Butterfly Sweep

Quick Introduction

The butterfly sweep is the fundamental sweep from butterfly guard, using hooks under the opponent's thighs to elevate and off-balance them. By combining hooks, grips, and a falling motion to the side, you create an irresistible sweeping force. It's one of the most dynamic and effective sweeps in BJJ, working equally well in gi and no-gi.

Position Overview

Type: Elevation-based sweep using butterfly hooks

Station: Sweeps - Guard reversals

Achieved from: Butterfly guard, half butterfly, seated guard transitions

Leads to: Mount (primary), side control, top position in scramble

Points: 2 points when established for 3 seconds (IBJJF)

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Butterfly Sweep Execution (Step by Step)

Starting Position

You're in butterfly guard - seated position with both hooks (or one hook) under your opponent's thighs, facing them as they're kneeling or standing.

Execution Sequence

1. Establish Butterfly Guard Position

• Sit up facing your opponent
• Both feet inside their thighs (butterfly hooks)
• Knees wide, feet connected behind their thighs
• Hooks active, not passive
• Upper body upright, not leaning back

2. Secure Strong Grips

• Double underhooks (most powerful option)
• Or collar and sleeve grip
• Or overhook one side, underhook other
• Grips must prevent posting
• Pull them close to you
• Maintain grips throughout sweep

3. Choose Your Sweep Side

• Pick the side with better control
• Underhook side is stronger
• Or side where they're leaning
• Or side where arm is weaker
• Commit to one direction

4. Create Forward Pressure

• Pull them toward you with grips
• Make them post weight forward
• Get their weight over your hooks
• They should feel slightly off-balance
• This loads your hooks with their weight

5. Fall to Your Side

• Fall to the floor on sweeping side
• Land on your shoulder/side
• Don't fall straight back
• Angle fall toward their centerline
• Your fall creates the sweeping motion

6. Elevate with Hook

• As you fall, lift with your hook
• Straighten your leg explosively
• Hook on sweep side does the work
• Opposite hook assists balance
• Lift their weight as you fall

7. Pull with Grips

• Pull them over you as you fall
• Direct their upper body
• Grips guide direction of sweep
• Don't let them post their hands
• Keep pulling throughout motion

8. Complete the Reversal

• Roll through to top position
• Come up immediately
• Land in mount if possible
• Or establish side control
• Keep control of their upper body
• Secure position for points

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Critical Details

Hook Mechanics

Proper Hook Placement:

• Feet inside their thighs, behind their legs
• Balls of feet make contact
• Active flexion in feet
• Knees wide to create frame
• Not just resting feet there

Hook Function:

• Elevates their lower body
• Removes their base
• Creates fulcrum for sweep
• Controls their hip movement
• Prevents them standing easily

Active vs Passive Hooks:

• Active: Constant upward pressure
• Passive: Just resting feet
• Must maintain tension
• Think "lifting" not "touching"
• This distinction makes or breaks sweep

Grip Control Variations

Double Underhooks (Most Powerful):

• Both arms under their arms
• Hands clasped behind their back
• Or grabbing their belt/gi
• Maximum control of upper body
• Prevents all posting
• Hardest to defend against

Collar and Sleeve:

• Same-side collar grip
• Opposite sleeve control
• More common in gi
• Controls one arm completely
• Guides direction with collar
• Good for beginner learning

Overhook/Underhook:

• Underhook on sweep side
• Overhook opposite side
• Asymmetric but effective
• Common in no-gi
• Prevents posting on both sides
• Very tight control

No-Gi Adaptations:

• Underhooks most important
• Grabbing triceps or lat
• Head control if possible
• Tighter grips needed
• Less friction means faster execution

The Falling Motion

Why You Fall:

• Creates momentum for sweep
• Your body weight adds to force
• Lowers your center of gravity
• Impossible to stop once committed
• Physics works for you, not strength

Direction of Fall:

• To your side, not straight back
• Angle toward their centerline
• Land on shoulder/upper arm
• Creates circular sweeping motion
• Don't fall away from them

Timing with Hook:

• Fall and lift simultaneously
• Not sequential movements
• One coordinated action
• Like a teeter-totter motion
• Practice until automatic

Creating Forward Weight

Getting Them Forward:

• Pull with grips constantly
• Break their posture down
• Make them heavy on you
• Their weight = easier sweep
• Read when they lean

