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Bullfighter Pass | BJJ Technique | BJJ Graph

Oct 25, 202513 min read

Bullfighter Pass

bjjtransitionpassopen_guardspeed

Visual Execution Sequence

From open guard top position, you establish control of both opponent’s ankles or pants with your hands. Your opponent attempts to maintain guard structure with their legs and frames. You lift their legs slightly while stepping to one side, using quick lateral movement to pass around their legs like a bullfighter avoiding a charge. The momentum of throwing their legs to one side while moving your hips in the opposite direction creates separation from their frames. You quickly transition past their legs, securing side control with chest pressure before they can recover guard.

One-Sentence Summary: “From open guard with ankle grips, you lift and throw their legs to one side while stepping laterally past, landing in side control.”

Execution Steps

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish grips on both ankles or pants legs, maintaining upright posture and distance
  2. Initial Movement: Lift opponent’s legs slightly off the mat while staying mobile and balanced
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent typically tries to kick legs free or establish frames to prevent pass
  4. Adaptation: Choose direction based on opponent’s resistance, preparing to move explosively
  5. Completion: Throw legs to one side while stepping laterally past in opposite direction
  6. Consolidation: Drop chest pressure on opponent’s upper body, securing side control immediately

Key Technical Details

  • Grip Requirements: Bilateral ankle or pants grips for full leg control
  • Base/Foundation: Wide mobile stance allowing quick lateral movement and direction changes
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent extends legs or during their guard adjustment
  • Leverage Points: Lifting and throwing legs creates momentum for lateral passing movement
  • Common Adjustments: Change passing direction mid-motion based on opponent’s defensive reactions

Common Counters

Opponent defensive responses with success rates and conditions:

Decision Logic for AI Opponent

If [leg control] is weak or unstable:
- Execute [[De La Riva Guard]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [passing direction] is telegraphed:
- Execute [[Sit Up Defense]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [timing window] allows for defensive frames:
- Execute [[Frame and Shrimp]] (Probability: 38%)

Else [optimal bullfighter conditions]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Base Success Rate - Applied Modifiers)

Expert Insights

John Danaher

“The bullfighter pass exemplifies efficient passing through misdirection and momentum. By controlling the legs and creating lateral movement, you force the opponent to choose between following your movement or maintaining their guard structure. The key is using their leg extension against them, creating angles that make guard retention extremely difficult.”

Gordon Ryan

“In competition, I use the bullfighter pass as a high-speed option when opponents try to play distance-based open guards. The lateral movement combined with leg control makes it nearly impossible to establish hooks or frames. Speed and timing are everything - hesitation allows them to recover. Execute with confidence and land heavy in side control.”

Eddie Bravo

“The bullfighter is effective but you need to be aware of inversion threats and leg entanglement opportunities. Modern guard players use the bullfighter momentum against you. The key is controlling distance throughout - don’t get baited into their trap. Use it when you have clear leg control and can commit fully to one direction.”

Common Errors

Error 1: Insufficient leg lift before lateral movement

  • Why It Fails: Legs remain connected to mat, allowing opponent to follow your movement easily
  • Correction: Lift legs completely off mat before initiating lateral pass
  • Recognition: Opponent easily tracks your movement and maintains guard

Error 2: Throwing legs without moving hips laterally

  • Why It Fails: Creates no actual passing angle, opponent simply recovers guard position
  • Correction: Coordinate leg throw with explosive lateral hip movement in opposite direction
  • Recognition: Ending up in same position after throwing legs

Error 3: Hesitating after throwing legs

  • Why It Fails: Gives opponent time to recover frames or re-establish guard
  • Correction: Immediately follow leg throw with chest pressure and control establishment
  • Recognition: Opponent recovers guard before you can secure position

Error 4: Releasing leg grips too early

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to kick legs back into guard position
  • Correction: Maintain grips until past the legs and ready to establish upper body control
  • Recognition: Opponent’s legs return to guard structure mid-pass

Error 5: Passing without controlling upper body landing zone

  • Why It Fails: Opponent frames effectively as you arrive, preventing side control
  • Correction: Secure underhook or crossface immediately upon passing legs
  • Recognition: Getting stuck in scramble position after passing legs

Timing Considerations

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent extends legs to create distance or during their guard adjustment
  • Avoid When: Opponent has deep hook established or is actively inverting
  • Setup Sequences: After breaking opponent’s primary grips, or when they open guard to create space
  • Follow-up Windows: Must establish side control within 1-2 seconds after passing legs

Prerequisites

  • Technical Skills: Grip Fighting, Lateral Movement, basic open guard passing concepts
  • Physical Preparation: Footwork agility, quick direction changes, explosive lateral movement
  • Positional Understanding: Open guard dynamics, passing angles, side control entries
  • Experience Level: Intermediate - requires timing and coordination for effective execution

Knowledge Assessment

  1. Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the passing opportunity in the bullfighter pass?”

