Tripod Sweep by Travis Stevens
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Tripod Sweep·BJJ Fanatics
TRIPOD SWEEP https://www.bjjfanatics.com This video explains how to do a Tripod Sweep. Travis Stevens is an Olympic Si…
Tripod Sweep
SubFamily三脚スイープ
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Tripod Sweep is an open guard sweep where the bottom player places one foot on the opponent's hip and hooks behind one of their ankles with the other foot, then pushes and pulls simultaneously to topple the standing opponent — named because the opponent is balanced on three points (two feet and one being pushed) that are systematically collapsed. [1] The tripod sweep is one of the most effective sweeps against a standing guard passer. [1],[2]
TripodTwo-on-One SweepSickle Sweep Variant
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
1 video
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 tripod sweep uses both feet on the opponent's hips and one hand gripping the ankle to dump them backward. One of the highest-percentage open guard sweeps. (Jiu-Jitsu University, Ribeiro)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I control my opponent before attempting the tripod sweep?
Travis Stevens emphasizes maintaining a solid grip on the pants and controlling your opponent's posture before committing to the sweep. This realistic grip control helps you feel when your opponent is truly off-balance.
What's the best way to use my leg to defend against the sweep once my opponent has hooked my leg?
Travis Stevens recommends turning your big toe against your opponent's thigh and closing the space by turning your knee so that when their foot tries to come through, it hits your other thigh immediately. Keep the position tight and stay close to prevent the sweep.
Should I use my knuckles or forearm to block the tripod sweep?
Travis Stevens prefers using the knuckles dug into the thigh rather than the forearm, as it creates less strain on the grip and allows you to maintain control while staying more relaxed.
How does the Tripod Sweep work?
The Tripod Sweep is an open guard sweep where the bottom player places one foot on the opponent's hip and hooks behind one of their ankles with the other foot, then pushes and pulls simultaneously to topple the standing opponent — named because the opponent is balanced on three points (two feet and one being pushed) that are systematically collapsed. The tripod sweep is one of the most effective sweeps against a standing guard passer.
Where does the Tripod Sweep come from?
This technique developed within its parent martial arts tradition and has been refined through competition.
Is the Tripod 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 Tripod Sweep?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate — standard technique-level risk appropriate to the category
How do I set up the Tripod Sweep?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Set Up the Technique → Execute → Follow Through → Consolidate or Transition.
How do I defend against the Tripod Sweep?
Standard counters include: Defensive techniques against this specific technique / Prevention of the entry position.
What are the variants of the Tripod Sweep?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios).
How effective is the Tripod Sweep in competition?
Used in relevant competition formats.
What are common mistakes when doing the Tripod 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 Tripod Sweep?
The Tripod Sweep is also known as Tripod, Two-on-One Sweep, Sickle Sweep Variant.