Timing Opportunities:

• When they reach for grips
• As they transition positions
• When they try to pass
• When they push into you
• When their weight is forward

If They Pull Away:

• Come up to standing
• Transition to different guard
• Follow them forward
• Don't chase bad position
• Reset and retry

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Important Observations (General Rules)

Core Principles

1. 🎯 Grips prevent posting - No grips = they post and defend
2. 💪 Active hooks elevate - Passive hooks accomplish nothing
3. ⏱️ Fall and lift together - Timing is everything
4. 🔄 Forward weight required - Can't sweep someone leaning back
5. 🎮 Commit fully - Half commitment fails

Connection to Theories

Applying core principles:

• Leverage: Hooks create mechanical advantage for lifting
• Off-Balancing: Removing their base while elevating
• Momentum Generation: Falling creates irresistible force
• Grip Control: Preventing defensive posts
• Center of Gravity: Lowering yours while raising theirs

Applying body reading concepts:

• Weight Distribution: Reading when they're forward
• Base Recognition: Understanding their stability points
• Posture Analysis: Broken posture = sweep opportunity
• Movement Patterns: Timing sweep with their motion

Common Mistakes

⚠️ Passive hooks - Just resting feet under their legs

• ✅ Fix: Active upward pressure with hooks

⚠️ Leaning back instead of falling to side - Wrong direction

• ✅ Fix: Fall toward side, not backward

⚠️ No grip control - Allowing them to post hands

• ✅ Fix: Secure grips before attempting sweep

⚠️ Trying to sweep someone pulling away - No forward weight

• ✅ Fix: Create forward pressure first

⚠️ Not following through - Stopping motion halfway

• ✅ Fix: Complete reversal to top position

⚠️ Sequential instead of simultaneous - Fall then lift

• ✅ Fix: Fall and lift as one motion

⚠️ Weak hooks - No active elevation

• ✅ Fix: Explosive leg extension with hook

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🎓 Training Progressions

Solo Drills

Drill 1: Butterfly Hook Motion (20 reps each side)

• Sit in butterfly position
• Practice hook placement
• Extend legs explosively
• Build muscle memory
• Focus on active hooks

Drill 2: Fall and Recover (15 reps each side)

• From butterfly position
• Fall to side, return to seated
• Build comfort with falling motion
• Practice directional control
• Condition the movement

Drill 3: Complete Sweep Motion (10 reps each side)

• Simulate full sweep
• Fall and extend hook together
• Visualize opponent
• Practice follow-through to top
• Build coordination

Partner Drills

Level 1: Cooperative (No Resistance)

• Partner in your butterfly guard, static
• Practice full butterfly sweep 20 times each side
• Partner allows themselves to be swept
• Focus: Perfect mechanics and timing
• Land in mount every time

Key Coaching Points:

• Are hooks active with upward pressure?
• Is fall to side, not backward?
• Are grips preventing posts?
• Is hook lifting as you fall?
• Landing in strong position?

Level 2: Light Resistance (25%)

• Partner maintains some base
• Partner keeps posture
• Must create forward weight
• Execute sweep with technique
• Focus: Setup and pressure
• 15 reps each side

Key Coaching Points:

• Creating forward weight first
• Timing fall with their movement
• Grip control effectiveness
• Adjusting to resistance

Level 3: Positional Sparring (50%)

• Start in butterfly guard
• You can only butterfly sweep
• Partner defends but stays engaged
• Practice reading opportunities
• 3-minute rounds

Key Coaching Points:

• Recognizing sweep timing
• Dealing with different defenses
• Chaining to other attacks
• Recovering failed sweeps

Level 4: Live Application (100%)

• Regular rolling
• Hunt for butterfly guard
• Apply sweeps when appropriate
• Full resistance context

Key Coaching Points:

• Entering butterfly guard
• Creating sweep opportunities
• Success rate vs different opponents
• Combination awareness

Common Setup Drills

Drill 1: Double Underhooks to Sweep

1. Start in butterfly guard
2. Establish double underhooks
3. Pull them forward
4. Execute butterfly sweep
5. 15 reps each side
6. Teaches most reliable variation

