Toreando Pass

Also known as: Bullfighter Pass · Toreada · Matador Pass · Torreando

Grip both pant legs or shins, throw the legs one way, and move your body the other — passing around the guard like a bullfighter swinging the cape.

Guard Pass · Gi & No-gi · Difficulty 2/5 · Usually learned at White belt

Starts from Open Guard as the passer → lands in Side Control.

The details that make it work

1. Grips at the knees (not ankles) control the whole leg line; pin the knees toward the mat.
2. Throw the legs and MOVE — the pass is your footwork during the half-second their legs are stapled.
3. Arrive at the shoulder line with chest pressure or a knee-on-belly, never standing upright at the hip.

Where it goes wrong

• Pushing the legs and standing still, which re-sets the guard with extra steps.
• Gripping the ankles, leaving the knees free to follow you.

How opponents counter it

• Grip the sleeves/wrists to kill the throw
• Granby or hip-heist to re-face during the throw-by

Is the Toreando Pass legal in competition?

Legal in all major rulesets at all levels (IBJJF, ADCC, sub-only). Rules change — always confirm against the current official rulebook for your event.

Related techniques

• Leg Drag
• Knee Cut Pass
• Long Step Pass
• Double Under Pass

All moves from Open Guard · Back to Grapplepedia