Half Guard Pass: Super Hold to Esgrima Pass
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Esgrima Pass·Six Blades NOVA Emil Takeuchi
In this class I show my variation of the “Super Hold” to flatten my opponent out from the half guard. Once I am abel to…
Esgrima Pass
SubFamilyエスグリマ・パス(Esugurima Pasu)
TransliterationTranslation: Esgrima pass — 'esgrima' is Portuguese/Spanish for 'fencing', referring to the fencing-like leg threading motion used to extract the trapped leg from half guard
Overview
The Esgrima Pass is a half guard passing technique where the passer uses a fencing-like leg threading motion — sliding the shin forward and through the opponent's half guard like a sword being drawn from a scabbard — to extract the trapped leg and establish mount or side control. [1] The name 'esgrima' (fencing in Portuguese) perfectly describes the mechanic: rather than muscling the leg free or using a wide circular motion, the passer slides the trapped shin forward along the opponent's inner thigh in a straight, blade-like motion that is difficult to resist because it follows the natural gap between the opponent's legs. [1] Saulo Ribeiro presents multiple Esgrima Pass variations in Jiu-Jitsu University, including the standard version, the Esgrima Mount (threading directly to mount rather than side control), and Fredson Alves' variation (named after the Ribeiro affiliate instructor who refined a specific grip and angle). [1] The Esgrima Pass is particularly effective against the lockdown and deep half guard — positions where many other passing methods fail because the bottom player's legs are tightly entangled with the passer's. [1] The key mechanical principle is that the pass uses a FORWARD sliding motion rather than a backward extraction: instead of trying to pull the trapped leg backward out of half guard (which the bottom player can resist by squeezing), the passer slides the shin FORWARD through the guard, using the top of the foot and the shin as a wedge that opens the bottom player's guard from the inside. [1] This forward sliding direction is counter-intuitive — most passers instinctively try to extract backward, which plays into the bottom player's squeezing strength — and this counter-intuitive nature is what makes the Esgrima Pass so effective once learned. [1]
Sword PassFencing PassShin Slide PassEsgrima Guard PassLeg Thread PassFredson Alves Esgrima
History & Origin
The Esgrima Pass was developed and refined within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition community during the 2000s as practitioners sought more effective solutions to the half guard — which had evolved from a transitional position into a sophisticated offensive guard through the work of practitioners like Roberto 'Gordo' Correa, Eddie Bravo, and Bernardo Faria. [1] Saulo Ribeiro documented the Esgrima Pass in Jiu-Jitsu University (2008), presenting it alongside several variations including Fredson Alves' version. [1] The name 'esgrima' (fencing) was likely chosen by Brazilian practitioners because the shin-sliding motion visually resembles the straight thrust of a fencing sword — the same forward, linear, piercing quality that characterises both movements. [1] The Esgrima Pass represents a conceptual innovation in BJJ: the insight that moving FORWARD through a guard rather than BACKWARD out of it is mechanically superior — an insight that has influenced passing methodology more broadly. [1]
Effectiveness
The Esgrima Pass is considered one of the most reliable half guard passes in BJJ because it works against the bottom player's mechanics rather than against their strength. [1] The forward sliding direction exploits a biomechanical weakness (the adductors cannot resist a wedge from the inside as effectively as they can resist a pull from the outside), making the pass effective regardless of the bottom player's leg strength. [1] The technique is particularly valued against the lockdown (where backward extraction is impossible) and against deep half guard (where conventional passing angles are compromised). [1] At IBJJF competition level, the Esgrima and its variations are among the most commonly used half guard passes at brown and black belt. [1]
Lineage
BJJ half guard passing evolution → Saulo Ribeiro and Fredson Alves development → documented in Jiu-Jitsu University (2008) → standard competition half guard pass at brown/black belt level. [1]
Competition Record
Widely used in IBJJF competition at brown and black belt level, particularly against lockdown and deep half guard specialists. The Esgrima's forward-sliding concept has influenced half guard passing methodology broadly, with many modern BJJ competitors incorporating the forward-pass principle even in non-Esgrima passing sequences.
