Introduction to the Old School Sweep

The Old School Sweep is a fundamental half guard technique that has been a cornerstone of jiu-jitsu for decades. This sweep is essential for developing proper half guard mechanics and understanding basic positional transitions.

Establishing Half Guard Position

The practitioner begins in bottom half guard, maintaining a side-on posture rather than a flat position. This setup uses standard half guard positioning, excluding half butterfly and misu guard variations.

Securing the Underhook

The bottom player pummels their arm inside to secure a deep underhook, then pulls their opponent toward them. The goal is to position the head and shoulder underneath the opponent's hips, with the ear positioned near the belly button for maximum leverage.

Controlling the Leg

While maintaining the underhook, the bottom player uses their free hand to grab underneath the opponent's leg, keeping themselves positioned low. This hand placement provides essential control before transitioning to the foot.

The Leg Feed and Knee Drive

The bottom player releases the thigh grip and reaches underneath to grab the opponent's ankle or shin as far as possible, maximizing leverage. The ankle is then fed through to the hand that was holding the underhook, while the knee is brought up and the opposite foot posts on the mat.

Completing the Basic Sweep

By driving off the posted foot and switching the hips, the bottom player transitions into side control. This fundamental version serves as the foundation before addressing common defensive responses.

Defending Against the Arm Post

Experienced opponents commonly post their arm on the mat to prevent the initial sweep direction. The bottom player must anticipate this defensive reaction to execute the sweep successfully.

The Counter to the Arm Post

As the opponent posts their arm, the bottom player shifts their knee-cupping hand to the inside and redirects the opponent's weight onto the posted arm. This reversal allows the practitioner to complete the sweep in the opposite direction.

Guard Escape and Side Control Transition

After completing the sweep, the trapped leg requires a backstep with the knee to fully clear the half guard position. The practitioner immediately establishes side control with a cross-face grip and pressure to secure the dominant position.

Strategic Application

To maximize effectiveness, the practitioner should anticipate the opponent's arm post from the initial sweep attempt. By recognizing this defensive response, the counter-sweep becomes automatic, keeping the opponent one step behind throughout the technique.

Old School Sweep by Azamat Hamzathanov

BJJ Fanatics

Standard Old School

2 min read·10 key moments·PT4M54S video

Key Takeaways

•Introduction to the Old School Sweep
•Establishing Half Guard Position
•Securing the Underhook
•Controlling the Leg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about standard old school?

This video covers introduction to the old school sweep, establishing half guard position, securing the underhook. It provides detailed instruction from BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn standard old school?

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.