X-guard Sweep
Sweep
The X-guard sweep destabilizes a standing or crouching opponent by controlling both legs from underneath, using lever-based mechanics to topple them and advance to a dominant position. It is used when you have established X-guard hooks beneath the opponent's base, typically after entries from single leg X, reverse De La Riva, or various seated and half guard positions.
Quick Reference
Key principles
- · Your two butterfly-style hooks (one behind the knee, one on the far hip/thigh) form an X that splits the opponent's base and controls their weight distribution.
- · Grip one ankle or heel tightly to prevent the opponent from stepping out and to serve as the pivot point for the sweep.
- · Elevate with your legs while pulling the trapped leg laterally to destroy their base in two planes simultaneously.
- · If the opponent posts or widens their stance, switch the sweep direction or transition to single leg X or technical standup to maintain offensive pressure.
- · Keep your hips directly underneath the opponent's center of gravity so your leg frames bear their weight efficiently.
Execution
- 1 From X-guard, secure a firm grip on the opponent's near ankle/heel with your outside hand while your hooks are positioned one behind the knee and one across the far hip.
- 2 Shift your hips slightly toward the trapped leg side, extend your hooks to elevate and off-balance the opponent forward and laterally.
- 3 Pull the ankle toward you and across your body while kicking your hooks in the opposite direction to topple them over your frame.
- 4 As the opponent falls, follow up immediately—come up to standing for a single leg finish, climb to mount, or circle to a leg drag position depending on how they land.
- 5 If the initial sweep is blocked by a wide post, retract your hips, re-angle underneath, and attack the opposite direction or transition to a technical standup with the ankle grip.
Common mistakes
- × Positioning hips too far away from under the opponent, which reduces lifting power and allows them to maintain base and disengage.
- × Neglecting the ankle grip or holding it loosely, letting the opponent simply step over and free their leg to re-establish posture.
- × Extending the legs to sweep without simultaneously pulling the ankle laterally, resulting in just lifting the opponent rather than actually displacing their base.
Do it from
Positions and situations where the X-guard Sweep shows up.
X-Guard Bottom
9 less common
Feet On Hips Guard
Inverted Guard
Knee Shield Half Guard Bottom
Reverse De La Riva Guard Bottom
Seated Guard
Shin-to-shin Guard Bottom
Single Leg X Bottom
Squid Guard
Kneebar Control
Chains into
Where to go next when the X-guard Sweep lands, or gets defended.
Where it lands
The position you end up in.
Mount Top
Standing Position
