Understanding The Toreando Pass
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Standard Toreando Pass·JonThomasBJJ
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Standard Toreando Pass
SubFamilyトレアンドパス
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Standard Toreando Pass is the classic execution of the bullfighter pass — gripping both pant legs at the knees, throwing the legs to one side while stepping around to the other, landing in side control — the most fundamental standing guard pass in BJJ and the technique that Leandro Lo perfected. [1] This standard version uses the pure speed-and-direction-change mechanic without modifications. [1],[2]
Basic ToreandoStandard Bullfighter
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the modern BJJ competition passing evolution. [1]
Competition Record
Used at IBJJF and ADCC competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Navigating past the opponent's guard legs using this specific passing mechanic to achieve side control
Joints Involved — Hips (hip switching and pressure), knees (cutting, wedging, or stepping), hands (grips on pants or legs for control)
Force Vector — Varies by technique — forward pressure for knee-based passes, lateral for toreando variations, backward for backstep
Pass Mechanic — Each variant exploits a specific guard weakness: knee passes split the guard from inside, toreando variants outflank from outside, backstep approaches from behind, and pressure variants flatten through heavy contact
Position & Entry
From headquarters position — Initiate this pass from the standard headquarters stance based on the opponent's guard reaction
From standing — Begin the pass from a standing position in front of the opponent's open guard
From guard break — After breaking the closed guard, transition directly into this passing technique
Variants
Standard execution — the fundamental version of this pass
Modified version — adapted for specific guard types
Chain variant — transitioning to this pass from another pass that was defended
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Guard passes carry minimal injury risk for both fighters under normal conditions
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 this pass from the appropriate starting position until the mechanics are automatic
✓Chain this pass with 2-3 other passes to create an unpredictable passing system
✓Grip fighting before the pass is as important as the pass itself
✓Practice against progressive resistance
Common Mistakes
!Not establishing grips before initiating
!Not consolidating with crossface after passing
!Only passing to one side
!Rushing without reading the guard player's position
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Position
2Strip Grips
3Initiate Pass
4Navigate Legs
5Consolidate Side Control
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ passing methodology [2] Competition passing analysis
2BookBJJ competition analysis
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ passing methodology [2] Competition passing analysis
5CitationBJJ competition analysis
Community
Athletics
Requires
hip mobility, grip strength, timing
Favours
athletic ability, good reflexes
Key muscles
core, quadriceps, forearms
Notes
The toreando (bullfighter) pass is one of the fastest guard passes — the passer controls both pant legs or ankles and redirects them to one side while stepping around. Named after the bullfighter's cape movement. (Jiu-Jitsu University, Ribeiro)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the toreando pass so fast and unpredictable?
The toreando pass is fast and unpredictable because it doesn't give the opponent time to get their feet in to defend, making it extremely difficult for them to react. Jon Thomas BJJ emphasizes that controlling the pants and hips prevents the defender from establishing proper leg positioning.
What should I do if my opponent's pants are unreliable or I'm rolling no-gi?
If pants grips are unavailable—such as when pants ride up or in no-gi—you can switch to an ankle grip combined with a pant grip on the other leg to maintain control and execute the pass. Jon Thomas BJJ notes this is an important backup when traditional pants control isn't reliable.
How do I break the elbow-knee connection in the toreando pass?
You need to create a disconnect between the opponent's elbow and knee by ripping their arms open or making your shoulder disappear, then quickly shoot your ribcage into the gap to finish the pass. Jon Thomas BJJ explains that as long as the elbow-knee connection stays tight, the defender can always press off, so breaking this is critical.
Should I always use a wide stance when passing with the toreando?
A wide stance is important both when initially approaching and when finishing the toreando pass, as it provides better support and leverage. Jon Thomas BJJ highlights this as a really important concept for executing the technique effectively.
How does the Standard Toreando Pass work?
The Standard Toreando Pass is the classic execution of the bullfighter pass — gripping both pant legs at the knees, throwing the legs to one side while stepping around to the other, landing in side control — the most fundamental standing guard pass in BJJ and the technique that Leandro Lo perfected. This standard version uses the pure speed-and-direction-change mechanic without modifications.
Where does the Standard Toreando Pass come from?
This passing technique is part of the modern BJJ guard passing curriculum, refined through competition at IBJJF and ADCC.
Is the Standard Toreando 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 Standard Toreando Pass?
Danger rating 2/10. Low — guard passes carry minimal injury risk for both fighters under normal conditions
How do I set up the Standard Toreando Pass?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Strip Grips → Initiate Pass → Navigate Legs → Consolidate Side Control.
How do I defend against the Standard Toreando Pass?
Standard counters include: Guard retention / Frame and shrimp / Sweep timing / Re-guarding.
What are the variants of the Standard Toreando Pass?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version of this pass); Modified version (adapted for specific guard types); Chain variant (transitioning to this pass from another pass that was def…).
How effective is the Standard Toreando Pass in competition?
Used at IBJJF and ADCC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Toreando Pass?
Top errors to watch for: Not establishing grips before initiating / Not consolidating with crossface after passing / Only passing to one side / Rushing without reading the guard player's position.
What are other names for the Standard Toreando Pass?
The Standard Toreando Pass is also known as Basic Toreando, Standard Bullfighter.