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Forward threading of the trapped shin through the opponent's half guard entanglement — the shin slides forward along the opponent's inner thigh like a blade, using the top of the foot and the shin bone as a wedge to separate the opponent's legs from the inside
Joints Involved — Passer's trapped knee (extension to drive the shin forward through the guard), passer's hip (internal rotation to angle the shin into the threading path), passer's ankle (plantarflexion to present a streamlined 'blade' shape for the shin to slide through), passer's free leg hip (extension to maintain base and pressure during the pass)
Force Vector — Forward and slightly downward — the shin slides forward along the opponent's inner thigh in the same direction the passer's body is moving. This is biomechanically significant because the forward direction uses the passer's body weight as the driving force, while a backward extraction would work AGAINST body weight.
Leverage Principle — The shin acts as a wedge: its triangular cross-section (wider at the knee, narrower at the ankle) naturally separates the opponent's legs as it slides forward. The opponent's adductor muscles (which squeeze the half guard closed) are strong in a clamping (adduction) direction but weak against a wedge force that spreads them from the inside. This mechanical mismatch — wedge vs clamp — is why the Esgrima Pass overcomes even strong half guard retention.
Position & Entry
From standard half guard top — Flatten the opponent (use cross-face and hip pressure to put them on their back), then slide the trapped shin forward through their guard while maintaining heavy top pressure
From against the lockdown — When the opponent has established Eddie Bravo's lockdown (figure-four legs around the trapped leg), the Esgrima's forward sliding motion is one of the few effective escapes because backward extraction is impossible against the lockdown's anchor
From half mount — When the passer has nearly passed to mount but one leg is still trapped in half guard, the Esgrima completes the pass by sliding the shin through the last bit of guard retention
From Fredson Alves variation — Grip the opponent's far lapel with the cross-face hand, use the lapel grip to anchor the opponent flat, then perform the Esgrima slide with maximum hip pressure
Variants
Standard Esgrima — shin slides forward through half guard to establish side control
Esgrima Mount — same sliding motion but the passer continues directly to mount instead of settling in side control
Fredson Alves Esgrima — uses a far-side lapel grip (threading the lapel across the opponent's neck) as an anchor during the slide, adding collar choke pressure that forces the opponent to release their guard
Esgrima with knee block — placing the free knee against the opponent's hip to prevent them from following the sliding motion
Reverse Esgrima — sliding the shin backward (the conventional extraction direction) after first faking the forward Esgrima to confuse the bottom player's resistance
Videos
Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals - Half Guard Passing - Esgrima Pass
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Esgrima Pass·The Base Jiu Jitsu
In this Technique of the Week, Professor Ben Buttars demonstrates the Esgrima Pass from inside Half Guard. If you found…
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Half Guard Cross Knee Esgrima Guard Pass
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Esgrima Pass·PitBlackBelt
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Half Guard Cross Knee Esgrima Guard Pass In this video, you will see one of many ways to pass the …
Esgrima Pass by Xande Ribeiro
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Esgrima Pass·BJJ Fanatics
ESGRIMA PASS https://bjjfanatics.com Xande Ribeiro teaches the Esgrima pass in this bjj training video. Xande Ribeiro …
![[주랜기술#201] 니쉴드 to 언더훅 esgrima 패스 (Half Guard Underhook Esgrima Pass)](https://img.youtube.com/vi/YQAbGOd87gc/hqdefault.jpg)
[주랜기술#201] 니쉴드 to 언더훅 esgrima 패스 (Half Guard Underhook Esgrima Pass)
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Esgrima Pass·Jiu Jitsu Land (중단 채널 old channel)
구독과 좋아요 부탁드립니다 http://jiujitsuland.co.kr 서면역 7번 출구(도보 2분 거리, 롯데백화점 후문 도보 1분)에서 쉽게 찾아 오실 수 있습니다. 관심있는 분들은 수업시간에 맞춰서 언제든지…
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5 videosWhat Instructors Say
