BJJ <strong>Butterfly <strong>Guard</strong></strong>: Hooks, Sweeps and Back Takes
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 1 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Master BJJ butterfly guard: hook placement, body lock, elevator sweep, seatbelt and back take entries.
Butterfly guard is a seated guard using inside hooks on both legs. It is one of the most effective no-gi guards and transitions naturally to body lock sweeps, back takes and single leg attacks.
Contents
Butterfly Guard Setup
- Sit up close to the opponent — don't lay back.
- Insert both hooks inside the opponent's legs.
- Fight for the underhook — this is the key grip for sweeps and back takes.
- Keep a tight collar tie or head control to prevent them from posturing up.
Butterfly Guard Attacks
| Attack | Type | Key Setup |
|---|---|---|
| Elevator sweep | Sweep | Underhook + fall to side |
| Body lock sweep | Sweep | Two-on-one hook + body lock |
| Back take | Transition | Underhook + push to sit |
| Arm drag | Transition | Two-on-one to back exposure |
Passing Butterfly Guard
- Pass butterfly by removing one hook at a time — not both simultaneously.
- Stack and smash: drive forward, flatten the hooks out.
- Sit through: step over one hook, smash the other to half guard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is butterfly guard in BJJ?
Butterfly guard is a seated guard where both feet are placed inside the opponent's legs as hooks. The hooks create a lifting platform for sweeps and control for back takes.
Is butterfly guard better in gi or no-gi?
Butterfly guard is highly effective in both, but it is especially popular in no-gi because it doesn't rely on grips — it uses body positioning and inside hooks.
What is the butterfly sweep?
The butterfly sweep (elevator sweep) uses one hook to lift the opponent's leg while falling to the same side and using an underhook to roll them over.