safe from submissions, especially triangles, guillotines, and armbars. When your posture is strong, your opponent will have a harder time breaking you down or controlling your upper body.

Pressure is the other half of passing. A good passer uses body weight instead of muscular effort to make their opponent uncomfortable. You do not need to be the strongest person in the room to apply good pressure.

Focus on:

• Keeping your spine aligned.

• Controlling your opponent’s hips or knees.

• Using your shoulder and chest to apply pressure.

When you train consistently in Bjj, your pressure naturally improves as you refine your technique.

Top Passing Styles You Should Learn

Different athletes use different passing styles depending on their body type, skill level, and training goals. To become a complete martial artist, you should understand the major passing styles and how they work.

1. Pressure Passing

Pressure passing relies on tight control, heavy hips, chest pressure, and slow but steady movement. You stay close to your opponent, limit their mobility, and force them into uncomfortable positions.

Common pressure passes:

• Over Under Pass

• Double Under Pass

• Knee Slice with Heavy Chest Pressure

• Smash Passing Variations

Pressure passing is ideal if you enjoy controlling the pace of the fight. Many practitioners who Join Pirate BJJ refine their pressure passing early because it teaches them how to control the opponent without relying on speed.

2. Speed Passing

Speed passing uses footwork, agility, timing, and movement to pass around or over the guard instead of through it. You force your opponent to chase you instead of anchoring themselves.

Common speed passes:

• Toreando Pass

• X Pass

• Long Step Pass

• Leg Drag Pass

This style is perfect for athletes who enjoy movement, repetition, and fast transitions. It gives you the freedom to reset your angle whenever your opponent tries to counter.

3. Standing Passing

Standing passing requires balance, posture, and grip control. Many advanced Bjj athletes prefer this style because it keeps them mobile and allows them to shut down guards before they develop.

Key benefits include:

• Better ability to break open closed guard.

• More efficient transitions between passes.

• Stronger anti-sweep posture.

In jiu jitsu Madison training environments, standing passing is often introduced early because it prepares students for both gi and no-gi variations.

4. Hybrid Passing

Hybrid passing mixes pressure, speed, and standing techniques. A hybrid passer can switch styles based on what the opponent is doing. This makes your passing game unpredictable and difficult to counter.

To become a strong hybrid passer:

• Learn how to combine knee slice with torreando footwork.

• Transition from speed to pressure once you reach a dominant angle.

• Learn to adjust your weight mid-movement to maintain control.

Hybrid passing makes you adaptable, which is a key quality of a skilled martial artist.

Common Mistakes That Slow Down Your Passing Game

Even skilled practitioners sometimes develop bad habits that limit their guard passing progress. By avoiding the mistakes below, you can dramatically improve your results on the mats.

Mistake 1: Trying to Force the Pass

Many students try to push their way through the guard with strength instead of technique. This usually leads to exhaustion, frustration, and failed passes.

Instead, focus on:

• Staying relaxed.

• Using angles.

• Waiting for the right moment.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Opponent’s Hips

The hips are the engine of guard retention. If you do not control the hips, you will struggle to pass. Always track your opponent’s hip movement and neutralize it whenever possible.

Mistake 3: Letting Go of Grips Too Easily

A strong grip can create the pathway to a clean pass. Many beginners panic when their opponent resists and immediately release their grips.

Learn to:

• Adjust your grip.

• Switch grips strategically.

• Maintain grip pressure even during movement.

Mistake 4: Poor Posture

Bad posture creates openings for triangles, armbars, and sweeps. Do not round your back or lean forward, especially during close guard passing.

Mistake 5: Not Using Your Body Weight

Using your body weight helps you apply pressure without getting tired. If you only use your arms, your opponent will easily defend.

Drills to Improve Your Passing Game in Madison

To strengthen your passing mechanics, you need consistent drilling. Repetition develops muscle memory, speed, and efficiency. Below are some essential drills you can practice at your Bjj academy.

1. Toreando Footwork Drill

This drill teaches you to create angles and move around the guard. It also improves your stance, mobility, and timing.

2. Knee Slice Repetition Drill

The knee slice is one of the most reliable passes. To master it:

• Drill the entry.