    • A) Only the leg lift
    • B) The combination of leg throw to one side and lateral hip movement to opposite side
    • C) Only the lateral movement
    • D) Upper body pressure alone
    • Answer: B

  2. Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute the bullfighter pass?”

    • A) When opponent has deep hooks established
    • B) When you’re in closed guard
    • C) When opponent extends legs or adjusts guard structure
    • D) When opponent is inverted
    • Answer: C

  3. Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in bullfighter pass execution?”

    • A) Moving too quickly
    • B) Throwing legs without coordinating lateral hip movement
    • C) Gripping too tightly
    • D) Landing in mount instead of side control
    • Answer: B

  4. Setup Requirements: “What grip control must be established before executing the bullfighter?”

    • A) One ankle grip only
    • B) Collar grips
    • C) Both ankles or pants legs
    • D) No grips necessary
    • Answer: C

  5. Adaptation: “How should you adjust if opponent follows your initial passing direction?”

    • A) Give up and restart
    • B) Switch direction mid-motion using their momentum
    • C) Pull them back to center
    • D) Release grips immediately
    • Answer: B

Variants and Adaptations

  • Gi Specific: Use pants grips at ankles or knees for secure control throughout pass
  • No-Gi Specific: Grip behind ankles or on shin area, emphasize speed over grip security
  • Self-Defense: Modified for clothing grips when applicable in street scenarios
  • Competition: Chain with other passes to create passing sequences and keep opponent guessing
  • Size Differential: Smaller practitioners benefit from speed advantage, larger practitioners use power

Training Progressions

  1. Solo Practice: Footwork drills for lateral movement and direction changes
  2. Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows pass to develop feel for timing and leg control
  3. Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive defense to test speed and commitment
  4. Sparring Integration: Implementing pass during live rolling with setup recognition
  5. Troubleshooting: Identifying hesitation points and improving decisive execution

LLM Context Block

Purpose: This section contains structured decision-making logic for AI opponents, narrative generation, and game engine processing.

Execution Decision Logic

decision_tree:
  conditions:
    - name: "Leg Control Quality Check"
      evaluation: "both_ankles_controlled AND legs_lifted"
      success_action: "proceed_to_direction_selection"
      failure_action: "execute_hook_defense"
      failure_probability: 40
 
    - name: "Passing Direction Check"
      evaluation: "direction_chosen AND lateral_movement_ready"
      success_action: "proceed_to_execution"
      failure_action: "execute_sit_up_defense"
      failure_probability: 35
 
    - name: "Final Transition Check"
      evaluation: "legs_passed AND chest_pressure_ready"
      success_action: "accept_transition_to_side_control"
      failure_action: "execute_frame_defense"
      failure_probability: 25
 
  final_calculation:
    base_probability: "success_probability[skill_level]"
    applied_modifiers:
      - setup_quality
      - timing_precision
      - opponent_fatigue
      - knowledge_test
      - position_control
    formula: "base_probability + sum(modifiers) - sum(counters)"

Common Troubleshooting Patterns

troubleshooting:
  - symptom: "Opponent easily follows passing movement"
    likely_cause: "Insufficient leg lift or slow lateral movement"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you lifting legs completely off the mat?"
      - "Is your lateral movement explosive and committed?"
      - "Are you telegraphing your passing direction?"
    solution: "Lift legs higher, execute lateral movement explosively, vary passing direction to prevent anticipation"
 
  - symptom: "Losing leg grips during throw"
    likely_cause: "Weak grip or releasing too early"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are your grips secure before initiating pass?"
      - "Are you releasing grips before clearing legs?"
      - "Is opponent kicking legs free?"
    solution: "Strengthen grips before passing, maintain control until fully past legs, anticipate kicks and adjust"
 
  - symptom: "Getting caught in scramble after passing legs"
    likely_cause: "No upper body control upon landing"
    diagnostic_questions:
      - "Are you establishing crossface or underhook immediately?"
      - "Is your chest pressure delayed?"
      - "Are you allowing opponent to frame?"
    solution: "Secure upper body control simultaneously with passing legs, drop chest pressure immediately, prevent frames"

Timing and Setup Guidance

timing_guidance:
  optimal_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent extends legs to create distance"
      success_boost: "+18%"
      recognition_cues: ["Legs straightening", "Distance increasing", "Frame attempts visible"]
 
    - condition: "During opponent's guard adjustment or repositioning"
      success_boost: "+15%"
      recognition_cues: ["Weight shifting", "Changing guard type", "Grip resetting"]
 
    - condition: "After breaking opponent's primary grip connections"
      success_boost: "+12%"
      recognition_cues: ["Grips broken", "Defensive reactions", "Balance compromised"]
 
  avoid_windows:
    - condition: "Opponent has deep DLR or spider hook established"
      success_penalty: "-22%"
      recognition_cues: ["Hook deep on leg", "Strong connection", "Active guard control"]
 