See butterfly guard

Drill 2: Guard Pull to Butterfly Sweep

1. Standing start, pull guard
2. Land in butterfly guard
3. Immediate sweep attempt
4. Flow entire sequence
5. 10 reps each side
6. Teaches practical entries

Drill 3: Butterfly Sweep Chain

1. Attempt sweep one side
2. If defended, switch to other side
3. If defended, transition to X-guard
4. Continuous flow for 5 minutes
5. Teaches adaptability
6. Builds guard retention

Progression Timeline

Following training methods:

• Week 1-2: Learn basic mechanics (no resistance)
• Week 3-4: Add resistance, work on grips
• Week 5-8: Timing development, combinations
• Month 3-6: Live application in rolling
• Month 6+: High-percentage technique

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🔧 Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Can't Elevate Them with Hooks

Possible Causes & Solutions:

Issue 1: Hooks are passive

• Solution: Active upward pressure constantly
• Solution: Think "lifting" with hooks
• Solution: Explosive leg extension during sweep

Issue 2: No forward weight

• Solution: Pull them toward you with grips
• Solution: Break their posture
• Solution: Time sweep when they lean forward

Issue 3: Wrong falling direction

• Solution: Fall to side, not back
• Solution: Angle creates leverage
• Solution: Practice solo fall direction

Issue 4: Not committing to motion

• Solution: Full commitment to fall
• Solution: Trust the technique
• Solution: Complete the reversal

Problem: They Post Their Hands

Solutions:

1. Better grip control prevents posting
2. Double underhooks most reliable
3. Control sleeves in gi
4. Faster execution timing
5. Transition to arm attack if they post

Problem: Falling but Not Sweeping

Solutions:

1. Hook must lift as you fall
2. Not sequential - simultaneous action
3. Pull with grips throughout
4. Direct fall toward their centerline
5. Practice timing with partner

Problem: They're Too Far Away

Solutions:

1. Pull them closer with grips
2. Scoot your hips forward
3. Don't chase bad position
4. Stand up if they back away
5. Transition to different guard

Problem: Sweep Works But Don't Get Top

Solutions:

1. Follow momentum completely
2. Come up immediately
3. Keep grips throughout
4. Drive forward as you rise
5. Don't wait - establish position

Problem: Works on Smaller People, Not Larger

Solutions:

1. Forward weight even more critical
2. Perfect timing vs forcing
3. Use their momentum
4. Double underhooks essential
5. This is technique issue, not size

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🔄 Attack Chains & Combinations

Butterfly Sweep → Mount → Submission

Complete Attack Sequence:

1. Execute butterfly sweep successfully
2. Land in mount position
3. Maintain double underhook control
4. Transition to armbar or choke
5. Seamless sweep to submission

Strategic Value:

• Offensive guard position
• Direct path to dominant position
• High point scoring potential
• Submission opportunity

Learn mount attacks

Failed Butterfly Sweep → X-Guard

When Sweep is Defended:

1. They base out preventing sweep
2. Your hooks already in position
3. Adjust one hook to X-guard
4. New sweep angle available
5. Constant attacking threat

Tactical Flow:

• Never return to neutral
• Failed sweep creates next attack
• Guard retention principle
• Offensive continuity

Learn X-guard sweep

Butterfly Sweep → Back Take

When They Turn:

1. Execute butterfly sweep
2. They turn to defend/turtle
3. Take back or attack turtle
4. Superior position achieved
5. High-value result

Positional Hierarchy:

• Back worth 4 points
• Multiple submission options
• Dominant control
• Competition advantage

Double Underhooks → Sweep or Submission

Creating Dilemma:

1. Establish double underhooks
2. They defend sweep by sprawling
3. Guillotine becomes available
4. Or they stay heavy, get swept
5. No good defense option

Attack Theory:

• Force opponent to choose
• Both options favor you
• True 50/50 attacking
• High-level strategy

Standing Pass → Butterfly Sweep Counter

Counter-Attacking:

1. They attempt standing pass
2. You establish butterfly guard
3. Time sweep as they step forward
4. Use their momentum
5. Defensive sweep to offense

Competition Application:

• Common passing scenario
• Reliable counter
• Point scoring opportunity
• Momentum shift

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💡 Advanced Concepts

Grip Fighting in Butterfly

Establishing Dominant Grips:

• Fight for underhooks immediately
• Prevent them getting your collar
• Control their sleeves in gi
• Head position critical in no-gi
• First to grips has advantage

