Twist Back Sweep

SubFamily

ツイストバックスイープ(Tsuisuto Bakku Suīpu)

Translation: Twist back sweep

Overview

The Twist Back Sweep combines a twisting motion from half guard with a back-take attempt, sweeping the opponent when they resist the back exposure. [1]

Also known as
Twist BackTwisting Sweep

History & Origin

Developed by Eddie Bravo for the 10th Planet system. [1]

Effectiveness

High-percentage no-gi sweep. [1]

Lineage

10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu. [1]

Competition Record

Used in EBI and MMA competition

Images

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Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary ActionSweep mechanics from half guard/rubber guard

Position & Entry

From half guardExecute twist back sweep

Variants

Not yet documented

Videos

UDE GAESHI Arm Reversal Roll Throw

0
Twist Back Sweep·welcomematstevescott

Ude Gaeshi is an old technique that continues to be effective in judo, sambo and other grappling sports. Coaching by Ste

3 Easy (No-Gi) Leg Sweep Takedowns Anyone Can Do

0
Twist Back Sweep·Skyhook Martial Arts & Fitness

These 3 leg sweeps are easy to learn, easy to do, and with correct timing don’t require much strength to pull off. If yo

2 videos

What Instructors Say

The Twist Back Sweep does not appear to be directly addressed in the provided transcripts. Instructor 1 from Skyhook Martial Arts & Fitness covers three no-gi leg sweeps—Deyashi Hirai (advancing foot sweep), Osotogari (major outside reap), and Sasaya Ashi (propping foot sweep)—all executed from an inside wheel clinch with head control. These techniques emphasize footwork, weight distribution, and synchronized head and arm manipulation to unbalance the opponent. Instructor 2 from welcomematstevescott teaches Ude Gaeshi, an arm reversal roll throw performed from a two-on-one control, involving wrist trapping and elbow manipulation to throw the opponent backward—a Yoko Tsutimiwaza (side sacrifice throw). While both instructors demonstrate classical judo and submission grappling mechanics, neither explicitly labels or instructs a technique identified as 'Twist Back Sweep.' The transcripts may represent related sweeping principles but lack the specific nomenclature or execution details required to synthesize instruction on the named technique.

Synthesized from 2 instructors

  • Skyhook Martial Arts & Fitness3 Easy (No-Gi) Leg Sweep Takedowns Anyone Can Do: Demonstrates clinch-based leg sweeps (Deyashi Hirai, Osotogari, Sasaya Ashi) using inside wheel control, head burial, and coordinated footwork to execute directional sweeps.
  • welcomematstevescottUDE GAESHI Arm Reversal Roll Throw: Teaches Ude Gaeshi arm reversal from two-on-one control, emphasizing elbow jacking, wrist trapping, and body whipping mechanics to execute a side sacrifice throw.

Learn This Technique

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Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

2
Low2/10

Positional reversal

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Advanced
Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Restricted
no leg attacks below waist
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF
Legal
IJF — Legal throwing technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF
IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF
Unified MMA — Legal throwing technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF
FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF
FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

Training Notes

Drill the lockdown foundation first (Bravo, 2006)

Common Mistakes

!Poor timing
!Not breaking base first

Related Techniques

Counter Techniques

Setup Chain

1Half guard → Lockdown → Twist Back Sweep → Top position

Sources & References

Primary Source

Mastering the Rubber Guard (Bravo, 2006)

1Book[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing.
2Citation[1] Bravo, E. with Krauss, E. and Cordoza, G. (2006). Mastering the Rubber Guard: Jiu-Jitsu for Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Victory Belt Publishing.

[1] Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard (2006) — technique description and application

Community

Athletics

Good hip mobility

Lower body strength

Notes

The Twist Back Sweep is a 10th Planet sweep documented in Mastering the Rubber Guard — a sweep that uses rotational mechanics from half guard or rubber guard. (Bravo, Mastering the Rubber Guard, 2006)

Frequently Asked Questions

What grip do I need for the Twist Back Sweep?

You need an inside wheel clinch with one hand up and one hand on the inside of the bicep, according to Skyhook Martial Arts & Fitness. Bury your head to protect against wild punches and maintain solid control.

How do I force my opponent to step into the sweep?

Push your opponent with your elbow on the chest to prompt them to take a step, or alternatively pull the head while lifting the arm as if trying to put their shoulder into their ear, as demonstrated by Skyhook Martial Arts & Fitness.

What's the proper footwork for transitioning into the Twist Back Sweep?

Step to the outside of your opponent's pinky side, swing your leg back as you turn around, and bring them with you, according to Skyhook Martial Arts & Fitness. This footwork transition is important for the technique to work effectively.

How does the Twist Back Sweep work?

The Twist Back Sweep combines a twisting motion from half guard with a back-take attempt, sweeping the opponent when they resist the back exposure.

Where does the Twist Back Sweep come from?

Developed by Eddie Bravo for the 10th Planet system.

Is the Twist Back Sweep legal in competition?

IJF: legal — Legal throwing technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels; UWW: restricted — Legal in freestyle, banned in Greco-Roman (no leg attacks below waist); Unified MMA: legal — Legal throwing technique; ADCC: legal — Legal; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal

How dangerous is the Twist Back Sweep?

Danger rating 2/10. Positional reversal

How do I set up the Twist Back Sweep?

The standard setup chain: Half guard → Lockdown → Twist Back Sweep → Top position.

How do I defend against the Twist Back Sweep?

Standard counters include: Base out / Whizzer / Pass the half guard.

How effective is the Twist Back Sweep in competition?

Used in EBI and MMA competition

What are common mistakes when doing the Twist Back Sweep?

Top errors to watch for: Poor timing / Not breaking base first.

What are other names for the Twist Back Sweep?

The Twist Back Sweep is also known as Tsuisuto Bakku Suīpu, Twist Back, Twisting Sweep.