The Esgrima Pass is a fundamental half-guard guard pass executed from the top position, aimed at flattening the opponent and advancing to side control or scarce fold. All four instructors—PitBlackBelt, BJJ Fanatics (Xande Ribeiro), Six Blades NOVA Emil Takeuchi, and The Base Jiu Jitsu—emphasize establishing body-to-body pressure with the hips elevated and a wide base. The pass begins with the passer controlling the opponent's head using a forehead or shoulder placement rather than full head pressure, combined with either an underhook or cross-face control. A critical distinction emerges in approach: most instructors stress flattening the opponent first by driving the outside knee into the hip or body to neutralize framing, then executing a controlled lateral walk on the toes with maximum hip elevation. PitBlackBelt and Ribeiro emphasize pushing the top knee of the opponent, while Takeuchi details the 'super hold' position as a foundational control point before the pass. The Base Jiu Jitsu describes a variation involving ear-to-ear head placement and teepee-style leg drive. Leg clearance is unanimous: the passer slides their trapped leg free by maintaining pressure, shifting hips, and controlling the opponent's arm before transitioning to side control. All instructors stress that premature movement exposes the passer to sweeps, requiring disciplined pressure maintenance throughout.
Synthesized from 4 instructors
- PitBlackBelt — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Half Guard Cross Knee Esgrima Guard Pass: Detailed mechanics of hip elevation via toe walking, shoulder pinning, and the importance of pushing the top knee rather than lower knee during lateral movement. Emphasizes maintaining high butt position and rib cage-to-rib cage pressure throughout.
- BJJ Fanatics — Esgrima Pass by Xande Ribeiro: Describes the foundational position matching (hip-to-groin, head positioning) and the progression from knee block to head-on-floor pressure before walking and leg clearance. Highlights hand transitions from knee/elbow control to arm trapping.
- Six Blades NOVA Emil Takeuchi — Half Guard Pass: Super Hold to Esgrima Pass: Introduces the 'super hold' as a neutral control baseline, explains the necessity of flattening the opponent to prevent sweeps, and details knee stepping mechanics and belt/collar grip options during the deflection phase.
- The Base Jiu Jitsu — Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals - Half Guard Passing - Esgrima Pass: Simplifies the technical entry with palm-up hand placement, ear-to-ear forehead positioning, teepee-style leg drive, and concludes with tricep control and knee-on-ground hip drive into side control or scarce fold.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
The Esgrima Pass is a positional technique with minimal injury risk to either participant. The shin sliding through the guard can cause mild discomfort to the bottom player's inner thighs from friction, but no structural damage.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IBJJF — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part ...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The FORWARD direction is the key concept: every instinct tells the passer to pull the leg backward out of half guard, but the Esgrima slides FORWARD. Drill this direction change in isolation: from half guard top, simply practise sliding the shin forward without worrying about completing the pass. Feel how the forward slide encounters less resistance than a backward pull (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008). [1] The opponent must be FLAT for the Esgrima to work: if the bottom player is on their side with an underhook, they can follow the sliding motion and take the back. Use cross-face pressure and hip weight to flatten them before attempting the slide. [1] The top of the foot (dorsum) must be pointed and streamlined during the slide: a flexed ankle (dorsiflexion) catches on the opponent's legs and jams the pass. Point the toes to create the 'blade' shape. [1] Hip pressure is maintained THROUGHOUT the pass: the passer's hips must stay heavy on the opponent's body during the entire sliding motion. Lifting the hips to create space for the slide is a common mistake that allows the bottom player to recompose their guard. [1] Drill the Esgrima to mount: once the shin slides free, immediately step over into mount rather than settling for side control — this prevents the bottom player from framing and re-establishing a guard. [1] Chain with the cross-face choke (Fredson Alves variation): if the opponent grabs the far lapel to prevent the pass, threaten the cross-face choke using the same lapel — this forces them to release the grip, which opens the pass. [1]
Common Mistakes
!Trying to extract the leg BACKWARD — the most fundamental error; backward extraction works against the body's mechanics and into the bottom player's squeezing strength. The Esgrima slides FORWARD.
