Master the fundamental BJJ Scissor Sweep from closed guard. Learn step-by-step instructions, key details, common mistakes, and effective variations to...
Sweep
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Beginner
The Scissor Sweep is a foundational Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique, primarily executed from the Closed Guard. It's a highly effective way to unbalance an opponent who is postured up, allowing you to reverse position and end up in a dominant top position. This sweep relies on disrupting your opponent's base using a combination of grips, hip movement, and leg mechanics.
Technique Map
graph LR
Sweep["Sweep"]:::catNode
Sweep --> Scissor_Sweep
Scissor_Sweep["Scissor Sweep"]:::currentNode
Scissor_Sweep -.-> Flower_Sweep["Flower Sweep"]:::relNode
Scissor_Sweep -.-> Hip_Bump_Sweep["Hip Bump Sweep"]:::relNode
Scissor_Sweep -.-> Pendulum_Sweep["Pendulum Sweep"]:::relNode
classDef currentNode fill:#06b6d4,stroke:#fff,color:#fff,font-weight:700
classDef relNode fill:#141926,stroke:#1f2840,color:#a78bfa
classDef catNode fill:#1f2840,stroke:#7c6af7,color:#7c6af7,font-style:italic
How to Execute
1
Grip Setup: From closed guard, establish strong grips: one hand on your opponent's sleeve (same side as the leg you'll sweep with) and the other hand on their collar or lapel.
2
Break Posture & Hip Escape: Break your opponent's posture forward by pulling on the collar and sleeve, then perform a slight hip escape to the side of your collar grip, creating an angle.
3
Scissor Leg Placement: Bring the knee of your sleeve-side leg (the one you'll sweep *under* them) across their belly or hip, with your shin making contact. This leg will "scissor" *under* their base.
4
Drive and Scissor: Simultaneously drive your knee (the one across their belly) forward while extending your other leg (the "top" leg) straight out, "scissoring" and pushing their arm/shoulder away.
5
Finish the Sweep: Continue driving and scissoring, pulling with your collar grip and pushing with your sleeve grip, until your opponent is swept onto their back.
6
Transition to Mount/Side Control: As they fall, release your bottom leg and immediately come up to a dominant top position, typically mount or side control, maintaining control of their arm or collar.
Key Details & Tips
1
Posture Break is Crucial: You must break your opponent's posture forward before attempting the sweep; sweeping a fully postured opponent is very difficult.
2
Hip Escape for Angle: A slight hip escape creates the necessary angle and space for your bottom leg to get across their body effectively.
3
Simultaneous Movement: The power of the sweep comes from the simultaneous action of pulling with your arms, driving with your bottom leg, and extending your top leg.
4
Maintain Grips: Don't let go of your grips too early; use them to control your opponent's posture and prevent them from recovering.
Variations
1
Scissor Sweep to Armbar: Often, after the sweep, if the opponent tries to post their arm to break their fall, it can be immediately transitioned into an armbar.
2
Scissor Sweep to Omoplata: If the opponent defends by basing out with the arm on the side you're sweeping, you can transition the leg that was driving across their belly into an omoplata.
3
Scissor Sweep from Open Guard: While primarily a closed guard sweep, similar leg mechanics can be applied from certain open guard positions like DLR or Lasso.
When to Use
Best used from closed guard when your opponent is postured up, or attempting to posture up, making them vulnerable to being off-balanced. It is also effective when your opponent is trying to stand up, as their weight distribution is already high and unstable. Ideal when you can establish strong collar and sleeve grips and control their posture.
Counters & Defenses
1
Posture Up Strongly: Maintaining a strong, upright posture makes it very difficult for the bottom player to break your balance and execute the sweep.
2
Base Wide & Post Leg: If swept, quickly widen your base and post your leg or hand to prevent falling completely, then regain balance and stand back up.
3
Underhook the Sweeping Leg: If the bottom leg comes across your belly, underhook it with your arm to prevent the scissor action and maintain your base.
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: What is the most common mistake when attempting the Scissor Sweep?
The most common mistake is not breaking your opponent's posture sufficiently before attempting the sweep. If they are postured upright, their base is strong, and it becomes very hard to off-balance them. Always pull them forward first!
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