Windmill Pass

The Windmill Pass is a dynamic Guard Pass that focuses on clearing the opponent's legs by redirecting them in a circular, "windmill-like" motion. This pass is particularly effective against Open Guard setups where the opponent’s legs are elevated or framing against your body. By combining grip control, Angles, and Pressure, the Windmill Pass allows you to bypass the guard and transition into Side Control or other dominant positions.

Goals of the Windmill Pass

Neutralize the Legs

  • Redirect the opponent’s legs to eliminate their Frames and prevent guard recovery.

Create Angles

  • Use circular motion and lateral movement to attack from unexpected directions.

Establish Dominant Control

Steps for the Windmill Pass

Control the Legs

  • Grip both of the opponent’s legs using Pant Grips (gi) or control their ankles/shins (no-gi).
  • Keep their legs elevated and off your hips to prevent them from framing or attacking.

Redirect One Leg

  • Use one hand to push one leg across their body, toward the opposite side.
  • Keep their hips pinned by applying Pressure through your grips or chest.

Swing the Opponent's Legs in a Circular Motion

  • With the redirected leg under control, use your other hand to guide their free leg in a circular motion, mimicking the motion of a windmill.
  • Move their legs across their body, ensuring their hips are turned away from you.

Move Around the Guard

  • As their legs are redirected, step laterally or diagonally around their hips.
  • Stay tight to the opponent’s body, maintaining control and Connections.

Clear the Legs

  • Pin their legs to the mat or control them with your hips as you pass.
  • Ensure their legs cannot swing back into position to block your pass.

Establish Control

Key Concepts for Success

Leg Control

  • The Windmill Pass relies on precise control of the opponent’s legs to deny them space for guard recovery.

Timing

  • Execute the circular motion smoothly and quickly to exploit openings in their guard.

Angles

  • Focus on attacking from the side or at an angle to avoid direct engagement with their Frames.

Variations of the Windmill Pass

High-Speed Windmill

  • Execute the pass quickly and explosively to overwhelm the opponent’s defenses.

Pressure-Based Windmill

  • Use controlled Pressure to methodically redirect their legs and immobilize their hips.

No-Gi Windmill

  • Rely on gripping their ankles or shins instead of gi grips to maintain control.

Common Mistakes

Weak Leg Control

  • Without strong grips, the opponent can pull their legs back into position or attack submissions.

Leaning Too Far Forward

  • Overcommitting your weight exposes you to sweeps or submissions like the Triangle Choke or Armbar.

Failing to Maintain Angle

  • Moving in a straight line instead of creating angles allows the opponent to frame and recover.

Strategy

Tip

Precision and timing are critical in the Windmill Pass. Focus on tight leg control and fluid motion to bypass the guard efficiently and consolidate your position!

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