!Lifting the hips during the slide — raising the hips creates space that the bottom player uses to recompose guard; the hips must stay heavy throughout
!Not flattening the opponent first — attempting the Esgrima against an opponent who is on their side with an underhook allows them to take the back during the pass
!Dorsiflexed ankle — a flexed foot catches on the opponent's legs and jams the sliding motion; the toes must be pointed to create a streamlined shape
!Rushing the slide — the shin must slide through smoothly and steadily; jerking or yanking creates gaps in pressure that the bottom player exploits
!Not following up to mount — settling for side control after the Esgrima allows the bottom player to frame and recover; immediately transitioning to mount capitalises on the momentum
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Maintain the underhook — if the bottom player keeps an underhook on the passing side, they can follow the Esgrima motion and take the backStay on the side — the Esgrima requires the bottom player to be flat; maintaining a strong side position with frames prevents the passLockdown deeper — a deeper lockdown can resist the forward sliding motion (though the Esgrima is specifically designed to defeat the lockdown)Frame against the cross-face — preventing the cross-face removes the passer's primary flattening tool, keeping the bottom player on their sideReguard — using a quick hip escape to recover full guard before the Esgrima slide is complete
Setup Chain
1Establish half guard top → Cross-face the opponent to flatten them onto their back → Hip pressure: drop the hips heavy onto the opponent's body → Point the toes of the trapped foot (create the 'blade' shape) → Slide the shin FORWARD through the opponent's half guard along their inner thigh → The wedge-shaped shin separates the opponent's legs from the inside → Continue the slide until the leg is free → Immediately step over to mount (Esgrima Mount) or establish side control → Settle and consolidate the position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
1Book[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Half Guard Passes section (techniques 39-7 through 39-9).pp. Ribeiro 2008 Half Guard Passes section: 39-7 Esgrima Pass, 39-8 Esgrima Mount, 39-9 Fredson Alves' Esgrima Pass
description: [1] Ribeiro 2008 techniques 39-7 through 39-9
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3Citation[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Half Guard Passes section (techniques 39-7 through 39-9).pp. Ribeiro 2008 Half Guard Passes section: 39-7 Esgrima Pass, 39-8 Esgrima Mount, 39-9 Fredson Alves' Esgrima Pass
description: [1] Ribeiro 2008 techniques 39-7 through 39-9
Community
Athletics
Good hip pressure (the ability to maintain heavy top weight throughout the pass)
Ankle flexibility for the pointed-toe 'blade' shape
Core stability to maintain cross-face pressure while sliding the shin
Does NOT require exceptional strength — the technique uses mechanics (wedge principle) rather than force
Benefits from shin conditioning (the shin slides against the opponent's inner thigh, which can cause discomfort to an unconditioned shin)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the key to maintaining pressure during the Esgrima Pass?
According to Xande Ribeiro, your whole body has to match your opponent's body—your hip on their groin, your head in position, and you maintain constant pressure with your ribcage pushing their ribcage as you work through the pass.
Should I control the elbow or the knee in the Esgrima Pass?
Xande Ribeiro prefers controlling the knee because it's much easier to execute the pass from that position, though the hand can technically go to either location.
How do I prevent my opponent from hip escaping during the pass?
PitBlackBelt emphasizes keeping a deep hook and ensuring your shoulder pins your opponent, while maintaining control of both the arm and toes with constant pressure as you move up.
What grip should I use if my opponent turns sideways?
