33a Reverse Butterfly Sweep
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Reverse Butterfly Sweep·Pathfinder Jiu-Jitsu Team
Reverse Butterfly Sweep
SubFamilyリバースバタフライスイープ
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Reverse Butterfly Sweep is a butterfly guard sweep that reverses the typical sweeping direction — instead of sweeping the opponent to the side with a standard butterfly hook elevation, the reverse butterfly drives them backward or in the opposite direction of the expected sweep. [1] This variation catches opponents who have learned to defend the standard butterfly sweep direction. [1],[2]
Reverse ButterflyInverted Butterfly Sweep
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the parent martial arts tradition. [1]
Competition Record
Used in relevant competition formats. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Executing this specific technique through its characteristic mechanical pattern
Joints Involved — Technique-specific joints depending on whether this is an escape (hips for bridging/shrimping), sweep (hips and legs for leverage), submission (target joint plus controlling joints), throw (hips, legs, shoulders for projection), or position (control-specific body parts)
Force Vector — Directed along the technique's primary action line
Technique Mechanic — Each technique has a specific mechanical sequence that must be followed for effective execution
Position & Entry
From the parent position — Enter this technique from the primary position described in the parent family
From a transition — Access this technique during a positional transition or scramble
From defence — Enter this technique as a defensive response or counter
Videos
Reverse Butterfly Sweep | 33f
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Reverse Butterfly Sweep·Pathfinder Jiu-Jitsu Team
Watch next: Reverse Butterfly Sweep: https://youtu.be/AZ4gU-6bASs Reverse Butterfly Sweep Leg Details & Cradle Counter: …
2 videos
Learn This Technique
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive/transitional technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— UWW — Legal
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Drill the technique with progressive resistance
✓Understand the entry position before drilling the finish
✓Chain with related techniques for a complete system
✓Practice both sides where applicable
Common Mistakes
!Poor entry positioning
!Incomplete execution
!Not chaining with follow-up techniques
!Attempting without proper setup
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Set Up the Technique
3Execute
4Follow Through
5Consolidate or Transition
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
2BookRelevant martial arts instructional resources
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Martial arts curriculum [2] Competition analysis
5CitationRelevant martial arts instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
technique-specific physical attributes
Key muscles
technique-dependent
Sub-techniques
Notes
The reverse butterfly sweep attacks in the opposite direction of the standard butterfly hook sweep — it catches opponents who anticipate and lean against the standard direction. (Advanced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Techniques, Garcia)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the grip matter in the reverse butterfly sweep?
The under grip is crucial because it prevents your opponent from placing their hand on the floor to post and stop the sweep. Even if you're not strong enough to lift their hand directly, the under grip allows you to scoot and get your elbow on the ground to complete the technique.
What should I do if my opponent posts their hand on the floor when I attempt the sweep?
If your opponent posts their hand, push into them to get them to grab you, then lean straight back so their hand gets caught on the floor, which prevents them from posting and allows you to lift and complete the sweep.
Where should I position my knee to set up the reverse butterfly sweep properly?
Make sure to put your knee on the side and create space near your opponent's back, because opponents commonly place their hand there thinking it's safe—but this positioning is actually vulnerable to the sweep.
How does the Reverse Butterfly Sweep work?
The Reverse Butterfly Sweep is a butterfly guard sweep that reverses the typical sweeping direction — instead of sweeping the opponent to the side with a standard butterfly hook elevation, the reverse butterfly drives them backward or in the opposite direction of the expected sweep. This variation catches opponents who have learned to defend the standard butterfly sweep direction.
Where does the Reverse Butterfly Sweep come from?
This technique developed within its parent martial arts tradition and has been refined through competition.
Is the Reverse Butterfly Sweep legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive/transitional technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal; IJF: legal — Legal; ADCC: legal — Legal; UWW: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
How do I set up the Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Set Up the Technique → Execute → Follow Through → Consolidate or Transition.
How do I defend against the Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Standard counters include: Defensive techniques against this specific technique / Prevention of the entry position.
What are the variants of the Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios).
How effective is the Reverse Butterfly Sweep in competition?
Used in relevant competition formats.
What are common mistakes when doing the Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Top errors to watch for: Poor entry positioning / Incomplete execution / Not chaining with follow-up techniques / Attempting without proper setup.
What are other names for the Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
The Reverse Butterfly Sweep is also known as Reverse Butterfly, Inverted Butterfly Sweep.