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Open GuardBottom
IntermediateX-Guard Sweep
N/A
Taught by:Andre GalvaoCraig JonesGordon RyanJohn DanaherKeenan CorneliusLachlan GilesMarcelo GarciaMikey MusumeciNathan MerkleRob Biernacki
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About This Technique
X-Guard Sweep
The X-Guard Sweep is a highly effective grappling technique commonly used to off-balance and sweep an opponent, transitioning from a guard position to a more dominant position like side control or mount. X-Guard is a form of open guard that facilitates a variety of sweeps and is a pivotal part of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and no-gi grappling.
Position
- Position: Open Guard
- Top or Bottom: Bottom
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Entry into X-Guard:
- Begin in Butterfly Guard, seated with your legs inside your opponent's base.
- Secure grips: often a collar grip with your outside hand and a sleeve grip or ankle hold with your inside hand.
- Scoop underneath your opponent's base by falling to your shoulder, getting one leg underneath your opponent's shin, pressing up into their groin with your other knee.
- Elevate their leg, creating space to thread your feet into position: one foot hooks under their knee, the other extends behind their thigh, forming an “X” with your legs around theirs.
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Establish Control:
- Maintain balance by keeping your hips tight to your opponent's leg, ensuring your grips prevent them from stepping out or basing out over you.
- Hug your opponent’s leg close to your chest, ideally tightening your arm around their ankle.
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Execute the Sweep:
- Extend the leg that is hooking under your opponent's knee, elevating their leg while pulling with your hands to off-balance them.
- Utilize the hook behind their thigh to lift or tilt their hips backward, making them lose their balance.
- Simultaneously, transfer the weight onto your opposite shoulder and kick your other leg (the outside leg) forward to destabilize further.
- As your opponent begins to fall, maintain control by using your hand or arm to push their inner knee or body, ensuring their leg's direction leads to a controlled fall.
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Secure Dominant Position:
- Release your grips at the proper timing and follow them through, maintaining close contact.
- As they fall, use the momentum to sit up or transition to Side Control or Mount, immediately establishing hooks or chest-to-chest pressure.
- Control their hips and arms to minimize escape options, solidifying your superior position.
Additional Tips:
- Protect Your Balance: Keep your head low and stay tight, always anticipating their counter.
- Hands & Wrists: Consider using hooks with your hands for added pulling strength.
- Practice Entry: The entry into X-Guard requires smooth movement—repetition helps.
Japanese Name
- Japanese Name: N/A
The X-Guard Sweep is a versatile and powerful technique once mastered, offering extensive opportunities for control and domination in various grappling situations. Go slow through the steps initially, and refine coordination through drilling and live sparing."
How to Execute
# X-Guard Sweep from Open Guard
## Setup
- **Initial Position**: Start in an open guard position with your opponent standing in front of you.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**:
- Use your right arm to grip your opponent's left ankle.
- Control the sleeve of your opponent's opposite arm (left sleeve with your left hand).
- Use your legs to create distance and maintain control over your opponent's posture.
## Steps
1. **Enter the X-Guard**:
- Pull your opponent slightly forward using the sleeve grip while you shrimp your hips out to create space.
- Insert your left leg between your opponent's legs, hooking behind their knee with your left foot (inside hook).
- Use your right leg to hook behind your opponent's far leg (outside hook) at the knee or thigh, forming the "X" with your legs.
2. **Off-Balance Your Opponent**:
- Use your grips and leg hooks to off-balance your opponent forward or to the side.
- Elevate their leg slightly with your inside hook (left foot) to destabilize them.
3. **Execute the Sweep**:
- As your opponent becomes unbalanced, extend your inside hook (left leg) to elevate their leg further.
- Pull with your sleeve grip and simultaneously push with your outside hook (right leg) to direct your opponent's body to the side or forward, sweeping them over your body.
4. **Complete the Sweep**:
- As your opponent falls, follow the momentum by coming up on top.
- Release the grips and establish a secure top position, such as side control or mount, depending on the direction of the sweep.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Maintain strong grips throughout the technique to control your opponent's balance.
- Keep your legs active and engaged, using the hooks effectively to manipulate your opponent's posture.
- Timing is crucial; execute the sweep when your opponent is off-balance.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Losing control of the opponent's sleeve or ankle, which can lead to losing the position.
- Failing to off-balance your opponent properly before attempting the sweep.
- Not following through with the sweep, allowing your opponent to recover their balance.
By adhering to these instructions and focusing on the key points, you can effectively perform the X-Guard Sweep from the Open Guard position.
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