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Helicopter Sweep: A Comprehensive Guide

The helicopter sweep is a dynamic and visually stunning technique often executed from the open guard, especially when the opponent is standing or in a combat base posture. This technique effectively leverages the momentum and strength of the practitioner's legs to sweep the opponent, landing you in a dominant top position, typically mount.

Japanese Name:

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Position:

Open Guard

When to Use:

The helicopter sweep is most advantageous when your opponent is standing or assuming a combat base, and they haven't completely pinned your hips down.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Initiating the Guard
- Sit back and keep a strong open guard with your feet on your opponent's hips. Maintain wrist grips on both arms for control.
Position Your Opponent
- Slightly extend your legs to push your opponent back and create space. Aim to control their balance by pulling with your grips.
Establish the Underhook
- Use your legs' tension to bring your opponent towards you and shoot one hand under one of their legs for an underhook.
Set the Angle
- Shrimp slightly to one side (the side opposite the leg you've underhooked) to create an angle.
Position Your Guard
- Move your other foot from their hip to the crook of their underhooked leg and maintain your balance.
Executing the Sweep
- Using the underhooked leg as an axis, rotate your opponent while lifting your hips, using your legs' strength to guide their trajectory. Your free foot should kick upwards to aid in creating the necessary spin.
Finalize the Transition
- As they are elevated and rotated, guide their momentum into a sweeping arc while following through with your grips.
Secure a Dominant Position
- As your opponent flips over, maintain your grip and leverage the momentum to move into mount.
Establish Control
- Once mounted, retain a high posture and establish control by consolidating your base, preparing for subsequent attacks or transitions.

Tips for Successful Execution:

Timing is Critical: Wait for moments when your opponent leans their weight forward or is already in motion to exploit their balance vulnerability.
Precision in the Grip: Ensure your grips are firm and your underhook is tight to guide the opponent effectively.
Practice the Spin: The legs' motion is crucial for generating the necessary torque, so practice smooth circular motions.

The helicopter sweep is not only effective but can serve as an exciting addition to your BJJ arsenal, offering both tactical advantage and style.

How to Execute

# Helicopter Sweep from Open Guard

## Setup
- **Initial Position Details:** 
  - Begin in the open guard position with your back on the mat. Your opponent is kneeling in front of you.
  - Your hips should be mobile, allowing you to pivot and adjust positioning as needed.

- **Grips and Controls Needed:**
  - Establish a cross collar grip with one hand. If your opponent is in front of you, your right hand should grip their left collar.
  - Use your other hand to grip the opponent’s same-side sleeve near the wrist.
  - Your feet should be on your opponent’s hips, providing a point of control and leverage.

## Steps
1. **Create an Angle:**
   - Shrimp slightly to the side of your sleeve grip to create an angle. This opens a path for your leg to move freely.
   - Use your foot on the hip to help pivot your body.

2. **Insert the Hook:**
   - Bring the same-side leg (as your collar grip) across your opponent’s body, inserting your hook underneath their far-side armpit.
   - Simultaneously, ensure your other leg remains on the hip for control.

3. **Lift the Opponent:**
   - Using the hook under their armpit and the foot on their hip, lift your opponent slightly off their base.
   - Pull with the collar grip to help destabilize their posture.

4. **Execute the Sweep:**
   - As you lift your opponent, shift your hips and extend your leg on the hip to help turn their body.
   - Use your collar grip to pull and guide your opponent’s upper body while pushing with your leg.
   - Your goal is to rotate your opponent over your head, completing the helicopter motion.

5. **Finish in Mount Position:**
   - As your opponent flips over, maintain control of their sleeve and collar to prevent them from escaping.
   - Follow their motion and land in the mounted position, ensuring you stabilize your balance and control.

## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember:**
  - Maintain a strong grip on both the collar and sleeve throughout the technique to control your opponent’s posture and balance.
  - Use your hips and legs actively to generate the lift and rotation needed for the sweep.

- **Common Mistakes to Avoid:**
  - Failing to create an angle with your hips may result in insufficient leverage to lift your opponent.
  - Not controlling both the sleeve and collar can lead to your opponent regaining balance or escaping during the sweep.
  - Overcommitting with your body weight can result in losing position if the sweep fails; maintain control and readiness to adjust if necessary.

helicopter sweep

About This Technique