BJJ Blueprint Series : 3 Essential Sweeps Every Jiu-Jitsu Beginner Should Know

In this video, the instructor breaks down three fundamental sweeps that every beginner should master in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. These sweeps use your opponent’s momentum against them and can help improve your guard game significantly.

1. The Butterfly Sweep

• Key Concepts:

• Prevent your opponent from posting with their free hand.

• Create an angle—being square makes the sweep harder.

• Execution:

• If your opponent pressures forward, move to a 45-degree angle instead of staying square.

• Fall to your side and use your bottom foot to adjust.

• Lift and rotate your opponent, transitioning into a dominant position.

• Bonus: This sweep can set up attacks like the Darce choke.

2. The Hip Bump Sweep

• Key Concepts:

• Best performed when your opponent’s posture is already broken.

• Takes advantage of their natural movement when trying to posture back up.

• Execution:

• As they posture, pop up onto your elbow and drive with your hip.

• Aim to rotate them in a circular motion rather than just backward.

• If the sweep fails, you may have opportunities for a triangle, kimura, or other submissions.

3. The Lockdown Sweep from Half Guard

• Key Concepts:

• Use the “jaws of life” to create space and recover the underhook.

• Maintain control to prevent front headlocks and guillotines.

• Execution:

• Establish the lockdown and whip your opponent’s hips upwards.

• Keep control as you transition to an underhook and move to your side.

• Undo the lockdown with precise footwork and drive through with a knee tap for the finish.

• Pro Tip: Link your sweeps with guard passes to increase efficiency and reduce the risk of getting re-guarded.

These three sweeps lay the foundation for a strong guard game. If you want to explore these techniques further, check out the instructor’s instructional sets on BJJ Fanatics and their website.

If you’re ready to dive into the world of BJJ training, visit The Jiu-Jitsu Foundry at Damansara Utama/Uptown, Petaling Jaya, WhatsApp 011-11510501. Embrace the challenge, improve your skills, and discover how this exciting form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can transform your martial arts journey!