This week on Gracie Barra Blog we are looking at some closed guard sweep techniques.

Smaller, lighter Jiu-Jitsu players more often than not find themselves on the bottom. As a result of spending so much time fighting from their guard, their technique tends to be sharper than their heavier fellow students.

The closed guard sweep is one of the primary weapons of the lighter Jiu-Jitsu fighter and there are many variations to try.

Let’s take a look at some closed guard sweep videos by some of the top Gracie Barra instructors.

Scissors Sweep

This is often the first sweep beginners learn, and for good reason – it works! When the opponent postures up, move your hips out to the angle and use the power of your legs to hit the sweep.

The Flower Sweep

The best timing to hit this sweep is in the moment that your opponent steps up with his first foot. Gi or no-gi this is highly effective.

 

Pull feet sweep from standing

This is the strongest sweep to hit immediately when your opponent has stood up in your closed guard. Note how Prof. hips forward to complete the sweep and come to the top position.

Lapel choke to sweep

This technique creates the sweep through the lapel grip choke. The opponent must allow themselves to be swept to relieve the choking pressure.

 

Omoplata sweep

When your opponent counters your “Waiter Sweep” by turning their knee inside, you can transition to this Omoplata sweep.

 

What is YOUR favorite sweep technique?