• Drill the knee sliding motion.

• Drill the upper body pressure.

Combine all steps until the movement feels natural.

3. Over Under Pressure Drill

This drill helps you control the hips and apply chest pressure. Focus on keeping your weight centered and preventing your opponent from moving their legs.

4. Leg Drag Positioning Drill

The leg drag teaches angle control and tight upper body pressure. It is also a great transition into side control or back takes.

5. Grip Fighting Drills

Drill grip breaks, grip exchanges, and grip retention. The more familiar you become with grips, the easier your passing game becomes.

When you Join Pirate BJJ in jiu jitsu Madison, you can practice these drills with experienced coaches who correct your technique and help you progress efficiently.

How to Build a Passing Game Strategy

Improving your passing game is not just about technique. It also requires strategy. A structured approach will help you make better decisions during rolls.

1. Identify Your Main Passing Style

Ask yourself:

• Do you prefer pressure or movement?

• Are you comfortable standing or kneeling?

• What passes feel natural to you?

Build your game around your strengths first. Then expand gradually.

2. Learn How to Chain Passes Together

A strong passing game uses combinations. If one pass fails, transition immediately to another. For example:

• Fail knee slice, switch to leg drag.

• Fail torreando, switch to long step.

• Fail over under, switch to double under.

This fluid movement makes your passing unpredictable.

3. Study Guard Retention to Improve Your Passing

Understanding how guards work helps you exploit weaknesses. When you know how guard players retain their position, you can adjust your passing approach more effectively.

4. Develop a Plan for Different Guards

Build a mini strategy for each common guard:

• Closed guard

• Open guard

• Spider guard

• De La Riva

• Half guard

• Reverse De La Riva

When you train at a respected martial arts academy, studying these positions becomes part of your regular routine.

Mental Strategies for a Strong Passing Game

A strong passing game is not only physical. It also requires mental discipline, patience, and confidence.

1. Stay Calm Under Pressure

Guard passing often feels chaotic because your opponent keeps moving and adjusting. Learn to breathe, stay relaxed, and trust your technique.

2. Accept That You Will Get Stuck Sometimes

No matter how skilled you become, you will occasionally get stuck in tricky guards. This is normal. Use these situations to learn instead of getting frustrated.

3. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection

Improvement takes time. With consistent training at a supportive academy like Pirate BJJ, your passing game will grow naturally.

4. Visualize Your Passes

Mental rehearsal helps you remember steps and stay focused under pressure.

Why Training in Madison Gives You an Advantage

Madison has grown into a strong martial arts hub. Whether you want to improve your technique, compete locally, or simply get fit, the Bjj community here is supportive and active.

Here is why training in jiu jitsu Madison is so beneficial:

• You train with motivated athletes of all experience levels.

• The environment encourages growth and consistency.

• High quality instructors teach techniques in beginner friendly ways.

• Many schools offer both gi and no gi options.

• You get access to multiple drilling partners each session.

• Local events and tournaments give you chances to test your skills.

If you want community, learning, and long term improvement, Madison offers everything you need.

Why Join Pirate BJJ to Improve Your Passing Game

Pirate BJJ is one of the most respected academies in the area. It offers a welcoming atmosphere for beginners and challenging training for advanced athletes. If you want to improve your passing game, this is one of the best environments to train consistently.

Here is what makes it special:

• Experienced instructors who teach clear, battle tested techniques.

• Structured classes that balance drills, technique training, and live rolling.

• A friendly culture where students help each other progress.

• Access to both gi and no gi sessions.

• Specific training for guard passing, grip work, and pressure control.

• Opportunities for competition training if you want to test yourself.

Joining a supportive school that focuses on technique, mindset, and consistency makes a huge difference in your growth as a martial artist.

Conclusion: Start Improving Your Passing Game Today

Improving your passing game is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your Bjj journey. With strong fundamentals, a reliable strategy, and consistent drilling, your confidence and effectiveness will grow quickly. Whether you prefer pressure, speed, or hybrid passing, the key is to train consistently, study each position carefully, and stay patient as you improve.