From the top perspective, facing an opponent in Inverted Guard requires strategic adjustments to traditional passing approaches. The inverted position creates unconventional angles that make standard pressure passing and distance passing less effective, requiring specific techniques and timing to pass successfully. The top player must recognize the transitional nature of inverted guard and prevent the bottom player from achieving their primary objectives: berimbolo entries, back takes, and leg entanglement positions. Success from the top position involves controlling the opponent’s rotation, preventing their hips from achieving optimal angles, and capitalizing on opportunities to apply crushing pressure through smash passes and stack passes. The top player must maintain awareness of the bottom player’s grip controls and foot placement, as these determine the available transitions from inverted guard. Modern guard passing systems have developed specific responses to inverted guard, including headquarters positioning, leg weave passes, and strategic pressure application that forces the inverted player to abandon the position. The key strategic principle is recognizing when the opponent begins inverting and immediately attacking with appropriate passing techniques rather than allowing them to establish optimal inverted positioning. Top players must also protect against the berimbolo sequence by controlling distance, maintaining proper base, and preventing the opponent from establishing the grips necessary for back take entries. Training emphasis should focus on recognizing inversion entries early and responding with immediate passing pressure that forces defensive reactions.
Position Definition
- Top player maintains standing or combat base position with weight distributed to prevent being pulled into berimbolo or back take sequences by the inverted opponent
- Top player controls distance through strategic grips on opponent’s pants, legs, or belt to prevent optimal inversion angles and regulate engagement distance
- Top player maintains awareness of opponent’s rotation and hip movement to anticipate and counter berimbolo entries, back takes, and leg entanglement attempts
- Top player establishes passing grips and pressure angles that force the inverted opponent to abandon the position or expose themselves to stack passes and smash passes
Prerequisites
- Understanding of berimbolo mechanics and common back take sequences from inverted guard to recognize threats early
- Developed pressure passing skills with ability to apply controlled weight without overcommitting forward
- Recognition of grip controls that enable inversion and ability to break or prevent these grips
- Knowledge of stack passing mechanics and appropriate timing for application against inverted opponents
- Awareness of leg entanglement entries from inverted guard and defensive positioning to prevent these transitions
Key Offensive Principles
- Recognize inversion attempts early and immediately attack with appropriate passing pressure to prevent optimal positioning
- Control opponent’s rotation and hip movement through strategic grips and weight distribution
- Maintain proper base and distance to prevent being pulled into berimbolo or back take sequences
- Apply crushing pressure through smash passes and stack passes when opponent commits to inverted position
- Protect against leg entanglement entries by controlling distance and maintaining proper leg positioning
- Force opponent to abandon inverted position through sustained pressure rather than allowing them to maintain mobility
- Capitalize on transitional moments when opponent moves from inverted guard to other positions
Available Attacks
Smash Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Stack Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Pressure Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 70%
Leg Weave Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 28%
- Intermediate: 48%
- Advanced: 68%
Knee Slice Pass → Side Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 32%
- Intermediate: 52%
- Advanced: 72%
Headquarters Pass → Headquarters Position
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 75%
Knee on Belly → Knee on Belly
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 65%
Mount Control → Mount
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 60%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent inverts with hips elevated and begins rotating for berimbolo entry:
- Execute Stack Pass → Side Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Pressure Pass → Side Control (Probability: 55%)
Else if opponent maintains inverted position with legs extended upward creating static target:
- Execute Smash Pass → Side Control (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Knee Slice Pass → Side Control (Probability: 55%)
Else if opponent attempts to enter single leg X or X-guard from inverted position:
- Execute Headquarters Pass → Headquarters Position (Probability: 70%)
- Execute Leg Weave Pass → Side Control (Probability: 60%)
Else if opponent’s hips flatten or rotation slows indicating loss of mobility:
- Execute Pressure Pass → Side Control (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Smash Pass → Side Control (Probability: 60%)
Else if opponent attempts to recover guard through granby roll or technical standup:
- Execute Knee Slice Pass → Side Control (Probability: 58%)
- Execute Headquarters Pass → Headquarters Position (Probability: 62%)
Optimal Submission Paths
Pressure pass to submission
Inverted Guard Top → Smash Pass → Side Control → Kimura from Side Control
Stack pass to dominant control
Inverted Guard Top → Stack Pass → Side Control → Mount → Armbar from Mount
Headquarters to leg attack
Inverted Guard Top → Headquarters Pass → Headquarters Position → Straight Ankle Lock
Mount consolidation path
Inverted Guard Top → Pressure Pass → Side Control → Transition to Mount → Mount → Rear Naked Choke
Knee slice to submission
Inverted Guard Top → Knee Slice Pass → Side Control → North-South → North-South Choke
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 40% | 35% | 20% |
| Intermediate | 60% | 55% | 35% |
| Advanced | 80% | 75% | 55% |
Average Time in Position: 10-30 seconds to pass or opponent transitions out
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
Passing inverted guard requires understanding that the position functions as a transitional mechanism rather than a static defensive structure, which fundamentally alters the tactical approach necessary for successful passing. The key strategic principle is preventing the bottom player from achieving optimal inversion angles and immediately applying pressure when they commit to the inverted position. Stack passing represents the highest-percentage approach against inverted guard because it neutralizes the rotational mobility that makes the position effective, forcing weight onto the opponent’s shoulders and eliminating their ability to create angular advantages. The timing of pressure application is critical—waiting until the opponent commits fully to inversion rather than applying pressure prematurely when they still maintain defensive mobility. Modern passing systems must integrate specific responses to inversion within comprehensive frameworks, recognizing that allowing the bottom player to establish optimal inverted positioning dramatically reduces passing success rates and increases vulnerability to berimbolo sequences and back attacks.
Gordon Ryan
Against high-level opponents using inverted guard, I focus on preventing optimal positioning rather than attempting to pass after they’ve already established strong inverted angles and grip controls. The key is recognizing inversion attempts during the entry phase and immediately shutting them down through strategic grip controls and pressure application before they achieve full mobility. When opponents do establish inverted guard, I utilize stack passing and headquarters positioning to neutralize their rotational advantages while protecting against berimbolo and leg entanglement entries. The critical element is maintaining proper base and distance control to prevent being pulled into back take sequences, which requires constant awareness of the opponent’s rotation and grip controls throughout the passing sequence. In competition, I’ve found that sustained pressure combined with strategic timing forces even skilled inverted guard players to abandon the position or expose themselves to passing opportunities, but this requires patience and technical precision rather than explosive effort without strategic purpose.
Eddie Bravo
As someone who’s developed extensive inversion systems within 10th Planet methodology, I understand both the offensive potential and the vulnerabilities of inverted guard from the top perspective. The key to passing effectively is recognizing that inversion creates specific transitional pathways that can be anticipated and countered with proper positioning and timing. Against inverted guard, I emphasize maintaining distance control and strategic pressure application that forces the bottom player to commit to transitions prematurely, creating passing opportunities during these transitional moments. The headquarters position and related control strategies offer excellent frameworks for neutralizing inverted guard while maintaining offensive pressure and submission threats. Modern no-gi competition has evolved to the point where both inverted guard and passing systems against it have reached sophisticated levels, requiring practitioners to develop comprehensive understanding of both perspectives to compete effectively at high levels.