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Butterfly Sweep

Quick Introduction​

The butterfly sweep is the fundamental sweep from butterfly guard. Hooks under their thighs elevate and off-balance them while you fall to the side, creating an irresistible sweeping force. Works equally well in gi and no-gi, and is one of the most dynamic sweeps in BJJ.

Position Overview​

From: Butterfly Guard | Leads to: Mount, Side Control

Classic Butterfly Sweep (Double Underhooks)​

  1. Seated butterfly guard: both hooks inside their thighs, knees wide, feet active
  2. Establish double underhooks — hands clasp behind their back or grip their belt
  3. Pull them forward and close; their weight loads onto your hooks
  4. Choose sweep side (underhook side is stronger, or side where they're leaning)
  5. Fall to your side — NOT backward — landing on your shoulder
  6. As you fall, lift with the same-side hook, extending your leg explosively
  7. Pull with underhooks to prevent them posting; direct their fall
  8. Roll through to mount or side control

Key detail: The fall and the hook lift happen as ONE motion, not sequentially. Think teeter-totter — your body drops while your hook rises.

Collar/Sleeve Variation (Gi)​

Same-side collar grip + opposite sleeve. Collar breaks posture, sleeve prevents posting. Good for beginners since grips are easier to establish.

No-Gi Adjustments​

Double underhooks remain king. Without gi friction, execution must be faster and more explosive. Head position becomes critical — get your head on the underhook side.

Core Principles​

  1. Active hooks, not passive feet — constant upward pressure distinguishes a sweep from just sitting
  2. Fall to the side — backward fall has no sweeping angle; sideways creates rotation
  3. Load their weight first — pull them forward before attempting; can't sweep someone leaning away
  4. Grips prevent posting — the sweep fails the moment a hand hits the mat
  5. One coordinated motion — fall and lift simultaneously, not step by step

Common Mistakes​

MistakeFix
Passive hooks (feet just resting)Active upward pressure; think "lifting," not "touching"
Falling straight backwardFall to your side, toward their centerline
No forward weight loadedPull them close and forward before sweeping
Sequential motion (fall, then lift)Fall and hook-lift happen simultaneously
Sweeping someone pulling awayIf they retreat, stand up or follow forward; don't chase

Next Steps​

  1. X-Guard Sweep - Natural transition when butterfly sweep is defended
  2. Butterfly Guard - Deepen your understanding of the position
  3. DLR Sweep - Alternative open guard system to add variety