Soulcraft Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Technique Tuesday: The X Pass
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Standard X-Pass·Soulcraft Jiu Jitsu·Added by Admin
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Standard X-Pass
GenusXパス(Ekkusu Pasu)
TransliterationTranslation: X pass
Overview
The X-pass is a foundational standing guard pass where the passer controls one of the opponent's knees with a cross-grip while kicking the same-side leg back to clear the opponent's hook, then quickly cross-steps laterally past the guard player's hips. [1] Named for the 'X' configuration created by the crossing motion of the passer's arms and legs during execution. A derivative of the toreando concept but mechanically distinct — the lateral cross-step rather than the bullfighter redirection is the defining movement. [2] No single inventor is documented; it is part of traditional BJJ guard passing curriculum.
X-PassCross-Step PassBoxingCross PassBoxing
History & Origin
Traditional BJJ guard passing technique with no single inventor. Part of the foundational curriculum. [1]
Effectiveness
A high-percentage standing guard pass at beginner through intermediate levels. Particularly effective against seated open guards. [1]
Lineage
Traditional BJJ standing pass curriculum.
Competition Record
Common at all levels of IBJJF competition.
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Cross-grip controls one knee while same-side leg kicks back to clear the opponent's hook
Force Vector — Lateral cross-step past the guard player's hips using the knee grip to pin legs flat
Finishing Mechanic — Pin the legs with the knee grip and establish knee-on-belly or side control
Position & Entry
From standing vs seated guard — Grip opponent's knee across the body, kick back leg to clear hook, cross-step laterally
From combat base — Rise and establish cross-grip, then execute the cross-step
From toreando setup — When toreando is partially defended, switch to X-pass by cross-stepping
Variants
X-pass to knee-on-belly — cross-step directly to KOB
X-pass to back take — single strap variation
X-pass combined with leg drag finish
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Very low — standing pass with no joint manipulation
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Beginner
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 X-pass is recommended in the first few years of BJJ training as one of the fundamental standing guard passes. It requires timing and agility but is conceptually straightforward. The key is the cross-grip on the knee — this grip prevents the opponent from retracting their leg and re-establishing guard. The cross-step must be quick and decisive. The X-pass chains naturally with toreando and leg drag passes.
Common Mistakes
!Not securing the cross-grip firmly — the knee control is essential
!Cross-stepping too slowly — the lateral movement must be fast
!Not pinning the legs after the step — allows reguarding
!Standing too upright — low athletic stance provides better balance
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Stand up in guard → Establish cross-grip on opponent's knee → Kick same-side leg back to clear hook → Cross-step laterally past the hips → Pin legs with knee grip → Establish side control or knee-on-belly
Sources & References
Primary Source
Evolve MMA — X-Pass Technical Breakdown
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Evolve MMA — How to Do an X-Pass in BJJ (evolve-mma.com) || BJJ World — The BJJ X Pass (bjj-world.com)
2OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
3CitationEvolve MMA — How to Do an X-Pass in BJJ (evolve-mma.com)
[1] Evolve MMA — technique breakdown
4CitationBJJ World — The BJJ X Pass (bjj-world.com)
[2] BJJ World — loose guard passing analysis
Community
Athletics
Requires
agility, timing for the cross-step
Key muscles
hip abductors, quadriceps, calves
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best grip to use when setting up the X-pass?
You can grip either the pants at the hip or the ankle/heel. Soulcraft Jiu Jitsu notes that gripping the pants is preferable because gripping the ankle tends to slide, making it less reliable.
How do I maintain control when my opponent is pushing me away during the X-pass?
As soon as you feel your opponent pushing and stretching you out, expand by bringing your knees in to establish a good base and break their grip, preventing them from off-balancing you.
What's the key hip movement in the X-pass setup?
Pop your hips and drive them forward to create pressure and control on your opponent's hip before taking your grips.
How does the Standard X-Pass work?
The X-pass is a foundational standing guard pass where the passer controls one of the opponent's knees with a cross-grip while kicking the same-side leg back to clear the opponent's hook, then quickly cross-steps laterally past the guard player's hips. Named for the 'X' configuration created by the crossing motion of the passer's arms and legs during execution.
Where does the Standard X-Pass come from?
Traditional BJJ guard passing technique with no single inventor. Part of the foundational curriculum.
Is the Standard 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 Standard X-Pass?
Danger rating 2/10. Very low — standing pass with no joint manipulation
How do I set up the Standard X-Pass?
The standard setup chain: Stand up in guard → Establish cross-grip on opponent's knee → Kick same-side leg back to clear hook → Cross-step laterally past the hips → Pin legs with knee grip → Establish side control or knee-on-belly.
How do I defend against the Standard X-Pass?
Standard counters include: Inversion — invert under the pass to reguard / Hip escape — shrimp away before the pin / Ankle grip or DLR hook retention / Shin-to-shin guard recovery.
What are the variants of the Standard X-Pass?
Common variants: X-pass to knee-on-belly (cross-step directly to KOB); X-pass to back take (single strap variation); X-pass combined with leg drag finish.
How effective is the Standard X-Pass in competition?
Common at all levels of IBJJF competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard X-Pass?
Top errors to watch for: Not securing the cross-grip firmly — the knee control is essential / Cross-stepping too slowly — the lateral movement must be fast / Not pinning the legs after the step — allows reguarding / Standing too upright — low athletic stance provides better balance.
What are other names for the Standard X-Pass?
The Standard X-Pass is also known as Ekkusu Pasu, X-Pass, Cross-Step Pass, Cross Pass.