← All techniques

Standing Leg-Weave Pass

PassStanding passBelt: blue+Risk: moderateIBJJFADCCNo-GiSub-OnlyMMA

The standing leg-weave pass is a dynamic guard pass where the passer, from standing, threads their arm between the opponent's legs and controls the far thigh to flatten and bypass the guard. This pass is highly effective against open guards that rely on knee-shields or frames, allowing the passer to neutralize hip mobility and transition directly to side control.

Start
Standing vs open guard with leg-weave grip
End
Side control
Prerequisites: Standing posture in open guard · Leg drag grip mechanics · Cross-face control · Hip switching from standing

Steps

  1. 1
    Establish Standing Base and Distance
    From standing, maintain a staggered stance with knees slightly bent, hands controlling the opponent's shins or ankles to prevent guard recovery; keep your hips back and weight centered.
  2. 2
    Thread the Weave Grip
    With your lead hand, thread your arm between the opponent's legs, palm facing up, and grip the far thigh just above the knee using a C-grip; your elbow should be tight to your own knee to prevent triangles.
  3. 3
    Control the Near Leg
    With your trailing hand, pin the opponent's near-side shin or pant leg (gi) or cup the knee (no-gi), pulling it across their centerline to limit their hip mobility.
  4. 4
    Step Deep and Angle Your Hips
    Step your lead leg deep and wide, aiming to bring your knee to the mat next to their hip; angle your hips at roughly 45° to their torso to maximize pressure and minimize their ability to invert.
  5. 5
    Drop Your Weight and Flatten the Hips
    Sink your chest and shoulder weight onto the opponent's far thigh and hip, keeping your head low and close to their body; your arm should maintain the weave grip, driving their knees together.
  6. 6
    Clear the Near Leg and Switch Base
    Use your trailing hand to push the near leg further across, then windshield-wiper your trailing leg back and around, switching your base to face their head while maintaining heavy pressure.
  7. 7
    Establish Cross-Face and Secure Side Control
    Release the weave grip and transition to a cross-face with your far arm, settling your chest across their upper body; stabilize by spreading your knees and anchoring your hips low.

Key details most people miss

  • The depth of the weave grip is critical—gripping too shallow allows the opponent to pummel their leg back in; aim to grip high above the knee.
  • Keep your elbow glued to your own knee when threading the weave to prevent triangle or omoplata counters.
  • Angle your hips and step wide to prevent the opponent from inverting or re-guarding as you pass.
  • Head placement is vital—keep your head low and close to the opponent's body to maximize flattening pressure and minimize exposure to frames.

Common mistakes

  • Allowing the weave arm to drift away from your knee exposes you to triangles or omoplatas.
  • Failing to control the near leg lets the opponent recover guard or invert for leg attacks.
  • Stepping too shallow with the lead leg results in weak pressure and allows the opponent to shrimp away.
  • Not switching your base early enough gives the opponent space to frame and recover.

Counters & responses

They try: Opponent frames hard on your shoulder or biceps as you pass
You do: Drop your head lower, drive your shoulder into their hip, and use your free hand to swim inside their frame before cross-facing.
They try: Opponent attempts to invert under your weave arm
You do: Angle your hips further and sprawl your legs back, using your chest to flatten their hips and block the inversion.
They try: Opponent locks a triangle as you thread the weave
You do: Keep your elbow tight to your knee, posture up immediately, and back out to reset the pass.
They try: Opponent posts on your hip to create space and recover guard
You do: Switch your base quickly, windshield-wipering your leg, and staple their bottom leg to the mat to prevent hip movement.

Drill prescription

6 rounds × 2 min; 50% resistance; passer must achieve side control using the standing leg-weave pass at least 3 times per round, with opponent actively framing and attempting guard recovery.

How the masters teach it

Videos are still being curated for this technique. AI suggests these instructors:
Lucas Lepri — Emphasizes relentless hip switching and ultra-tight weave grip to prevent any inversion or leg pummeling.Leandro Lo — Known for explosive standing entries and using the weave to transition directly into knee-cut or cross-face pressure.Rafael Lovato Jr — Focuses on heavy chest pressure and precise head placement to flatten the hips and shut down frames.John Danaher — Highlights the importance of elbow-knee connection and systematic countering of triangle/omoplata threats during the weave.
#standing-pass#open-guard#side-control-finish#gi#no-gi#pressure-passing#long-limbed#anti-inversion#competition#knee-shield-counter