BJJ Butterfly Guard: Sweeps, Hooks & Submissions

Contents

What is Butterfly Guard?

Butterfly guard uses both feet hooked inside the opponent's thighs ('butterfly hooks') while you sit upright in front of them. It's a dynamic guard that excels for sweeping, back takes, and arm drags — especially in no-gi.

Core Butterfly Guard Techniques

Technique	Key Entry	Finish
Butterfly Sweep	Underhook + hook lift	Roll opponent over the hook
Arm Drag	Two-on-one, pull elbow	Take the back
Double Underhook Sweep	Both underhooks, posture forward	Lift and roll to mount
X-Guard Entry	Slide under, extend both hooks	Sweep or leg attack
Inside Heel Hook (no-gi)	Butterfly hook → knee reap	Heel hook finish

Butterfly Guard in Gi vs No-Gi

Butterfly guard adapts well to both. In gi, you can use sleeve/collar grips to break posture before sweeping. In no-gi, arm drags and front headlock entries are more common. Many elite no-gi grapplers use butterfly as their primary guard.

Common Mistakes

Don't lay flat — butterfly guard requires a seated, upright posture. Keep your hooks active and changing levels. Grips must connect before attempting sweeps or you'll be passed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is butterfly guard good for beginners?

Yes — it's relatively simple, teaches good hip movement, and is applicable in both gi and no-gi. The basic sweep is one of the first guards beginners should learn.

What's the best submission from butterfly guard?

The arm drag to back take leads to the rear naked choke. Direct submissions from butterfly are less common — it's primarily a sweeping and back-take guard.

How do I stop someone from passing butterfly guard?

Constantly adjust your hooks, use the arm drag when they lower their head, and transition to other guards (half guard, single leg X) when pressure gets heavy.