Introduction: The Waiter Sweep at IBJJF Pans

Tainan Dalpra executed an exceptional waiter sweep twice during his match against Andy Murasaki at the 2025 IBJJF Pan Championships. While the technique itself is not inherently complex, Dalpra's application featured sophisticated grip work and positional setups that made the sweep particularly effective. This instructional breakdown demonstrates how to integrate this high-level technique into one's own grappling arsenal.

Entry: Single Leg X Position Setup

Dalpra established the single leg X guard as his primary sweeping platform after transitioning from the Zayla Hiva position. Recognizing his opponent's strong headquarters passing style, Dalpra loaded his partner by placing his foot on the hip and stomping to create the single leg X. Rather than securing the traditional silver wrap, he immediately transitioned toward the underhook, signaling his intention to execute the waiter sweep.

Leg Trapping Mechanism: The Daily Heave Hook Variation

To execute the waiter sweep effectively, Dalpra needed to immobilize the backside leg. He accomplished this by threading his arm underneath the opponent's leg and gripping his own pants, creating a locked four-point box that prevents the leg from escaping. This variation allows greater shoulder mobility than attempting a traditional daily heave hook, which requires excessive hip mobility.

Transition to Waiter Position and Hip Placement

Once the opponent's leg was secured within the four-point box, Dalpra rotated his hips to position himself underneath his partner. He placed his leg underneath the opponent's thigh while simultaneously using his thumb to pressure the far side foot away from the mat. This positioning creates the mechanical advantage necessary to execute the sweep against a forward-leaning opponent.

Lapel Grip and Finishing Mechanics

Dalpra incorporated a lapel grip on the opposite side to generate downward pulling force and maintain control during the sweep execution. As he lifted his hips and chopped them toward the mat, this lapel grip pulled his opponent down while simultaneously assisting his own transition into a top passing position. The grip serves a dual purpose: both offensive sweep generation and defensive positional security.

Simplified Entry: Daily Heave Guard Variation

For practitioners not specializing in single leg X, the waiter sweep can be accessed more directly from the daily heave guard position. This simplified entry begins with securing the opposite collar while using a hand placement to control the near-side leg. The instructor demonstrates this accessible variation as an introduction point for those seeking to integrate the technique without extensive single leg X experience.

Leg Locking Method: Pants Grip vs. Shin Grip

From the daily heave guard, the practitioner must prevent the backside leg from escaping during the sweep setup. Two grip options exist: securing the shin, which creates maximum tightness but restricts shoulder mobility, or gripping the inside of the pants, which allows greater shoulder flexibility. The pants grip option provides sufficient control while maintaining the mobility needed for proper hip rotation.

Control and Elevation: Loading the Opponent

The practitioner uses both legs and both arms to pull the opponent's weight overhead toward the mat, forcing them to step over the elevated leg. Once the opponent's hands reach the mat, the practitioner positions the wrist underneath the opponent's leg to maintain control. Lifting the knee over the opponent's knee and creating slight additional elevation removes weight from the trapped leg, enabling the sweep finish.

Finish and Top Position Transition

The sweep completion involves pulling the thumb toward the ear while executing a bicep curl with the secured wrist to cut the proper angle. The practitioner extracts the lapel grip while lifting the hips and kicking the heels down to generate sweep momentum. This final sequence transitions the practitioner directly into a strong passing position with positional control.

Conclusion: The Waiter Sweep's Competitive Relevance

The waiter sweep has emerged as a critical technique in high-level jiu-jitsu competition, particularly demonstrated by Dalpra's multiple successful executions at the Pan Championships. Multiple variations and entry points make this technique accessible to practitioners of varying experience levels and guard specializations. Continued study of innovative applications from elite competitors ensures continued technical development and competitive effectiveness.

Learn The Waiter Sweep Tainan Dalpra Used To Win Pans

Paragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy Austin

Waiter Sweep

4 min read·10 key moments·PT5M5S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction: The Waiter Sweep at IBJJF Pans
•Entry: Single Leg X Position Setup
•Leg Trapping Mechanism: The Daily Heave Hook Variation
•Transition to Waiter Position and Hip Placement

Tainan Dalpra beat Andy Murasaki at the 2025 IBJJF Pan Championships with a crafty variation of the old school waiter sweep. Paragon Jiu-Jitsu Austin Head Instructor Corey Stockton breaks down the bjj technique, and how to add it to your bjj game here! #bjj #bjjtechnique #jiujitsu

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about waiter sweep?

This video covers introduction: the waiter sweep at ibjjf pans, entry: single leg x position setup, leg trapping mechanism: the daily heave hook variation. It provides detailed instruction from Paragon Jiu-Jitsu Academy Austin.

How long does it take to learn waiter sweep?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.