    - condition: "Opponent actively inverting or entering complex guard"
      success_penalty: "-18%"
      recognition_cues: ["Shoulders lowering to mat", "Legs overhead", "Rotation beginning"]
 
    - condition: "Insufficient leg control or one-sided grip only"
      success_penalty: "-20%"
      recognition_cues: ["One leg free", "Unstable grips", "Leg mobility present"]
 
setup_sequences:
  - sequence_name: "Grip Break to Bullfighter"
    steps:
      - "Break opponent's sleeve or collar grips"
      - "Immediately secure both ankle controls"
      - "Lift legs and execute bullfighter pass"
      - "Land with chest pressure and control"
    success_boost: "+14%"
 
  - sequence_name: "Standing to Bullfighter"
    steps:
      - "Establish standing posture in guard"
      - "Control both ankles from standing"
      - "Step and throw combination for pass"
      - "Drop into side control with control"
    success_boost: "+11%"

Narrative Generation Prompts

narrative_prompts:
  setup_phase:
    - "You secure both ankles with firm grips, feeling their guard structure below you as you prepare to pass."
    - "Your opponent adjusts their legs, creating the opening you need to initiate the bullfighter sequence."
    - "You lift their legs slightly, maintaining mobile stance as you assess the optimal passing direction."
 
  execution_phase:
    - "You explosively throw their legs to your right while stepping laterally to your left, creating passing angle."
    - "Their legs swing through empty space as your hips move decisively past their guard structure."
    - "The bullfighter movement completes as you clear their legs and prepare to land with control."
 
  completion_phase:
    - "You drop chest pressure immediately upon passing, securing side control before they can recover."
    - "Your crossface locks in as you consolidate the position, their guard fully passed."
    - "You establish dominant control, preventing any immediate guard recovery attempts."
 
  failure_phase:
    - "Your opponent hooks your leg mid-pass, preventing the passing movement and maintaining guard."
    - "They follow your lateral movement, recovering guard structure before you can establish control."
    - "Your hesitation allows them to frame effectively, stopping your passing attempt."

Image Generation Prompts

image_prompts:
  setup_position:
    prompt: "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu open guard top position, top practitioner standing or kneeling with both hands controlling opponent's ankles, bottom practitioner on back with legs extended, both wearing blue and white gis, mat background, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Ankle grips", "Open guard structure", "Upright posture", "Mobile stance"]
 
  mid_execution:
    prompt: "BJJ bullfighter pass in motion, top practitioner throwing opponent's legs to one side while stepping laterally opposite direction, dynamic passing movement, legs suspended in air, explosive lateral movement captured, technical illustration"
    key_elements: ["Leg throw", "Lateral movement", "Passing angle", "Dynamic motion"]
 
  completion_position:
    prompt: "BJJ side control position after bullfighter pass, practitioner on top with chest heavy on opponent, crossface established, opponent flat on back with passed guard, control consolidated, technical illustration style"
    key_elements: ["Side control", "Chest pressure", "Crossface control", "Guard passed"]

Audio Narration Scripts

audio_scripts:
  instructional_narration:
    script: "From open guard top, establish solid grips on both ankles or pants. Lift their legs slightly while maintaining mobile stance. Choose your passing direction based on their reactions. Explosively throw their legs to one side while stepping laterally past in the opposite direction. Immediately drop chest pressure and secure side control with crossface or underhook."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Moderate"
    emphasis: ["solid grips", "lift legs", "explosively throw", "lateral movement", "chest pressure"]
 
  coaching_cues:
    script: "Get those ankle grips. Stay mobile. Lift. Now throw and step - explosive! Lateral movement, go! Drop that chest. Crossface tight. Side control secured. Beautiful pass."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Energetic"
    emphasis: ["explosive", "lateral movement", "go", "drop", "tight", "beautiful"]
 
  competition_commentary:
    script: "Watch the setup - both ankles controlled perfectly. Legs lifting. Here comes the bullfighter movement - explosive throw and lateral step. Beautiful passing angle created. Clean transition to side control. Textbook bullfighter pass execution under pressure."
    voice: "Onyx"
    pace: "Fast"
    emphasis: ["perfectly", "explosive", "Beautiful", "Clean transition", "Textbook", "under pressure"]

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores 3 points for guard pass
  • No-Gi Competition: Highly effective with adapted ankle grips
  • Self-Defense Context: Quick passing option for establishing control
  • MMA Applications: Modified version effective in mixed martial arts

Historical Context

The bullfighter pass gained prominence through Brazilian competitors who emphasized speed and timing over pressure. The technique’s name comes from the matador-like lateral movement that evades the opponent’s legs similar to avoiding a charging bull. It has become a fundamental part of modern guard passing systems.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Application: Avoid excessive force when throwing legs to prevent hip injuries
  • Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space for lateral movement
  • Partner Safety: Monitor landing pressure to avoid injuring partner’s ribs
  • Gradual Progression: Build speed gradually during learning phase

Position Integration

Common combinations and sequences:

Graph View

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