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Butterfly GuardBottom
IntermediateX-Guard Entry Sweep
Taught by:Andre GalvaoCraig JonesGordon RyanJohn DanaherKeenan CorneliusLachlan GilesMarcelo GarciaMikey MusumeciNathan MerkleRob Biernacki
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About This Technique
X-Guard Entry Sweep
The X-Guard Entry Sweep is an advanced technique often used by grapplers to off-balance and sweep an opponent to gain a dominant position or advance in rank. It is a fluid movement that transitions smoothly from the guard to a high-control position.
Possible Position:
- Butterfly Guard
- Open Guard
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Starting in Butterfly Guard:
- Begin in the butterfly guard position, with each hook (foot) placed on the inside of your opponent's thighs. Your arms should be controlling your opponent's wrists or lapels.
-
Create Off-Balance:
- Use your arms to pull the opponent forward, simultaneously kicking upwards and outwards with your hooks. This disrupts their balance.
-
Transition to X-Guard Entry:
- As your opponent comes forward, shift your body to one side, choosing which leg of your opponent you're going to x-guard.
- Hook your lower leg deeply around the opponent's thigh, placing your foot at their hip.
- Slide your upper leg under their other thigh, similar to when setting the initial butterfly hook.
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Finalizing the X-Guard Position:
- Secure the X-Guard by ensuring your legs form an 'X' around one of your opponent's legs, with control of both of your opponent's feet or ankles.
- Your inside arm should grip their outside ankle, and your shoulder should be underneath their leg.
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Executing the Sweep:
- Use your outside leg (the one hooked behind your opponent's knee) to lift and elevate their leg.
- Pull the ankle you've gripped with your inside arm towards you while simultaneously pushing with your hips.
- This combination of pulling at the ankle and pushing elevates your opponent, making them unsteady and eventually toppling them over.
- Once your opponent tips over, ensure control, typically transitioning to a knee-on-belly or side control position.
-
Establish a Dominant Position:
- Secure your grips on the opponent's upper body or belt to maintain control and prevent them from regaining a defensive position.
- Move efficiently to assume a more advantageous position such as the mount or side control.
Perfecting the X-Guard Entry Sweep requires practice and understanding of balance and leverage. Over time, it becomes an invaluable tool in a practitioner's arsenal to disrupt, control, and dominate their opponents.
How to Execute
# X-Guard Entry Sweep from Butterfly Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details:**
- Begin in the seated Butterfly Guard position with your opponent in front of you.
- Your legs should be bent, and your feet are positioned on the inside of your opponent's thighs.
- **Grips and Controls Needed:**
- Establish an underhook on one side of your opponent, reaching deeply and securing their shoulder.
- Use your other hand to grip your opponent’s sleeve or wrist on the opposite side to control their posture and limit their movement.
## Steps
1. **Control and Elevate:**
- Use your underhook to pull your opponent forward, disrupting their balance.
- Simultaneously, use your butterfly hook (inside foot) to lift your opponent slightly off the ground.
2. **Insert the X-Guard Hook:**
- As your opponent's weight shifts forward, slide your body underneath them.
- Insert your far leg, creating a hook behind your opponent's near leg (around their thigh area).
3. **Transition to X-Guard:**
- Use your underhook to maintain control while you transition.
- Replace your initial butterfly hook with your other foot, placing it on the opponent’s hip or thigh, ensuring you have both legs in the correct X-Guard position.
4. **Sweep Execution:**
- Elevate your opponent with your hooks, shifting their weight onto their hands.
- Push with the foot on their hip and pull with your other hook to off-balance them sideways.
- Simultaneously, use your grip on their sleeve or wrist to guide them in the direction of the sweep.
5. **Complete the Sweep:**
- As your opponent loses balance, follow through by turning your hips and using your grips to guide them to the ground.
- Use the momentum to come up on top, transitioning to a dominant position like side control or mount.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember:**
- Maintain tight control with the underhook to prevent your opponent from regaining posture.
- Ensure your hooks are active and properly placed to effectively off-balance your opponent.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid:**
- Failing to pull your opponent forward enough with the underhook, which can result in ineffective off-balancing.
- Allowing your opponent to break your grips or posture, which can lead to a stalled or countered sweep.
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