How to Footsweep (SAMBO Techniques)
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Knee Push Sweep·Jeff Chan MMAShredded
In this video, @Sambo Fusion teaches in detail how to footsweep your opponent using Sambo techniques! Train like a f…
Knee Push Sweep
SubFamilyニー・Push・スイープ(Knee Push Sweep)
Translation: knee push sweep
Overview
The Knee Push Sweep from reverse De La Riva guard uses a push on the opponent's knee combined with hook control to off-balance them forward. [1]
Reverse DLR Knee PushKnee Tap Sweep
History & Origin
The Knee Push Sweep is a guard sweep detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach. [1]
Effectiveness
Effective guard sweep technique. [1]
Lineage
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guard methodology. [1]
Competition Record
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Guard sweep mechanics for knee push sweep
Joints Involved — Hips, legs for the sweeping motion
Position & Entry
From guard — Execute the knee push sweep
Variants
Not yet documented
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
2
Low2/10
Positional reversal technique
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
— no leg attacks below waist
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFLegal
— 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— ADCC — Legal
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Drill timing with a partner (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
Common Mistakes
!Poor timing
!Not breaking the opponent's base first
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Guard control → Break balance → Knee Push Sweep → Achieve top position
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro & Howell, 2008)
1Book[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
2Citation[1] Ribeiro, S. and Howell, K. (2008). Jiu-Jitsu University. Victory Belt Publishing. ISBN 978-0-9815044-3-8. Technical Editor: John Danaher.
description, historyOrigin: sourced from Ribeiro, S
Community
Athletics
Hip mobility
Timing
Core strength
Notes
The knee push sweep uses a push on the opponent's knee to create an angle for a sweep — combined with grip control and hip movement. A high-percentage open guard sweep. (BJJ instructionals; competition strategy)
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I time my sweep—as my opponent moves up or down?
You should sweep as your partner ascends, not as they descend. Timing the sweep on the way down creates a whiplash effect and concussion risk, whereas sweeping on the way up is safe and effective.
What's the correct foot contact for executing this sweep?
Make contact with your toes on the inside of your opponent's ankle while placing your knee on the outside, like a kicking motion. Think of it as kicking a soccer ball as hard as you can, with your elbow pointing down.
How does footwork apply to sweeping techniques?
Always move both feet together—if you move your first leg, your second leg moves too. Proper footwork, not just foot placement, is essential to making sweeps work effectively.
How does the Knee Push Sweep work?
The Knee Push Sweep from reverse De La Riva guard uses a push on the opponent's knee combined with hook control to off-balance them forward.
Where does the Knee Push Sweep come from?
The Knee Push Sweep is a guard sweep detailed in Saulo Ribeiro's systematic BJJ approach.
Is the Knee Push 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 Knee Push Sweep?
Danger rating 2/10. Positional reversal technique
How do I set up the Knee Push Sweep?
The standard setup chain: Guard control → Break balance → Knee Push Sweep → Achieve top position.
How do I defend against the Knee Push Sweep?
Standard counters include: Base out / Post with the hand / Pressure pass.
How effective is the Knee Push Sweep in competition?
Used in UFC and professional MMA competition
What are common mistakes when doing the Knee Push Sweep?
Top errors to watch for: Poor timing / Not breaking the opponent's base first.
What are other names for the Knee Push Sweep?
The Knee Push Sweep is also known as Knee Push Sweep, Reverse DLR Knee Push, Knee Tap Sweep.