Torreando Pass
Also known as: Bullfighter Pass, Toreada
The torreando (bullfighter) pass is named after the matador's movement around a charging bull. You grip both of their pants/ankles, push their legs to one side, and step around to the opposite side. It's a dynamic, speed-based pass that works especially well against open guards where they're trying to use their legs actively.
🎯Key Details
Grip control
Control both pants at the knees or ankles. In No-Gi, cup behind the knees or control the feet.
Push to one side
Push their legs firmly to one side. This clears a path and points their hips away from where you're going.
Step around opposite side
As you push legs left, you step right (and vice versa). You're circling around like a matador.
Pin the hips quickly
As you pass, immediately drop your hips to theirs or establish side control. Speed without control = they reguard.
Control the near leg
After passing, keep their near leg pinned so they can't recover half guard.
⚠️Common Mistakes
Pushing but not moving
The push creates the opening. Your feet must move around simultaneously.
Stopping before consolidating
Get to side control before celebrating. Halfway is scramble territory.
Giving up grips too early
Keep grip control until you're past. Letting go lets them re-guard.
Too much grip, not enough movement
It's a speed pass—use your footwork. Over-gripping without moving doesn't work.
🚀Setups
- •Against open guard
- •When they push with feet on hips
- •After disengaging from entanglements
- •Against butterfly guard
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Reclaim guard with ankle grips
- •Invert and reguard
- •Berimbolo
- •Sit up and wrestle
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
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