The butterfly hook sweep is a fundamental sweep from butterfly guard, using an underhook and a lifting hook to elevate and overturn the opponent. It is a core open guard attack, providing a high-percentage path to top position or mount against both pressure and passing opponents.
Start
Butterfly guard
End
Top / mount
Prerequisites: Seated guard posture · Underhook entry · Hip scoot · Posting hand for base
Steps
1
Establish Seated Butterfly Guard
Sit upright with both feet as hooks inside opponent's thighs, knees flared, and maintain a straight back. Keep your hips close to the opponent's knees, and post one hand behind you lightly for base if needed.
2
Secure Underhook and Head Position
Reach your arm on the sweeping side to obtain a deep underhook, wrapping around their far-side waist or lat. Bring your head under their chin or to the far side of their chest to control posture.
3
Control Opposite Arm
With your non-underhook hand, grip the opponent’s far-side wrist or sleeve, or post your hand on the mat to prevent them from basing out during the sweep.
4
Load Opponent's Weight Forward
Use your underhook to pull the opponent’s torso forward and slightly over your butterfly hook. Simultaneously, scoot your hips underneath their center of gravity, keeping your chest connected to their ribcage.
5
Activate Butterfly Hook
Flex your sweeping-side foot (the butterfly hook) under their thigh, with your knee angled outward. Keep your shin in contact with their inner thigh for maximum lift.
6
Lift and Rotate
Drive off your non-sweeping foot, extend your butterfly hook upward and outward at a 45° angle, and use your underhook to elevate and rotate their far-side hip. Pull their upper body across your centerline as you lift.
7
Block Base and Finish Sweep
As they tip, use your grip or free hand to block their far arm from posting. Continue rotating your body and come up onto your elbow, then knee, following their momentum.
8
Establish Top or Mount
As you come on top, slide your knee across their beltline for mount, or settle into top half guard or side control depending on their defense. Keep your chest heavy and secure head/arm control immediately.
Key details most people miss
The sweep is most effective when you load their weight onto your butterfly hook before lifting—don't try to lift a fully-postured opponent.
Your underhook should be deep, with your shoulder driving into their armpit to prevent them from sprawling or cross-facing.
Angle your head to the far side of their body to prevent guillotine attempts and maximize leverage.
The lifting motion is not straight up, but a diagonal extension that combines elevation with rotation.
Common mistakes
If you attempt to sweep without first loading their weight forward, the opponent remains balanced and posts easily.
A shallow underhook allows them to sprawl or cross-face, killing your sweep and exposing your back.
Failing to block their far arm results in them posting and stopping the sweep mid-motion.
Trying to lift with just your leg instead of coordinating with your upper body results in weak elevation and wasted energy.
Counters & responses
They try: Opponent posts far arm to base out
You do: Switch to a double underhook sweep or transition to an arm drag as they post.
They try: Opponent sprawls heavy on your underhook
You do: Use your underhook to switch to a single leg or come up to dogfight position.
They try: Opponent cross-faces and flattens you
You do: Regain upright posture by framing with your free hand on their shoulder or biceps and hip escaping back to re-establish angle.
They try: Opponent drops hips to the mat, sitting back
You do: Transition to a shin-shin sweep or elevate for a technical stand-up if they disengage.
Drill prescription
Perform 5 rounds × 3 minutes each, alternating top and bottom, at 50% resistance. Goal: achieve 5 clean sweeps to mount or top position per round, with partner actively attempting to post or sprawl.
How the masters teach it
Marcelo Garcia
Emphasizes deep underhook and forward pressure to off-balance even larger opponents, with signature head positioning.
Marcelo Garcia Jiu-Jitsu
Lachlan Giles
Focuses on precise angle creation and combining the butterfly sweep with leg entries and back takes.