Pass the Guard: Ground Grappling Game

A role-based partner ground-grappling game: one player lies on their back using the legs as a barrier while the other, on their knees, tries to get past them and reach side control. Students work on decision-making, using the hips and legs, and safe contact.

How to play

1. Pairs of similar weight in 6 x 6 ft tatami squares. The defender lies face up with feet on the attacker's hips or thighs, while the attacker kneels in front (2 min).
2. Demo: the attacker moves the legs aside with hands on the defender's knees and steps around to one side; the defender turns the hips and resets the feet to keep the attacker in front (2 min).
3. Attacker's goal: get past the legs and hold chest to chest from the side for 3 seconds (1 point). Defender's goal: last 30 seconds without being passed, or sit up and touch the attacker's shoulder (1 point).
4. Play 30-second rounds, switching roles after each one; six rounds per pair with 15 seconds of rest (5 min).
5. Rotation: switch partners within the same weight group and play six more rounds (5 min).
6. Wrap-up: each pair explains which defensive move was hardest to get past, then stretch the hips (4 min).

Rules

• The defender's feet push only hips, thighs, or shoulders: no kicking or pushing the face.
• No grabbing toes or twisting knees and ankles; nobody stands up.
• Tapping twice or saying 'Stop!' ends the round.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited leg mobility: the student always plays attacker from a seated position against a defender using only the arms.
• Autism or contact avoidance: start by practicing the defender's hip movements solo, then with a fixed partner.
• Fitness level: 20-second rounds and strict pairing by weight and experience.

Learning goals

• Use the hips and legs to manage distance in ground grappling.
• Choose the right side and moment to get past an opponent's defense.
• Respect off-limits areas and stop signals.

Equipment for a class of 25

• tatami mats: 24

Teacher tip

Watch the defender's feet near the attacker's face above all; if it happens, stop and remind them. It works best after a session or two of ground work, once students can already shrimp.

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