Butterfly Sweep

Sweep
Also known as:
Tilt Sweep Hook Sweep Elevator Sweep Basic Butterfly Sweep Sumi Gaeshi Sweep

The butterfly sweep is a fundamental off-balancing technique where the bottom player uses a butterfly hook (instep behind the opponent's thigh) to elevate and tip the opponent over, landing in mount. It is most effective when the opponent's weight is driven forward or centered, making it available from numerous seated and open guard positions.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · Off-balance (kuzushi) the opponent diagonally forward before lifting—the hook elevates but the upper body controls the direction of the fall.
  • · Clamp the opponent's arm on the sweeping side to prevent them from posting and stopping the sweep.
  • · Drop to your shoulder on the non-sweeping side to create the angular momentum needed; you sweep sideways, not straight back.
  • · If the opponent resists by posting a leg wide, transition to the opposite-side hook sweep or switch to an arm drag or guillotine to re-break their posture.
  • · Keep your chest glued to the opponent's chest throughout—space between torsos kills the sweep.

Execution

  1. 1 From butterfly guard, establish a strong underhook on one side and control the opponent's far arm (overhook, wrist grip, or collar grip) to prevent posting.
  2. 2 Pull the opponent's weight forward and slightly toward the underhook side using your grips, breaking their posture so their base is compromised.
  3. 3 Simultaneously fall to the shoulder opposite your underhook side while elevating the same-side butterfly hook explosively, sweeping the opponent diagonally over you.
  4. 4 Follow the momentum, keeping chest-to-chest contact, and come up directly into mount with your hips heavy on the opponent.

Common mistakes

  • × Trying to lift the opponent straight up with the hook instead of falling to the side first—this requires far more strength and usually fails against heavier opponents.
  • × Failing to control the far arm, allowing the opponent to post a hand on the mat and completely nullify the sweep.
  • × Sitting upright with hips too far from the opponent, creating space that lets them flatten you out or disengage rather than being swept.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Butterfly Sweep shows up.

Butterfly Guard Bottom Butterfly Half Guard Bottom
5 less common
Closed Guard Bottom Double Sleeve Guard Feet On Hips Guard Overhook Control Shin-to-shin Guard Bottom

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Mount Top