As the attacker passing Double Sleeve Guard, your primary objective is to systematically dismantle the guard player’s bilateral sleeve control while maintaining posture and base. The pass requires a methodical approach: first neutralize the grips that give the guard player their control framework, then immediately establish your own controlling grips before they can recover. The critical insight is that the sleeve grips and foot placement work as an integrated system — breaking grips without addressing the feet, or vice versa, leaves the pass incomplete and the guard player can quickly reset. Your posture is your most important asset; every successful double sleeve sweep and submission entry requires breaking your posture forward, so maintaining upright alignment with hips back defeats the majority of the guard player’s offensive threats before they begin.
From Position: Double Sleeve Guard (Top)
Key Attacking Principles
What are the key principles for executing Pass Double Sleeve Guard?
- Maintain upright posture with hips back throughout the entire passing sequence to resist forward pulling and eliminate sweep angles
- Break grips using hip rotation and stepping mechanics rather than isolated arm strength to preserve energy for the pass itself
- Immediately establish your own controlling grip on legs or belt after each grip break to prevent re-gripping
- Create lateral angles to diminish the effectiveness of bilateral control — two grips are strongest when you are directly in front
- Address both the sleeve grips and foot placement simultaneously rather than treating them as separate problems
- Commit decisively to the passing direction once an opening appears — hesitation allows guard recovery
- Chain grip breaks with passing entries so that each action flows into the next without pause
Prerequisites
What do you need before attempting Pass Double Sleeve Guard?
- Stable base with feet wider than shoulder width and weight centered between both feet
- Upright posture with chest forward and hips back, core engaged to resist forward pulling
- Identification of which sleeve grip is weaker or shallower for the initial break attempt
- Freed hand ready to immediately establish pants, belt, or leg control after grip break
- Awareness of opponent’s foot placement to avoid being swept during the grip fighting phase
Execution Steps
How do you execute Pass Double Sleeve Guard step by step?
- Establish base and posture: Stand up or establish combat base with feet wider than shoulder width. Sit hips back while keeping chest elevated to create a strong frame against the sleeve pulls. Engage your core and keep your weight centered between both feet rather than leaning to either side.
- Initiate first grip break: Target the weaker or shallower sleeve grip first. Rotate your wrist toward the opponent’s thumb while simultaneously stepping laterally with the same-side foot. Use your entire body rotation to generate breaking force rather than relying on arm strength alone. The stepping motion multiplies the breaking power significantly.
- Secure immediate leg control: The instant your hand is freed, establish a controlling grip on the opponent’s same-side pants at the knee or shin. Do not pause or celebrate the grip break — the opponent will re-grip within one to two seconds if you leave your hand idle. This leg control grip prevents the opponent from using that leg to frame or create distance.
- Create passing angle: Step laterally toward the side where you have leg control, creating an angle that diminishes the remaining sleeve grip’s effectiveness. Your body should no longer be directly in front of the opponent but offset to one side. This angle loads the remaining sleeve grip with lateral force that is harder for the opponent to maintain.
- Address second grip and pin legs: Break or nullify the remaining sleeve grip using the angular advantage you have created. You can rotate your second wrist free, or use your angled body position and leg control to render the remaining grip ineffective. Pin both of the opponent’s legs to one side using your hands on their knees or shins, clearing the path for your hips to pass.
- Clear the legs and pass: Drive your hips past the opponent’s legs in the direction of your angle, using a combination of lateral movement and downward pressure on their legs. Your chest should begin transitioning from facing the opponent to facing perpendicular as you clear their guard. Keep your hips low and heavy to prevent knee or foot re-insertion.
- Establish side control: As your hips clear the opponent’s legs, immediately drop your chest onto their torso perpendicular to their body. Establish crossface with your near arm driving across their face and neck. Your far arm underhooks or controls their far hip to prevent guard recovery. Sprawl your legs back and settle your weight to complete the pass.
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Side Control | 45% |
| Failure | Half Guard | 15% |
| Failure | Double Sleeve Guard | 25% |
| Counter | Open Guard | 15% |
Opponent Counters
How might your opponent counter Pass Double Sleeve Guard?
- Opponent immediately re-grips sleeve after break (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Accelerate your passing sequence — do not pause after grip breaks. Immediately secure leg control and begin angling before they can re-establish. If they re-grip, step back and attempt the break from a different angle rather than fighting the same grip repeatedly. → Leads to Double Sleeve Guard
- Opponent inserts knee or foot to create a half guard frame (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: If they insert a knee early in the pass, transition to a knee slice pass through the half guard rather than retreating to restart. Use your chest pressure and crossface to flatten them while slicing your knee through to complete the pass from half guard. → Leads to Half Guard
- Opponent executes scissor or push sweep during pass attempt (Effectiveness: Medium) - Your Response: Maintain a wide base with your trailing foot posted back during the pass. If you feel your weight being redirected, immediately post the hand on the sweep side and backstep to reset your base. Do not lean forward during the pass as this amplifies sweep leverage. → Leads to Open Guard
- Opponent transitions to Spider Guard by placing feet on biceps (Effectiveness: High) - Your Response: Address bicep hooks immediately by swimming your elbows inside their feet to knock them off, or step back quickly to break the hook before it settles. Never allow both bicep hooks to establish simultaneously with sleeve grips as this creates a significantly stronger guard. → Leads to Double Sleeve Guard
Safety Considerations
What are the safety concerns for Pass Double Sleeve Guard?
Guard passing involves low injury risk compared to submissions. Primary concerns include knee strain from sudden lateral direction changes during toreando and knee slice variations. Grip fighting can cause finger and wrist injuries if breaks are performed too explosively. Avoid yanking grips free with maximum force as this may hyperextend the opponent’s fingers. Maintain controlled movements throughout the pass and avoid landing with full body weight on the opponent’s legs or torso during the final pass completion. Be mindful of your training partner’s knee position when clearing legs to avoid twisting forces on their joints.