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- TFS#68: Exploit The Elbow Pass
TFS#68: Exploit The Elbow Pass
You can only see the subtle changes up close, but see the greater effects from afar. Don’t give up on your adjustable lens.
Wayne Terran
August 27, 2023
Understanding what framing can do is an important part of learning to pass.
Another extra detail you can add to your open guard passing is by paying attention to the guard player’s elbows.
Typically in the open guard, their elbows will be touching the ground as they use their hands to support their knees for a more fortified frame.
Check out this short video for reference before we dive into it.
Getting grips
When initiating passing from the open guard, the you’ll try to establish grips on their legs or pants.
Some people like the c-grip, while some like the pant grip, while some like to get grips at the knee level.
Whichever ones of those you get, the guard player will typically grab onto your sleeve in response.
By grabbing onto your sleeve, this takes their elbow off the floor and removes the frame for their legs.
Simply move to the opposite side of the grip. For example, if they grab your right sleeve with their left hand, start moving to your left side to pass.
If they frame, it’s easier to switch sides and attack going to your right.
If they haven’t let go of your right sleeve, their left leg is exposed to being pinned down.
Frames only work in one direction
Every frame has a weakness (if not multiple weakness).
Put in another way, every frame only has one purpose and can only support weight in one direction.
By changing your angle or moving the frame in a direction from the intended direction, you can remove the effectiveness of the frame.
In this particular example, you are taking away their ability to frame by pulling their sleeve up.
Closing Remarks
In the middle of your passing sequence, grabbing the grip behind their elbow is more effective in my opinion and also helps you "climb up the guard."
Taking away the strength of their elbows leaves their arm almost useless.
This week's issue was short because the idea behind is quite simple but also easily forgotten.
You can only see the subtle changes up close, but see the greater effects from afar. Don’t give up on your adjustable lens.
For The Dedicated
→ For the unmotivated: Going to class tired is better than quitting. Don’t forget why you signed up.
→ For older grapplers: Slow down your opponent and better control the pacing of the fight.
→ For your mobility: An easy routine to keep you performing at your best, especially if you have an office job (like me).
→ For white belts: You don’t want to plateau as a white belt. So here’s a guide that will help you get the most out of your efforts.