If your opponent is sideways, a horse collar grip or trap grab works well to prevent them from escaping, since the underhook alone cannot fully protect against hip escape on that side.
How does the Esgrima Pass work?
The Esgrima Pass is a half guard passing technique where the passer uses a fencing-like leg threading motion — sliding the shin forward and through the opponent's half guard like a sword being drawn from a scabbard — to extract the trapped leg and establish mount or side control. The name 'esgrima' (fencing in Portuguese) perfectly describes the mechanic: rather than muscling the leg free or using a wide circular motion, the passer slides the trapped shin forward along the opponent's inner thigh in a straight, blade-like motion that is difficult to resist because it follows the natural gap between the opponent's legs.
Where does the Esgrima Pass come from?
The Esgrima Pass was developed and refined within the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition community during the 2000s as practitioners sought more effective solutions to the half guard — which had evolved from a transitional position into a sophisticated offensive guard through the work of practitioners like Roberto 'Gordo' Correa, Eddie Bravo, and Bernardo Faria. Saulo Ribeiro documented the Esgrima Pass in Jiu-Jitsu University (2008), presenting it alongside several variations including Fredson Alves' version.
Is the Esgrima Pass legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; IJF: legal — Legal — transitioning past opponent's legs is part of newaza; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pass scores 3 points; Unified MMA: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Esgrima Pass?
Danger rating 2/10. The Esgrima Pass is a positional technique with minimal injury risk to either participant. The shin sliding through the guard can cause mild discomfort to the bottom player's inner thighs from friction, but no structural damage.
How do I set up the Esgrima Pass?
The standard setup chain: Establish half guard top → Cross-face the opponent to flatten them onto their back → Hip pressure: drop the hips heavy onto the opponent's body → Point the toes of the trapped foot (create the 'blade' shape) → Slide the shin FORWARD through the opponent's half guard along their inner thigh → The wedge-shaped shin separates the opponent's legs from the inside → Continue the slide until the leg is free → Immediately step over to mount (Esgrima Mount) or establish side control → Settle and consolidate the position.
How do I defend against the Esgrima Pass?
Standard counters include: Maintain the underhook — if the bottom player keeps an underhook on the passing side, they can follow the Esgrima mot… / Stay on the side — the Esgrima requires the bottom player to be flat; maintaining a strong side position with frames … / Lockdown deeper — a deeper lockdown can resist the forward sliding motion (though the Esgrima is specifically designe… / Frame against the cross-face — preventing the cross-face removes the passer's primary flattening tool, keeping the bo….
What are the variants of the Esgrima Pass?
Common variants: Standard Esgrima (shin slides forward through half guard to establish side …); Esgrima Mount (same sliding motion but the passer continues directly to …); Fredson Alves Esgrima (uses a far-side lapel grip (threading the lapel across th…); Esgrima with knee block (placing the free knee against the opponent's hip to preve…); Reverse Esgrima (sliding the shin backward (the conventional extraction di…).
How effective is the Esgrima Pass in competition?
Widely used in IBJJF competition at brown and black belt level, particularly against lockdown and deep half guard specialists. The Esgrima's forward-sliding concept has influenced half guard passing methodology broadly, with many modern BJJ competitors incorporating the forward-pass principle even in non-Esgrima passing sequences.
What are common mistakes when doing the Esgrima Pass?
Top errors to watch for: Trying to extract the leg BACKWARD — the most fundamental error; backward extraction works against the body's mechani… / Lifting the hips during the slide — raising the hips creates space that the bottom player uses to recompose guard; th… / Not flattening the opponent first — attempting the Esgrima against an opponent who is on their side with an underhook… / Dorsiflexed ankle — a flexed foot catches on the opponent's legs and jams the sliding motion; the toes must be pointe….
What are other names for the Esgrima Pass?
The Esgrima Pass is also known as Esugurima Pasu, Sword Pass, Fencing Pass, Shin Slide Pass, Esgrima Guard Pass.