What's the Best Guard Pass for Beginners?

The Short Answer

The knee slice (knee cut) pass is generally the best first guard pass to learn. It teaches fundamental passing concepts and works against most guard types.

Why the Knee Slice?

The knee slice pass is effective because it:

• Works from multiple positions - You can hit it from combat base, after breaking closed guard, or against open guards
• Teaches pressure - You learn how to apply your weight to pin their hip
• Is conceptually simple - Slice your knee through, end in side control
• Has clear checkpoints - Easy to know if you're doing it right

The Basic Knee Slice

Step 1: Establish Position

From combat base (one knee up, one down), control their far sleeve and near collar/lapel (or wrist and bicep in no-gi).

Step 2: Pin the Hip

Your lead knee slides across, aiming to pin their hip to the mat. Don't go too high or you'll get caught in half guard.

Step 3: Drop Your Weight

As your knee slices through, drop your shoulder pressure into their chest/face area. This prevents them from recovering guard.

Step 4: Clear the Legs

Your back leg kicks through and you consolidate side control. Don't rush this - make sure their legs are actually clear.

Common Mistakes

Going Too High

If your knee goes above their hip, you'll land in half guard. Aim to slice right at hip level.

No Sleeve Control

Without controlling their far arm, they'll frame and recover guard. That grip is essential.

Rushing to Side Control

New practitioners often try to jump to side control before fully passing. Be patient - secure the pass before consolidating.

Forgetting Head Position

Keep your head low on the passing side. High head = they get a frame on your face.

Complementary Passes

Once you have the knee slice, learn passes that chain with it:

Over-Under Pass

When they block your knee slice, switch to over-under and go the other direction.

Leg Drag

If they push your knee away, use that energy to drag their legs and pass.

Smash Pass

When they get a knee in, heavy pressure passing can work when the knee slice is stuffed.

Key Principles for All Passing

Control the Hips

You can't pass if they can hip escape. Pin their hip somehow.

Inside Control

Your shoulders/arms should be inside their frames when possible.

Pass in Stages

Break guard → Control legs → Pass. Don't skip steps.

Stay Heavy

Light passers get swept. Commit your weight.

Drilling Tips

Practice the knee slice in sequences:

1. Partner opens guard, you immediately enter knee slice
2. Partner defends, you chain to another pass
3. Return to guard, repeat

Drilling reactions is more valuable than drilling static passes.