Become Fighter
Posture and passing in guard: MMA guide
Stay upright and heavy in an opponent's guard so they cannot attack you, and pass when ready.
On top in someone's guard you are exposed to sweeps, chokes and elbows from below. Your priority is posture: stay upright, heavy and balanced. The pass comes after.
A strong top fighter in MMA also stays aware of the danger from the bottom: chokes, arm locks and strikes from the guard.
Key points
- Keep your back straight and your head up. A bent back lets them pull you down.
- Open the guard by putting a hand on the thigh and pushing the hips back.
- Control the knees to pass. Slide one past the hip and close the angle.
- Keep your elbows inside. Arms that stray can be caught in an armbar.
- Watch the hands of the opponent. They tell you whether a grip is coming.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Leaning forward and bending the back. Keep your spine straight and your head over your hips.
- Reaching with the arms. Bring your elbows in and control the hips.
- Rushing the pass. Control the legs before moving.
The rest is in the app
The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Top control and ground and pound module of MMA foundations.
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More from Top control and ground and pound
Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.