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If you’ve been training BJJ for awhile, you’d know how difficult it is to counter the toreando pass. If performed with great timing and force, it is almost impossible to defend. The toreando, or toureando, is the Portuguese word for the act of bullfighting, specifically, the motion the bullfighter does to avoid the bull as it rushes in.
The toreando is one of the most effective guard passes, wherein the guard passer uses grips inside of the knee area to prevent the guard player to establish a guard. With the grips, the guard passer pulls the legs to one side while moving to the other side, just like a bullfighter deflecting the bull. There are many variations of the toreando pass, but the one mentioned above is the most popular.
Multiple-time BJJ World Champion Leandro Lo is known for his use of the toreando pass against some of the most skilled opponents in BJJ today. In the video below, watch how Leandro Lo uses his version of the toreando pass against his opponent, Bruno Ramos.
Rodolfo Vieira also has one of the best toreando passes to date. In fact, Rodolfo is known to have one of the deadliest passing styles in BJJ today, using immense pressure and timing to finish any pass. In the video below, watch how he is able to pass most of his opponents almost at will.
If you’re having problems with countering the toreando pass, you’re in luck! Today, Evolve Dailyshares 3 Effective Ways To Counter The Toreando Pass:
1) Back take
As your opponent grabs hold of your pants to finish the pass, grip his sleeves. As he pushes your legs to the side to finish the pass and falls to the other side, switch your grips to a wizzer, get on your knees and take the back. You must react quickly to prevent your opponent from countering.
2) Tomonage
As your opponent tries to finish the pass, grab one sleeve while the other grabs his belt. Scoot your hips in and use the momentum of the pass to pull your opponent over your head.
3) Push the head
If your opponent’s pass is successful, push his head down to the ground as your final attempt to prevent the toreando. Remember, you should only attempt to use this counter when it is already too late to use the other two counters.
As with all new techniques, you must drill these consistently in order to make them part of your repertoire. Don’t forget to follow each counter by establishing your position afterwards. Learning counter moves are essential in BJJ, especially if you want to stay a few steps ahead of your opponent. So go forth and train hard!
