BJJ START Technique – Reverse hook sweep from butterfly guard
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Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep·Start Jiu Jitsu·Added by Admin
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Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep
Genusリバースバタフライスイープ(Ribāsu Batafurai Suīpu)
TransliterationTranslation: reverse butterfly sweep
Overview
The reverse butterfly sweep elevates the opponent to the opposite (non-underhook) side of the standard butterfly sweep, using the same hook but redirecting it when the opponent shifts their weight to defend the regular sweep direction. [1] A tactical complement to the regular butterfly sweep — by combining both directions, the guard player can sweep either way, eliminating the opponent's ability to post defensively to one side. [2]
Reverse Butterfly SweepOpposite Side Butterfly Sweep
History & Origin
Natural evolution of the butterfly sweep system. No single inventor. [1]
Effectiveness
Effective complement to the standard butterfly sweep, creating a two-directional sweeping threat. [1]
Lineage
Natural evolution of butterfly guard sweeping.
Competition Record
Used at intermediate and advanced levels of BJJ competition.
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Same butterfly hook kicks the opponent to the opposite direction of the standard sweep
Action-Reaction — Works when opponent shifts weight to defend standard sweep direction; the redirect exploits their committed weight
Position & Entry
From butterfly guard — Attempt standard sweep; when opponent posts to defend, redirect the hook to sweep the opposite direction
Variants
Standard reverse butterfly — basic redirect
Reverse butterfly with collar grip — gi-specific upper body control
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
1
Low1/10
Very safe sweep
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— Unified MMA — Legal defensive technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— IBJJF — Legal — escapes and sweeps are fundamental to BJJ...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IJF — Legal
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— 4 from mount/back
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The reverse butterfly sweep works when the opponent shifts their weight to defend the standard butterfly sweep direction. By redirecting the elevator hook and adjusting grip angles, the attacker uses the opponent's committed weight against them. Taught by Stephan Kesting (Grapplearts) and widely used in competition.
Common Mistakes
!Not reading opponent's weight shift — the reverse only works when they commit to defending the standard direction
!Not adjusting grips — grip angles must change for the reverse direction
!Telegraphing the redirect — must be smooth and sudden
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish butterfly guard → Attempt standard sweep → Opponent posts to defend → Redirect hook to opposite side → Adjust grips → Sweep to the reverse direction
Sources & References
Primary Source
Grapplearts — Reverse Butterfly Sweep (Kesting)
1BookEvolve MMA — Attacks And Transitions From The BJJ Butterfly Guard
2BookGrapplearts — How to do the Reverse Butterfly Sweep (Kesting)
[1] Grapplearts — reverse butterfly sweep mechanics
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationGrapplearts — How to do the Reverse Butterfly Sweep (Kesting)
[1] Grapplearts — reverse butterfly sweep mechanics
5CitationEvolve MMA — Attacks And Transitions From The BJJ Butterfly Guard
Community
Athletics
Requires
reading opponent's weight distribution, timing
Key muscles
hip flexors, core, adductors
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I prevent my opponent from passing on the non-hook side during the reverse butterfly sweep?
Sit up and angle your body sideways to give your opponent fewer passing options on that side. By positioning yourself this way, you limit where they can effectively pass while forcing them toward the side where you have your hook ready.
Why is it important to keep my hook locked in place during the sweep?
The hook blocks your opponent from walking away or escaping. If you don't maintain the hook position, your opponent can kill your knee and escape the sweep entirely, so keeping that hook locked is essential to control their movement.
How close do I need to get to my opponent to generate enough leverage for the sweep?
You must get very close to your opponent to find leverage. If you try to sweep from distance, you won't generate enough power, so attachment and proximity to your opponent's body is critical for the technique to work.
What should I do if my opponent tries to sit back and escape the sweep?
Position yourself right behind their elbow to prevent their arm from coming back. This positioning ensures that if they try to sit back, they won't be able to walk away and the hook will stay locked in place.
How does the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep work?
The reverse butterfly sweep elevates the opponent to the opposite (non-underhook) side of the standard butterfly sweep, using the same hook but redirecting it when the opponent shifts their weight to defend the regular sweep direction. A tactical complement to the regular butterfly sweep — by combining both directions, the guard player can sweep either way, eliminating the opponent's ability to post defensively to one side.
Where does the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep come from?
Natural evolution of the butterfly sweep system. No single inventor.
Is the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal defensive technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal — escapes and sweeps are fundamental to BJJ, sweep from bottom scores 2…; IJF: legal — Legal; ADCC: legal — Legal, sweep scores 2 points (4 from mount/back); FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Danger rating 1/10. Very safe sweep
How do I set up the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
The standard setup chain: Establish butterfly guard → Attempt standard sweep → Opponent posts to defend → Redirect hook to opposite side → Adjust grips → Sweep to the reverse direction.
How do I defend against the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Standard counters include: Stay centered — don't commit weight to one side / Post both hands — maintain base in both directions / Stand up — remove yourself from the butterfly hooks.
What are the variants of the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Common variants: Standard reverse butterfly (basic redirect); Reverse butterfly with collar grip (gi-specific upper body control).
How effective is the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep in competition?
Used at intermediate and advanced levels of BJJ competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
Top errors to watch for: Not reading opponent's weight shift — the reverse only works when they commit to defending the standard direction / Not adjusting grips — grip angles must change for the reverse direction / Telegraphing the redirect — must be smooth and sudden.
What are other names for the Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep?
The Standard Reverse Butterfly Sweep is also known as Ribāsu Batafurai Suīpu, Reverse Butterfly Sweep, Opposite Side Butterfly Sweep.