Introduction to Headquarters Passing System

The instructor introduces four passing variations from the headquarters position: smash pass, knee cut pass, float pass, and an additional technique. These methods allow the top player to advance position and score points against an opponent in guard.

Establishing the Headquarters Position

The headquarters position is achieved by getting the opponent into a supine (face-up) guard with the passer's knee on the inside. The passer should avoid stepping the leg inside initially, as this exposes the leg to attacks. Control can be established from outside passing, de la riva, or initial half guard by walking the opponent up while maintaining knee control.

Weight Distribution and Balance

Proper weight distribution is critical in headquarters. Leaning too far forward allows the opponent to kick over and attack leg locks or back takes. Leaning too far back enables the opponent to wrestle up and score a sweep. The passer should maintain centered weight and drill with a partner to find the balance point.

Hand Positioning and Grip Strategy

The passer's hands should be positioned on the inside of the opponent's body—on the hips, armpits, or inside of the armpits on the mat. Outside hand positioning allows the opponent to push the passer away and attack or wrestle up. Inside positioning maintains control and prevents escape angles.

Smash Pass—Double Underhook to Mount

From headquarters, the passer bumps the opponent's legs to the side and inserts the knee behind the opponent's knee. Upper body control is established before passing. The passer can walk into a double underhook position, step the leg over, and advance to full mount position while controlling both underhooks.

Smash Pass—Opposite Side Exit

The passer maintains head pressure on the opponent's chest while placing the shin across the opponent's shin to control the guard. The opposite knee inserts behind the opponent's knee, and the passer turns to the side to complete the guard pass on the opposite side. This variation requires clearing the hook by keeping pressure on the opponent's leg.

Smash Pass—Tripod Headstand Variation

The passer positions the face on the opponent's chest and walks the hips up into a tripod position, placing weight on the head and hands rather than the opponent's hooks. By maintaining upper body pressure and walking the body upward without weight on the hook, the passer prevents the opponent from kicking off. The passer then circles around and passes the guard over the top.

Headquarters PASSING system | 4 ways to pass

Energia Martial Arts
2 min read·7 key moments·PT10M34S video

Key Takeaways

  • Introduction to Headquarters Passing System
  • Establishing the Headquarters Position
  • Weight Distribution and Balance
  • Hand Positioning and Grip Strategy

Headquarters PASSING system | 4 ways to pass Passing the open guard is hard! Especially in no-gi with a huge lack of grips. Today we will show you how to get into a pin (headquarters) and several ways to pass from there! If you enjoy this content be sure to subscribe, become a MEMBER of patreon (and unlock hours and hours of extra content and more) or check out our brand Energia Fightwear or the sponsor of this video: Xmartial. Finally, let us know in the comments what YOU would like to see on the channel next! Check out Xmartial gear: https://www.xmartial.com/?ref=tumenergia Use promo code: TUMENERGIA to get 15% off your purchase! Chapters 0:00 - Introduction 0:20 - Headquarters position 2:17 - Smash pass 5:00 - Tripod variation 6:32 - Knee cut 8:52 - Float passing ! Remember to put on notifications to receive an update anytime we drop a new video ! Check out our website: www.energia-martialarts.com For more content, videos, solo drills and behind the scenes click on this link: https://www.patreon.com/Energia_martialarts?fan_landing=true Visit BJJ Fanatics for our top instructionals: https://bjjfanatics.com/search?q=tum To check out our gear go to: https://energia-martialarts.com/energia-fight-wear/ Instagram: @Tumenergia Instruction: Tum Energia Assisting: Martijn Aelberts Music: Mr. Ortiz #kguard #falsereap #judo #submissions #counters #rearnakedchoke #bjj #submission #energiamartialarts #strangle #submissiongrappling #mma #brazilianjiujitsu #UFC #anklelock #leglock #rearnakedchoke #choke #mma #guard #backtake #chokes #berimbolo #mount #estima #imanari

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about headquarters pass?

This video covers introduction to headquarters passing system, establishing the headquarters position, weight distribution and balance. It provides detailed instruction from Energia Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn headquarters pass?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.

What are the key details for finishing headquarters pass?

The passer maintains head pressure on the opponent's chest while placing the shin across the opponent's shin to control the guard. The opposite knee inserts behind the opponent's knee, and the passer turns to the side to complete the guard pass on the opposite side. This variation requires clearing the hook by keeping pressure on the opponent's leg.