Goes Guard Push Sweep

SubFamily

Goes・ガード・Push・スイープ(Goes Guard Push Sweep)

Translation: goes guard push sweep

Overview

The Goes Guard Push Sweep uses the Goes Guard configuration to push the opponent backward over the hooked leg, leveraging the sleeve control to prevent the opponent from posting. [1]

Also known as
Goes Push Sweep

History & Origin

Goes Guard Push Sweep is a technique documented in BJ Penn's comprehensive MMA system. [1]

Effectiveness

Proven in UFC-level competition by BJ Penn and training partners. [1]

Lineage

Modern MMA methodology; BJ Penn / Greg Jackson lineage. [1]

Competition Record

Used in UFC and professional MMA competition

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Sign in to suggest an image.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionMMA-specific positional mechanics for Goes Guard Push Sweep
Joints InvolvedFull body — hips, shoulders, legs
Force VectorPosition-specific

Position & Entry

From MMA contextExecute goes guard push sweep

Variants

Standard Goes Guard Push Sweep
Modified Goes Guard Push Sweep

Videos

Closed Guard | Scissor Sweep, Push Sweep and Spider Guard Sweep with Kris Kim

0
Goes Guard Push Sweep·BJJ Joe

Kris Kim, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Tony Passos. Head Instructor for Yongsan BJJ at Trent Warrior Fitness Cen

The First 4 Sweeps You Need To Know | Jiu-Jitsu Basics

0
Goes Guard Push Sweep·Knight Jiu-Jitsu

More detailed instruction on Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu Understanding and executing sweeps can be a tricky thing in the

2 videos

What Instructors Say

The goes guard push sweep is a closed guard sweep employed when the opponent creates distance or when leg length makes other sweep variations impractical. BJJ Joe emphasizes that the push sweep functions as an alternative to the scissor sweep when the practitioner cannot cup the opponent's kneecap with the crook of the knee—typically due to range or leg proportions. The fundamental mechanics involve hooking both feet onto the opponent's knees and driving through the legs to extend the opponent's body lengthwise, similar to the omoplata sweep mechanics. The practitioner simultaneously pulls with the upper body while pushing with the legs, creating a coordinated extension that lifts the opponent over their base. BJJ Joe demonstrates the technique as part of a three-sweep combination chain, showing seamless transitions between scissor, push, and spider guard variations. While Knight Jiu-Jitsu's curriculum focuses primarily on scissor, hip bump, and pendulum sweeps from closed guard, the instructors collectively agree on the principle of controlling the opponent's posture and weight distribution before executing the leg-driven extension. Both emphasize the importance of hip positioning and timing relative to the opponent's structure and energy.

Synthesized from 2 instructors

  • BJJ JoeClosed Guard | Scissor Sweep, Push Sweep and Spider Guard Sweep with Kris Kim: Detailed mechanics of the push sweep as an alternative when scissor sweep range is unavailable; demonstrated foot hook placement on knees, simultaneous arm pull and leg extension, and integration within a three-sweep combination series.
  • Knight Jiu-JitsuThe First 4 Sweeps You Need To Know | Jiu-Jitsu Basics: Contextual framework for sweep selection based on opponent posture, weight distribution, and energy; emphasized the importance of reading opponent structure and base before committing to technique execution.

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Sign in to suggest a course.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

3
Moderate3/10

Positional technique

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Restricted
IJF — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — ground...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF
Legal
IBJJF — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from ...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF
ADCC — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points por...
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF
Unified MMA — Legal — no penalty for playing guard
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

Training Notes

Practise in MMA-specific sparring with strikes (Penn et al., 2007)

Common Mistakes

!Losing base
!Not maintaining control
!Poor transitions

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Engagement → Goes Guard Push Sweep → Advance position

Sources & References

Primary Source

Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge (Penn, Cordoza & Krauss, 2007)

1Book[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.

description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B

2Citation[1] Penn, B.J., Cordoza, G. and Krauss, E. (2007). Mixed Martial Arts: The Book of Knowledge. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9777315-6-5.

description, historyOrigin: sourced from Penn, B

Community

Athletics

MMA-specific body control and pressure

Notes

Named after Roberto 'Gordo' Goes — a sweep from his guard system. Goes and Gordo Correa were pioneers of modern half guard play. (BJJ competition records; half guard lineage)

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I keep my opponent from escaping over the top during a push sweep?

Keep pushing up and elevating your opponent's arm high to prevent them from passing over the top. BJJ Joe emphasizes maintaining this arm control throughout the sweep motion.

What should I do with my legs during the push sweep setup?

Keep your toes hooked on your opponent's back to maintain control, and hook one foot underneath their leg while swimming your arm underneath theirs. Knight Jiu-Jitsu notes that your knee should come to your chest rather than staying too flat, which prevents them from smashing your leg down.

Why does my push sweep get smashed when I extend my leg too much?

If your leg goes too flat across your opponent's body, they can sit and smash it down, which kills the sweep. Knight Jiu-Jitsu recommends keeping your knee bent toward your chest and hopping your hips out to create space to dump them into.

How does the Goes Guard Push Sweep work?

The Goes Guard Push Sweep uses the Goes Guard configuration to push the opponent backward over the hooked leg, leveraging the sleeve control to prevent the opponent from posting.

Where does the Goes Guard Push Sweep come from?

Goes Guard Push Sweep is a technique documented in BJ Penn's comprehensive MMA system.

Is the Goes Guard Push Sweep legal in competition?

IBJJF: legal — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from guard score 2 points; IJF: restricted — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — groundwork from guard permitted …; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points portion; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — no penalty for playing guard; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal

How dangerous is the Goes Guard Push Sweep?

Danger rating 3/10. Positional technique

How do I set up the Goes Guard Push Sweep?

The standard setup chain: Engagement → Goes Guard Push Sweep → Advance position.

How do I defend against the Goes Guard Push Sweep?

Standard counters include: Guard retention / Frame and escape / Submission counter.

What are the variants of the Goes Guard Push Sweep?

Common variants: Standard Goes Guard Push Sweep; Modified Goes Guard Push Sweep.

How effective is the Goes Guard Push Sweep in competition?

Used in UFC and professional MMA competition

What are common mistakes when doing the Goes Guard Push Sweep?

Top errors to watch for: Losing base / Not maintaining control / Poor transitions.

What are other names for the Goes Guard Push Sweep?

The Goes Guard Push Sweep is also known as Goes Guard Push Sweep, Goes Push Sweep.