half guard passing and MMA/fighting: Modern Jiu jitsu has many exciting and very effective methods of guard passing that have risen to prominence in last decade. When it's time to apply some of these to MMA or fighting however, they often run into problems due to lack of gi grips or the fact that many opponents simply stand up from bottom position as you try to pass. When it comes time to pass under fighting conditions, one method stands above all – half guard passing. When I used to coach George St Pierre for his passing/top control, the overwhelming majority of training time was spent in forcing half guard and passing from there. No other method adapts so well to the rigors and demands of MMA than pressure passing from half guard. He used this with great effect throughout his career – repeatedly passing even world champion Jiu jitsu specialists with no problems. I can confidently attest that no other method of guard passing adapts so well to gi, no gi and MMA as half guard passing does. Even when Mr St Pierre trains in pure no gi grappling he is able to put even elite level grapplers under shocking pressure using this simple but powerful method of guard passing. Notice how his chest to chest contact will make it very difficult indeed for an opponent to stand up on his as he passes
