Tim,

I find often that when people are using their guard, or falling into guard from standing, that they maintain strong grips on sleeves or lapels in order to limit my movements. This means they can sweep and attempt to either drag my sleeves toward them (to effect a submission), or manipulate in such a way as to sweep me.

The grip on both my sleeves are the main problem.

Now, my opponent usually establishes these grips from a standing position, or even from kneeling when we are head–to-head. It causes my a lot of trouble when I try and pass.

The difficulty comes when I am restricted by how much I can use my arms to control the opponent’s free legs and hips in order to pass.

Usually, I attempt to break the grip by thrusting back etc, but this is only successful in a limited number of attempts. A strong grip on fabric can be pretty – well, strong.

Rather convoluted situation I guess. but it's very difficult to pass when you don't have your arms to control in order to pass.

Have you got any advice on strategy, on how to pass the guy’s guard, when he is pulling either one or both sleeves toward himself, to attempt a submission?

Charles,
When an opponent controls your arms it is most important to adjust your base. The position of your legs and weight distribution will prevent the opponent from completing his submission. You also need to use the force of your legs and torso (along with arm movement) to break grips, using the arms alone it is very difficult.

For example, if your opponent has grips and falls back to the guard to attack, say with an armbar, attempting to pull back with your arms alone to defend will be very difficult. It is much more efficient to squat with the opponent and put your lead knee up between his legs. Your shin blocks the attack and you can then push off your front foot and use your legs and hips to break his grips.