Sickle Sweep BJJ: White Belt Guide

1. Establish a strong collar grip with your right hand, pulling your opponent's collar towards your chest. Simultaneously, establish a sleeve grip on their left sleeve with your left hand, keeping your elbow tight.
2. Lock your closed guard by placing your shins across your opponent's hips, ensuring your feet are interlocked behind their back. Keep your knees tight to prevent them from posturing up.
3. Shift your hips slightly to your right, creating a subtle angle away from your opponent. This off-centers their weight distribution.
4. Bring your left knee towards your chest, tucking it slightly inward. Your left foot should remain flexed.
5. Initiate the sweep by extending your right leg downwards and outwards, like a scythe. Your right foot should be pointed, aiming to hook behind your opponent's left ankle.
6. As your right leg sweeps, simultaneously push with your left foot against their hip and pull with your collar and sleeve grips. Your hips should be driving upwards and to your left.
7. Maintain hip contact and drive your opponent's weight over their supporting left leg. As they fall, your hips should rise to your knees, preparing to transition to mount or side control.

• Incorrect leg extension: Attempting to kick the opponent's leg forcefully without hip rotation can strain your knee ligaments (MCL/LCL) or hip flexors. The correct movement is a controlled sweep driven by hip elevation and rotation, not a kick.
• Over-extending the ankle/foot: Pointing the foot too aggressively or with a hyperextended ankle during the sweep can lead to ankle sprains or ligament tears. Maintain a neutral or slightly flexed ankle to protect the joint.
• Stiff-arming the opponent: Trying to create distance by rigidly extending your arms without engaging your core and hips can lead to shoulder impingement or elbow hyperextension. Instead, use your grips to control their posture while your hips and legs generate the sweep.

1. Solo Hip Rotation Drill: Lie on your back, practice the hip elevation and rotation motion without any resistance. Focus on the feeling of your hips lifting and turning. (50 reps)
2. Closed Guard Hip Escape and Sweep Motion: From closed guard, practice shifting your hips to the side and executing the leg sweep motion against an imaginary opponent. (50 reps per side)
3. Partnered Drill - No Resistance: Your partner lies on their back in your closed guard. Practice all the grips and the precise hip and leg movement of the Sickle Sweep without any resistance. Focus on timing and body mechanics. (10 reps)
4. Partnered Drill - Light Resistance (25%): Your partner offers minimal resistance, allowing you to execute the sweep motion. They will gently resist your hip movement and leg sweep. Focus on maintaining control and completing the sweep motion. (10 reps)
5. Partnered Drill - Moderate Resistance (50%): Your partner actively tries to prevent the sweep by posturing up or moving their hips. You must adjust your grips and hip drive to overcome this. Focus on proper weight transfer. (10 reps)
6. Live Rolling (75%-100%): Attempt the Sickle Sweep in live rolling scenarios. Start with lower intensity and gradually increase as your confidence and understanding grow. Focus on recognizing opportunities and executing the sweep with intent.

• WHEN TO ATTEMPT:
• When your opponent is postured slightly forward, making their weight distribution vulnerable.
• When your opponent's knees are relatively close together, limiting their base.
• When you have established strong, controlling grips on their collar and sleeve.

• PRIMARY COUNTERS:
• Stacking Pass: If the opponent feels the sweep coming, they can drive their hips forward and down, stacking their weight onto your chest. To counter this, tuck your chin, widen your base with your feet against their hips, and use your arms to push their head away to create space.
• Standing Up: If the opponent anticipates the sweep and quickly stands up, they will negate the leverage. In this scenario, immediately transition to an open guard or attempt to secure a leg for a takedown of your own, like a single-leg or double-leg.
• Controlling the Sweeping Leg: The opponent can attempt to grip your sweeping leg (e.g., ankle or shin) to prevent its motion. If this happens, use your free hand to break their grip or transition to a different sweep or submission, such as a triangle choke if they commit to defending.

黒帯インストラクターのステップ解説を見る：