Entry to X-Guard Position

The X-guard can be established from mount escape or half guard by hooking the opponent's leg, kicking, and pulling them 90 degrees. Once in position, controlling the opponent's leg is critical to prevent them from stepping over and escaping or taking the back.

Leg Control and Pressure Maintenance

The practitioner should maintain constant upward pressure on the opponent's leg by keeping their ear tucked against the shin and controlling high on the thigh. If pressure is released, the opponent can step over to escape, so the grip must remain active throughout the technique.

First Sweep Setup: Leg Extension

From the X-guard position, the first sweep begins by kicking both legs straight out to spread the opponent wide. This creates space to slide the lower foot down to the opponent's Achilles tendon while maintaining constant upward pressure.

Achilles Pressure and Hip Drive

Constant pressure must be maintained on the opponent's Achilles with the top of the foot to prevent them from lifting their leg and stepping backward. As pressure is applied, the practitioner drives their hips forward to complete the sweep.

Second Sweep: Heel Cup Position

The second sweep involves cupping the opponent's heel with the lower leg while the upper leg drives outward toward the floor. From this position, the practitioner can either sit up and drive forward with their knee or use their hand to lift the opponent's Achilles and drive underneath to advance position.

Hand Positioning and Space Creation

Once the opponent's Achilles is lifted upward, the practitioner drives their hand underneath to create space and transition past their leg. This timing is essential to complete the sweep smoothly from the elevated Achilles position.

X-GUARD: Sweep #1

BJJ Joe

X-Guard Sweep

2 min read·6 key moments·PT4M30S video

Key Takeaways

•Entry to X-Guard Position
•Leg Control and Pressure Maintenance
•First Sweep Setup: Leg Extension
•Achilles Pressure and Hip Drive

Kris Kim, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Black Belt under Tony Passos. Head Instructor for Yongsan BJJ at Trent Warrior Fitness Center, U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan, Seoul, Korea. Kris is also the BJJ coach for Team Posse MMA, Body and Seoul Martial Arts and United Forces BJJ, Republic of Korea. https://www.facebook.com/groups/kriskimbjj/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/YongsanGrappling/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/OsanBJJ/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/K6.BJJ/

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about x-guard sweep?

This video covers entry to x-guard position, leg control and pressure maintenance, first sweep setup: leg extension. It provides detailed instruction from BJJ Joe.

How long does it take to learn x-guard sweep?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 6-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.