Headquarters to X-Pass
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X-Pass·JiuJitsu.com
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X-Pass
SubFamilyXパス
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The X-Pass is a quick standing guard pass where the passer steps one leg over the opponent's shin/ankle area while driving through to side control — named for the crossing leg motion that navigates past the guard player's legs. [1] The X-pass is one of the fastest standing passes, often catching guard players off guard with its speed and directness. [1],[2]
X PassCross PassBoxing
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
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
Sub-techniques
Notes
The X-pass is a toreando variation where the passer X's their arms (right hand controls left leg, left hand controls right leg) before redirecting and passing. Fast and effective against seated open guard. (BJJ instructionals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I position my foot when entering the X-pass?
Step your foot deeply between the opponent's legs, positioning the heel toward their butt so that by the time you get your hand to their hip, your foot is already in between their legs and you can start to sit down on the ankle.
What's the key to making the X-pass hard to defend?
The opponent cannot defend everything at once—by establishing the headquarters position and sitting on the ankle, you create multiple passing angles so that one way or another you'll get what you're looking for.
When should I attempt an X-pass?
If the opponent is not actively holding your ankle, it's a good time to go for the X-pass; be ready to transition when they begin to fight the guard pass.
How does the X-Pass work?
The X-Pass is a quick standing guard pass where the passer steps one leg over the opponent's shin/ankle area while driving through to side control — named for the crossing leg motion that navigates past the guard player's legs. The X-pass is one of the fastest standing passes, often catching guard players off guard with its speed and directness.
Where does the X-Pass come from?
This passing technique is part of the modern BJJ guard passing curriculum, refined through competition at IBJJF and ADCC.
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. Low — guard passes carry minimal injury risk for both fighters under normal conditions
How do I set up the X-Pass?
The standard setup chain: Establish Position → Strip Grips → Initiate Pass → Navigate Legs → Consolidate Side Control.
How do I defend against the X-Pass?
Standard counters include: Guard retention / Frame and shrimp / Sweep timing / Re-guarding.
What are the variants of the X-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 X-Pass in competition?
Used at IBJJF and ADCC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the X-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 X-Pass?
The X-Pass is also known as X Pass, Cross Pass.