Renzo Gracie is viewed as one of the greatest BJJ artists ever, and an inspiration to many. He does us the honor of passing on his skills and wisdom.

CLOSED GUARD PASS TO SIDE CONTROL

1. Renzo is in Ali’s closed guard, but has his knees wide, heels together and his backside sitting on his heels. He controls Ali with his left hand on his chest and his right hand on Ali’s stomach. 

2. Simultaneously Renzo lets go of Ali’s torso and, keeping his hands out straight, dives his hands towards the inside of Ali’s left leg.

Note: It is important that both hands go at the same time to prevent the triangle. 

3. Renzo’s right hand feeds behind Ali’s knee and his left hand feeds under at the groin. 

4. Renzo leans his upper body over the leg he has reached under, putting pressure on Ali’s closed guard.  

5. Renzo uses a hugging grip with both hands – one at the knee and the other at the hip.

6. Renzo reaches around Ali’s guard with his left arm pinning Ali’s left hip.

7. Renzo moves his body around to the left, securing the guard pass.