Introduction to the Butterfly Guard Pass

Rather than claiming there is one 'best' way to pass the butterfly guard, the instructor presents a highly effective method that prioritizes position domination. This approach emphasizes control over speed, making it applicable across skill levels.

Controlling Your Opponent's Posture

The first step is to break the opponent's strong forward-leaning posture by pushing them backward. When the opponent's buttocks trail behind their head and torso, they lose structural stability and become vulnerable to rotation and takedown.

Neutralizing the Leg Threat

Preventing leg spread is critical, as extended legs allow the opponent to turn and elevate the passer's body. The passer must keep the opponent's feet bunched together by pinching knees or, from standing, dropping both knees tightly over the opponent's legs while maintaining low body position and tucked elbows.

Head Position: The Foundation of Control

Proper head placement—forehead pressed under the opponent's chin—prevents escape and maintains structural dominance. This positioning prevents guillotine chokes and collar-based attacks while ensuring the passer remains higher and stronger than the opponent.

Entry to the Dominant Position

From the controlled stance, the passer drives downward while sliding their knees alongside their body to compress the opponent's legs. This creates a high-control position where the opponent is trapped with minimal options for defense or escape.

Pass One: The Ankle Grip Hop

The passer grabs the opponent's ankle, closes their shoulder tightly into the body, and hops over to the side. Active toes maintain pressure during the transition, and if the opponent pushes away, the passer slides the elbow behind the neck to achieve top control.

Pass Two: Exploiting the Sit-Up Escape

When the opponent attempts to sit up and push away, the passer capitalizes by grabbing the ankle or pant leg and rotating them across the mat as their hips lift. This rotational movement uses the opponent's own momentum against them, leaving only their buttocks in contact with the mat.

The Importance of Position Over Technique

The instructor emphasizes that butterfly guard passing success depends primarily on controlling head position, leg compression, and opponent posture rather than the specific pass executed. Against experienced butterfly guard players, proper position domination makes the pass nearly inevitable.

What's The Best Way to Pass Butterfly Guard in BJJ ?

Chewjitsu

Butterfly Pass

2 min read·8 key moments·PT5M25S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the Butterfly Guard Pass
•Controlling Your Opponent's Posture
•Neutralizing the Leg Threat
•Head Position: The Foundation of Control

What's the best way to pass butterfly guard in BJJ? This is the question I received recently from Callum. In BJJ I refrain from ever saying that a move is the BEST way to pass. For the simple fact that, what's the best for me, may not be the best for you. Body types, athleticism, styles. All these things play a role in dictating the type of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu techniques we are going to favor over others. But in this video I share 2 really SIMPLE Butterfly Guard passes you can use for Brazilian Jiujitsu training. The biggest advice I have for these passes is to focus on the control 1st rather than the pass. Remember, BJJ is about control 1st and foremost and being able to control someone's body will allow the offensive attacks like submissions, sweeps and guard passes to come. The 1st pass is a basic hop over pass and the 2nd is a easy kick out pass. I hope these butterfly guard pass tips are helpful to you for your BJJ rolling and competitions. Again, pay close attention to the details on the controlling of the position. This is probably the most important part. Also, don't forget to comment! -Chewy ----------------- Free Ebook: http://www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-jitsu-13-page-ebook/ Video Courses and Products: http://www.chewjitsu.net/products T shirts: http://www.chewjitsu.net/shop/ http://www.Facebook.com/Chewjitsu http://www.instagram.com/Chewjitsu http://www.twitter.com/Chewjitsu Intro/Outtro Music : http://www.thesoundproviders.com/#/ If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about butterfly pass?

This video covers introduction to the butterfly guard pass, controlling your opponent's posture, neutralizing the leg threat. It provides detailed instruction from Chewjitsu.

How long does it take to learn butterfly pass?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.