Introduction to Closed Guard Sweeps

Eli Knight presents the most practical and frequently used sweeps from closed guard position. These techniques are determined by the opponent's energy, body structure, posture, and weight distribution. Understanding these variables allows the practitioner to select the appropriate sweep for each situation.

The Shoulder Smash Sweep

When the opponent drives forward with shoulder pressure, space opens on the opposite side of the body. The defender opens their guard, hips out to create angle, wraps a hand between the chests, hooks under the opponent's leg, and swims underneath the arm. The sweep is executed by lifting from an angled side position rather than flat on the back, driving the opponent over the leg.

The Posture Break and Pull Away Sweep

When the opponent regains posture and pulls away to create distance, the defender opens their guard and transfers their arm to the opposite side of the opponent's head, controlling the elbow to prevent base placement. The defender drops the outside leg and drives sideways off the supporting foot to achieve the top position.

The Scissor Sweep with Grip Variations

When the opponent maintains a neutral position with space between both bodies, the defender establishes control via collar and sleeve grips, or alternatively via back-of-neck and elbow control. After hipping out and positioning the leg across the opponent's chest with the knee near their sternum, the defender pulls the opponent over their center of base before executing the scissor action.

Common Scissor Sweep Mistake

A frequent error is attempting the sweep with leg action alone. The sweep's effectiveness requires pulling the opponent forward over their base with the upper body while maintaining control, creating the conditions for the leg scissors to function. Only after achieving this positioning should the practitioner execute the scissor action and hip escape to the top.

The Pendulum Sweep Setup

The pendulum sweep often emerges from attempted submissions such as armlocks or triangles. When attempting to hook the opponent's head while transitioning to an armlock, if the opponent ducks their head and the defender cannot secure the hook, the opponent may attempt to stack and smash. This creates the opportunity to execute the pendulum.

Pendulum Sweep Execution

The defender balances the opponent on their hamstring by pulling them upward, then cuts the back leg underneath the opponent's body while scooping their leg. The leg clears completely through as the opponent is pulled across and over, concluding in the top position. Proper balance and leverage allow the defender to manage significant weight differences.

Pendulum Sweep Against the Pass Attempt

When the opponent attempts to scoop and pass the legs laterally, the defender hops their hips perpendicular to escape the opponent's spine alignment. This action creates a dead zone where the defender can pull the opponent onto their hamstring, then execute the pendulum sweep across the body. The key is repositioning before the opponent establishes the pass.

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

Knight Jiu-Jitsu

Goes Guard Push Sweep

3 min read·8 key moments·PT7M50S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to Closed Guard Sweeps
•The Shoulder Smash Sweep
•The Posture Break and Pull Away Sweep
•The Scissor Sweep with Grip Variations

More detailed instruction on Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu Understanding and executing sweeps can be a tricky thing in the beginning...and well after, too. These are possibly the most important sweeps to learn early on, partly because the remain useful and high-percentage, and partly because the are rich in principles that govern all sweeping techniques. There are multiple variations of these, and hundreds of sweeps from various guards. I focus in this video on these closed guard sweeps only: 1. Elevator Sweep 2. Hip Bump Sweep 3. Scissor Sweep 4. Pendulum Sweep These are great sweeps by themselves or when combined with each other, other sweeps or certain complementary submissions. Thank you for your continued support through watching and subscribing. Turn on those notifications to know as soon as I post! Hundreds more class instruction videos at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu & BJJ Fanatics. Become a member of this channel for exclusive class videos not available for free. Super cheap cost for access to lots of exclusive content. • Exclusive Class Content at Patreon.com/KnightJiuJitsu • BJJ Fanatics Instructionals here: https://tinyurl.com/y4ujekp6 • T-Shirts available here: tinyurl.com/wzu6ufb • Instagram @knight_jiu_jitsu_ • TikTok @knightjiujitsu

Related Techniques

Goes Guard Switch Sweep

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about goes guard push sweep?

This video covers introduction to closed guard sweeps, the shoulder smash sweep, the posture break and pull away sweep. It provides detailed instruction from Knight Jiu-Jitsu.

How long does it take to learn goes guard push sweep?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.