Technique Overview
The butterfly guard sweep involves opening the opponent's knees while controlling both ankles, similar to a double ankle sweep from closed guard. The instructor notes this sweep is underutilized despite its effectiveness across weight and skill levels.
Setup Mechanics
The sweep is mechanically simple: the bottom player holds both of the opponent's ankles and drives the knees apart using hip and leg pressure. This creates an off-balance condition that forces the standing or sprawled opponent backward.
Single Leg X Guard Application
From single leg X guard position, the bottom player can transition to this sweep by hooking the opponent's leg, bringing it through, and then driving the knees open. This variant proves particularly effective because the opponent's weight distribution is already compromised by the X guard structure.
X Guard Variant
The sweep functions similarly from X guard, where the bottom player can switch leg configurations at any point to open the opponent's knees and complete the sweep. The same leg-lock entry opportunities available from X guard and single leg X guard remain accessible after this sweep execution.
Defense Resistance
Unlike the double ankle sweep from closed guard where defenders can kick their legs out, this sweep proves more difficult to defend when the hooking shin remains above the opponent's knee. Defenders cannot effectively close their knees or return to their hips when the hooks are positioned correctly.
Difficulty and Execution
The primary challenge lies in proper stand-up technique after initiating the sweep rather than the sweep mechanics themselves. Maintaining ankle control and executing a controlled base transition ensures the sweep completes successfully despite defensive scrambling attempts.
The EASIEST and BEST Sweep From Butterfly Guard
Key Takeaways
- •Technique Overview
- •Setup Mechanics
- •Single Leg X Guard Application
- •X Guard Variant
THE EASIEST AND BEST SWEEP FROM BUTTERFLY GUARD // In this video I go over s simple and effective sweep from the butterfly guard that is often over looked. People tend to use more traditional sweeps and this is seen as basic, but it WORKS. My Open Guard Engagement Instructional - https://bjjfanatics.com/products/basics-to-advanced-open-guard-engagement-by-aaron-benzrihem My Low Knee Shield Instructional - https://bjjfanatics.com/collections/all/products/basics-to-advanced-the-low-knee-shield-by-aaron-benzrihem My Leg Drag Instructional - https://bjjfanatics.com/products/basics-to-advanced-the-leg-drag-by-aaron-benzrihem My Half Butterfly instructional - https://bjjfanatics.com/products/basics-to-advanced-the-half-butterfly-guard-by-aaron-benzrihem Here are some of my other videos: BLACK BELT - MY JOURNEY - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhqhB44Ow6o&t=30s Armbar Escape #1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xh2iJGUS-NQ&t=33s SLOW Down Wrestlers - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXGL7J0KB3w&t=190s Back Take Side Control - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIalRUMOcMY Chokes From Side/Back - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5mRr1MZI0k&t=19s Deep De La Riva Guard Basics and Control - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIgqc2Aoj4Q&t=18s Lasso Guard Basics - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MhUwxGZ5VWU&t=78s Lasso Guard To Single Leg X - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNSoWOWvaWw&t=5s Lasso To Single Leg X With Igor Feliz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ni4283s_sEY No Gi Reverse De La Riva Roadmap - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNVY-_dqEjQ No Gi De La Riva Roadmap - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJ3L29puv0k&t=297s Simple and Effective No Gi Pass - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Syu6NTL3Gz4&t=42s Berimbolo To Leg Drag - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8utl1X_D5AQ SIMPLIFYING The Berimbolo - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zqn0YNUQJ2M&t=2s Inverted Arm Lock Variations From Half Butterfly Guard - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqRHmIdHDyI Half Butterfly Guard Control Principles - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iSd9Okk8go&t=185s I am a Marcelo Garcia Brown Belt, Bernardo Faria Academy Instructor and avid Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitor. Thanks for visiting my channel! Don't forget to LIKE & SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE! OSS!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about butterfly guard sweep?
This video covers technique overview, setup mechanics, single leg x guard application. It provides detailed instruction from Aaron Benzrihem bjj.
How long does it take to learn butterfly 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.
What are the key details for finishing butterfly guard sweep?
Unlike the double ankle sweep from closed guard where defenders can kick their legs out, this sweep proves more difficult to defend when the hooking shin remains above the opponent's knee. Defenders cannot effectively close their knees or return to their hips when the hooks are positioned correctly.