Maintaining Grips:

• Constant pressure pulling forward
• Break their grip attempts
• Re-establish if broken
• Don't sweep without control
• Patience for right grips

Transition Grips:

• Start with one, work to better
• Collar to underhook progression
• Sleeve to tricep in no-gi
• Dynamic grip changes
• Opportunistic improvements

Timing Variations

Immediate Sweep (Aggressive):

• Establish hooks, sweep instantly
• Catches opponent off-guard
• High speed, high risk
• Competition pressure move
• Commitment required

Patient Setup (Strategic):

• Build grips methodically
• Create perfect forward pressure
• Wait for weight commitment
• Higher percentage
• Better for learning

Reactive Sweep (Counter):

• They make movement
• You react with sweep
• Use their momentum
• Very high percentage
• Advanced timing skill

Competition Strategy

Point Scoring:

• 2 points for sweep
• Often leads to mount (2 more)
• Potential 4-6 point swing
• Efficient technique
• Low risk if fails

Tactical Use:

• Good when behind (aggressive)
• Good when ahead (reliable)
• Works entire match
• No stamina issues
• Spectator-friendly

Strategic Positioning:

• Offensive guard position
• Forces opponent reaction
• Controls pace of match
• Creates scramble opportunities
• Multiple attack options

Against Different Styles

Against Pressure Passers:

• They give forward weight
• Perfect for butterfly sweep
• Ideal matchup
• Use pressure against them
• Very high success rate

Against Standing Passers:

• Harder to maintain hooks
• Must time as they step
• Or transition to DLR/X-guard
• Quick decision required
• Adaptability essential

Against Defensive Opponents:

• They pull away
• Harder to sweep
• Must come forward with them
• Stand up if needed
• Don't chase bad position

Body Type Considerations

Against Larger Opponents:

• Forward weight easier to get
• Use their size against them
• Perfect technique critical
• Timing over forcing
• Very effective when done right

Against Smaller Opponents:

• Easier to execute
• Focus on technique
• Good learning environment
• Don't rely on strength
• Build proper habits

Against Athletic/Strong:

• Speed of execution matters
• Perfect grips essential
• Timing becomes critical
• Can't muscle it
• Technique refinement required

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🎯 Belt-Level Expectations

White Belt Goals

Referenced in Beginner's Journey:

• Understand butterfly guard position (Month 6-8)
• Execute basic butterfly sweep with hooks
• Learn double underhook control
• Land in top position
• Basic hook mechanics

Blue Belt Development

Referenced in Skill Progression:

• Butterfly sweep against resistance
• Multiple grip variations
• Combination with X-guard and back takes
• Consistent application in rolling
• No-gi proficiency
• Teaching white belts

Purple Belt Mastery

• High-percentage competition weapon
• Advanced timing and setups
• Works against higher belts
• Seamless guard transitions
• Creating sweep opportunities
• Problem-solving defenses
• Complete butterfly system

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🎯 Next Steps

After understanding butterfly sweep fundamentals:

1. Master the hooks → Active elevation is the foundation
2. Perfect double underhooks → Most reliable grip configuration
3. Drill extensively → 1000+ reps builds automatic response
4. Learn X-guard → Natural combination position
5. Study entries → Getting to butterfly from everywhere
6. Add to game → Build complete bottom system

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🔗 Related Resources

Position Prerequisites

• Butterfly Guard - Foundation position
• Guard System Overview - Understanding guard philosophy
• Guard Dynamics - The guard vs pass battle

Combination Techniques

• X-Guard Sweep - Natural transition option
• DLR Sweep - Related guard system
• Scissor Sweep - Different guard sweep
• Flower Sweep - Closed guard option
• Sweeps Overview - All sweep techniques

Resulting Positions

• Mount - Primary landing position
• Side Control - Alternative finish
• Back Mount - When they turtle

Theoretical Foundation

• Principles & Theories - Leverage and elevation
• Body Reading - Weight distribution
• Training Methods - How to practice effectively
• Technical Training Rhythms - Drilling structure

Progress Tracking

• Beginner's Journey - Month 6-8 butterfly introduction
• Skill Progression - Blue belt guard mastery
• Drills - Guard-specific training routines
• Quick Reference - Gym-ready cheat sheets