BJJ Butterfly Guard Sweeps
BJJBJJ App Team·⏱️ 2 min read·🔄 Mar 31, 2026
☰Contents
Master BJJ butterfly guard sweeps: the basic lift, hook sweep, Homer Simpson, and why butterfly guard works equally well in gi and no-gi.
Contents
Why Butterfly Guard Works Everywhere
Butterfly guard is one of the few guards that works equally well in gi and no-gi — it uses underhooks and hooks, not cloth grips. Developed and mastered by Marcelo Garcia, butterfly guard is the entry point to half guard, single leg X, and back takes.
Butterfly Guard Setup
- Hooks: Both feet inserted under their thighs with heels facing the floor
- Underhook or overhook: Underhook gives more control; overhook creates different angles
- Head position: Keep your head tight against theirs — this prevents their posture and makes sweeping easier
Butterfly Sweeps
| Sweep | Direction | Key Trigger |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Hook Sweep | Toward them (they post) | Lift one hook, drive underhook shoulder |
| Double Underhook Lift | Straight back (both hooks) | Grab both sleeves/wrists, lift simultaneously |
| Homer Simpson | Away (they lean forward) | Fall to side, extend hooks to roll them over |
| Back Take (over/under) | Behind them | Underhook + hook, limp arm to back |
💡 Marcelo Garcia's secret: The butterfly guard works because you're lifting their center of mass — their hips. Control their hips with your hooks and you control everything above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is butterfly guard good in no-gi?
Butterfly guard is one of the best no-gi guards. It doesn't rely on cloth grips — underhooks and hooks create the same control. Marcelo Garcia dominated world-class no-gi competition using butterfly exclusively.
How do I prevent the butterfly guard sweep?
Post your foot (base), sprawl slightly, or strip the underhook. The butterfly sweep works by destabilizing base — if you maintain wide, low base, the hook lift is ineffective.
What is the best entry to butterfly guard?
Pull butterfly from standing, recover butterfly when someone stands in your guard, or transition from half guard when they flatten you. The DLR hook can also transfer into butterfly as they step through.