Pass the Guard and Achieve the Mount
Body Positioning Moves Basic Ground Fighting Techniques

Posted Tuesday, July 4, 2006

Pass the Guard and Achieve the Mount. The fighter is in base within the enemy’s guard. From this position, the fighter must escape from within the enemy’s legs. This action is called passing the guard.

(1) Step 1. The first thing the fighter must do is defend against the front choke by using one hand to pin one of the enemy’s arms to the ground at the biceps. He also keeps an upright posture.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 1.

(2) Step 2. The fighter then raises his opposite side foot and places it on the ground just out of reach of the enemy’s hand. He turns his hips, creating an opening, and pushes his hand through, fingertips first.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 2.

(3) Step 3. The fighter then slides down and back until the enemy’s leg is on his shoulder.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 3.

(4) Step 4. With the same hand, the fighter grasps the enemy’s collar with his thumb on the inside and drives the enemy’s knee straight past his head. Pressure on the enemy’s spine forces him to release his legs.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 4.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 4 (continued).

(5) Step 5. The fighter rides the enemy down into side control.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 5.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 5 (continued).

(6) Step 6. The fighter faces toward the enemy’s legs and changes his hips, ensuring that his knee is controlling the enemy’s hip, and that his legs are spread out to avoid a reversal.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 6.

(7) Step 7. The fighter uses his free hand to control the enemy’s legs, and swings his leg over into the mount.

Pass the guard and achieve the mount, step 7.