Flower Sweep
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About This Technique
Flower Sweep
The Flower Sweep, also known as "Pendulum Sweep," is a classic and highly effective technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is primarily executed from the closed guard position and is used to transition an opponent from the top to bottom, allowing you to gain the mount position.
Position: Closed Guard
Japanese Name: N/A
Top or Bottom?: Bottom
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Starting in Closed Guard
- Begin with your opponent in your closed guard, with your knees locked around their waist.
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Secure Sleeve and Collar Grip
- Use one hand to grip the sleeve of your opponent's opposite arm (ideally the one they aren't using to base) and the other hand to hold their collar or belt.
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Open Guard and Prepare Leg
- Open your guard by releasing the lock on your feet.
- Pivot your body slightly to your gripping side and plant the foot on that side on the mat, off to the side, to create a post.
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Control Posture
- Use the collar grip to pull your opponent forward, breaking their posture and setting them off-balance toward you.
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Hip and Leg Movement
- While maintaining your grips, lift your other leg (the non-posting side) off the mat and thread it underneath your opponent's armpit of the arm you didn't grip. This motion resembles a pendulum swing.
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Initiate the Sweep
- As the leg swings through and you generate momentum, use your hip to drive your opponent's shoulder diagonally and follow through.
- Pull with the sleeve to guide your opponent further in the sweeping motion.
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Finish in Mounted Position
- Continue the back-and-forth motion, elevating your hips and shoulders, flipping your opponent onto their back.
- You should land on top in a mounted position congruent with the momentum of the sweep.
Tips for Success
- Timing is Key: It’s essential to initiate this sweep just as your opponent is slightly forward. A well-timed tug on the sleeve and collar will disrupt their base.
- Use Leverage: The pendulum motion should be smooth but forceful enough to use your opponent’s body weight to your advantage.
- Adjust for Size: If your opponent is considerably heavier, threading your swinging knee directly under their armpit will maximize your leverage.
By mastering the Flower Sweep, grapplers can create surprising momentum shifts from deceptive, seemingly defensive positions, further controlling the momentum and energy of any grappling exchange.
How to Execute
Instructions for performing the Flower Sweep from Closed Guard Position in BJJ
The Flower Sweep, also known as Pendulum Sweep, is a very effective move in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that allows you to transition from a defensive position (Closed Guard) to a dominant position (Mount).
Step 1: Start in Closed Guard
Start off in the Closed Guard position. This means you are on your back with your opponent between your legs. Your legs are wrapped around your opponent's torso and your feet are crossed behind their back.
Step 2: Secure Your Grip
Reach up and secure a grip on your opponent's opposite arm. If you're reaching with your right hand, grab their left arm at the sleeve. This will prevent them from posting out and blocking the sweep.
Step 3: Reach for the Pant Leg
With your free hand, reach for the pant leg on the same side of the opponent's body. It is crucial to grab towards the end of the pant leg near the ankle to control their leg movement.
Step 4: Open Your Guard
Uncross your legs and open your guard. This will give you the space you need to perform the sweep.
Step 5: Shift Your Hips
Shift your hips to the side, the same side where you're holding the pant leg. This hip movement is an essential part of the sweep and provides the necessary momentum.
Step 6: Kick Your Leg
Kick your leg (the one on the same side where you're holding the pant leg) upwards and towards the direction of the arm you're controlling. The combined force of the hip shift and leg kick will off-balance your opponent.
Step 7: Roll to Mount
As your opponent begins to fall, use the momentum to roll yourself on top of them, ending up in the mount position.
Step 8: Establishing Control
Once you're in the mount position, establish control by securing your base and grips.
Remember, the key to a successful Flower Sweep is timing, leverage and using your opponent's momentum against them. Practice this move consistently to increase your success rate during sparring or competitions.