X Pass Basics and Control Principles
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X Pass·Aaron Benzrihem bjj
X PASS BASICS AND CONTROL PRINCIPLES // In this video I demonstrate some of the basics and principles of the X Pass. …
X Pass
SubFamilyX・パス(X Pass)
Translation: x pass
Overview
History & Origin
The X Pass is a guard passing technique detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach. [1]
Effectiveness
Effective guard passing technique taught as part of a comprehensive passing system. [1]
Lineage
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard passing methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Guard passing mechanics specific to x pass
Joints Involved — Hips, knees for passing movement
Force Vector — Lateral or downward pressure to bypass the guard
Position & Entry
From opponent's guard — Execute the x pass
Variants
Not yet documented
Videos
BJJ X Pass || Make Your X Pass UNSTOPPABLE
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X Pass·The Grapple Lab
BJJ X Pass - If you are using headquarters to pass guard (Which you should be) X Pass is a must know! In this video we l…
How I use X-Pass to crush my opponent's guard
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X Pass·Tristar Gym
Learn one of the most feared passing systems in all of Jiu-Jitsu! Coach Zahabi teaches details that will dramatically im…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The X pass is a fundamental guard-passing technique executed from a one-in-one-out passing position, where one leg is inside the opponent's legs and one is outside. All three instructors agree on the core mechanics: the passer controls the opponent's leg with one hand (typically gripping the knee or pants) while securing the upper body with the other (lapel/collar in gi, chest in no-gi). The pass initiates by shifting weight away from the controlling hand while explosively kicking the inside leg upward through the opponent's hip and groin area—not merely at the knee crease—with sufficient force to clear the leg. The Grapple Lab emphasizes maintaining good posture and foot positioning to prevent sweeps, and stresses that the pass works best when baiting the opponent with another pass (knee cut or folding pass) first, creating inattention. Tristar Gym introduces the foundational windshield-wiper drill to establish inside control before the X pass, highlighting the importance of ankle pressure to prevent the opponent from regaining butterfly hooks, and describes a rapid mule-kick motion directly to knee-on-belly. Aaron Benzrihem emphasizes the simplicity and effectiveness of the technique while warning against common mistakes—kicking only at the knee rather than the quad/groin—and notes the small hop or jump before the pass to transfer full body weight through the inside leg. All three agree the finishing position is knee-on-belly, from which further transitions (side control, leg drag) are available.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- The Grapple Lab — BJJ X Pass || Make Your X Pass UNSTOPPABLE: Detailed mechanics of weight distribution, posture, and grip placement; introduced the concept of baiting with another pass first (knee cut or folding pass) to set up the X pass; emphasized the donkey kick motion and dynamic hop to add power and timing.
- Tristar Gym — How I use X-Pass to crush my opponent's guard: Introduced the windshield-wiper pummel drill as prerequisite for establishing inside control; explained ankle pressure control to neutralize butterfly hooks; described rapid mule-kick execution and direct transition to knee-on-belly from various angles.
- Aaron Benzrihem bjj — X Pass Basics and Control Principles: Articulated the one-in-one-out passing position as the foundational setup; warned against common mistakes (kicking only at knee crease); explained weight-shifting mechanics and the small jump to maximize force transfer; noted the technique's simplicity and speed advantages in hand-fighting exchanges.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Guard passing — positional technique, not a strike or submission
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
✓Drill the passing motion with progressive resistance (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
Common Mistakes
!Rushing without controlling grips
!Allowing guard re-composition
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Control grips → X Pass → Establish side control or mount
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. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
2Citation[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
Community
Athletics
Good hip mobility and pressure
Balance
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most important thing to avoid when setting up the X pass?
The Grapple Lab emphasizes maintaining good posture with feet flat on the floor—avoid leaning too far into your partner because it gives them the ability to sweep you.
How do I get into position to attempt an X pass if my opponent has inside control?
According to Tristar Gym, you need to use the windshield wiper pummel with your legs to gain inside control first; your opponent's legs should be inside your legs, not outside, before you can execute the X pass.
What's the proper leg position when executing the X pass?
Aaron Benzrihem explains to kick up at the groin or quad area, then bring your heel up and flare it toward the ceiling—this is extremely important for control. Then bring your heel up to your hips and pummel it inside your opponent's leg.
Should I push my opponent's foot away as they start to shrimp?
Aaron Benzrihem advises against pushing the foot away, as your opponent will use that momentum to shrimp effectively; instead, push it up as they shrimp since they won't be as strong during the shrimping motion.
How does the X Pass work?
The X Pass is a fundamental open guard pass where the passer steps to the side and drives the knee across while controlling the opponent's legs. It is one of the simplest and most effective open guard passes.
Where does the X Pass come from?
The X Pass is a guard passing technique detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach.
Is the X 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 X Pass?
Danger rating 2/10. Guard passing — positional technique, not a strike or submission
How do I set up the X Pass?
The standard setup chain: Control grips → X Pass → Establish side control or mount.
How do I defend against the X Pass?
Standard counters include: Re-guard / Frame and hip escape / Underhook from bottom.
How effective is the X Pass in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the X Pass?
Top errors to watch for: Rushing without controlling grips / Allowing guard re-composition.
What are other names for the X Pass?
The X Pass is also known as X Pass, Cross Pass, Simple Open Guard Pass.