Overview of Double Leg from Seated Butterfly Guard

The double leg takedown from butterfly guard represents an underutilized method of changing levels against an opponent. This technique adds vertical and directional threat diversity to the standard butterfly guard sweep and submission arsenal, allowing practitioners to attack forwards, backwards, and vertically.

Weight Distribution Prerequisite

Success requires the opponent's weight to be positioned on their heels rather than forward. If the opponent leans into the guard, the level change encounters excessive resistance and should not be attempted.

Hand Tie-Up and Pulling Action

The practitioner initiates contact by tying up at the opponent's hands to prevent the opponent from establishing superior grips. A controlled pull is applied—either directly from the hand tie or through secondary grips like a biceps or collar tie—to create an action-reaction that draws the opponent forward.

Shooting Position and Leg Placement

When the opponent's weight shifts backward onto their heels, the shooter plants the hand and sweeps the legs laterally out of the shooting path. This lateral leg movement simultaneously creates an optimal shot angle and clears space to drive upward to the knees.

Capturing the Leg

The practitioner rises with a low posture, keeping the head close to the opponent's hip line. Both arms wrap around the captured leg: the outside arm circles behind the opponent's lower leg (not high near the buttocks), while the inside arm controls the far side of the leg to maintain pressure if the opponent attempts to sprawl.

Hip Pressure and Foot Positioning

The practitioner places the toes on the mat rather than keeping the knees down, then rotates the hips into the opponent while lifting the front knee off the floor. This hip rotation generates pressure on the opponent's hip joint and overcomes resistance that would occur from a stationary knee-down position.

Settling into Top Position

Once the hips are engaged, the practitioner walks forward to settle the opponent onto their back. From this secured top position, the practitioner can transition from hip control to head control and establish a dominant cross-side position.

Double Leg from Seated Butterfly Guard (No Gi BJJ)

Brian Glick

Seated Butterfly Guard

2 min read·7 key moments·PT4M16S video

Key Takeaways

•Overview of Double Leg from Seated Butterfly Guard
•Weight Distribution Prerequisite
•Hand Tie-Up and Pulling Action
•Shooting Position and Leg Placement

Double Leg from the Seated Butterfly Guard: in jiu-jitsu, most people focus on using the butterfly guard either to sweep a partner or to submit them. They overlook the important skill of getting up to the knees, a level change which allows you a clean shot at the double leg. Here we focus on the transition from seated butterfly guard - where we usually work from the guard - up to the knees, where we can advance proactively into very effective attacks. Not only can you change the dynamic of your attacks using this skill, but you can add a new dimension as well: a powerful forward motion that threatens your partner’s base and can put them down on their back. Using the s-position method as we do here, you’ll find that you head is already aligned with your partner’s hip - making the double leg much easier to hit from the knees than from standing. Note the deep grips we use around the base of the legs and the head position across to the far hip. === PLEASE CHECK OUT ⬇️ 🚨 INSTAGRAM: http://www.instagram.com/bzglick 🚨 FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/bzglick 📹 VIDEOS @ THEDOJO.COM : https://bit.ly/glick_thedojo 🥋 GI/NO GI: https://shoyoroll.com/ 🙇🏻 BROOKLYN BJJ: https://www.brooklynbjj.com

Related Techniques

Reclined Butterfly Guard Single Butterfly Hook

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about seated butterfly guard?

This video covers overview of double leg from seated butterfly guard, weight distribution prerequisite, hand tie-up and pulling action. It provides detailed instruction from Brian Glick.

How long does it take to learn seated butterfly guard?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.