Teaching #701
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 10/09/2017
As our usual nogi teacher is away at the moment, I decided to take the opportunity to share some material from the Dan Strauss seminar I went to yesterday (I'll get the write-up done at some point, but as I've got about six seminars to write up, may be a while ;D). When they underhook against your butterfly guard, bring your arm underneath and move round to their shoulder. Reach through for the whizzer, hooking your hand over their other arm (not under and around the tricep, but over the top of the arm). With your free hand, pull their same arm by grasping their wrist, yanking it to your hip. You can then switch from your hold on the wrist to grab their elbow.
Put your hooking foot close to their knee, in order to avoid lifting up into the groin: along with being painful, that will just lift them up, not knock them over. If you need more leverage for the sweep, push with your other foot just above their other knee, like the push sweep follow up to a scissor sweep. You can enter this same position from half guard, when they get an underhook on you. Shrimp out, then establish your butterfly hook and overhook at the sake time. With a gi, it can be even stronger, as then you can anchor your whizzer on their collar.
________________
Teaching Notes: I don't often teach nogi, but there is lots of other shoulder clamp type stuff I want to practice. It's good to have the opportunity to teach smaller classes too, rather than the 15-25 that come to my sessions downstairs. Teaching large classes is a different skill set to small ones, plus the atmosphere is different, particularly in a smaller room too. Downstairs is open to the rest of the gym, upstairs feels 'private'. I'll also be covering some of the Thursdays, as Chris is injured currently. Looking forward to working on technique. :)
In terms of notes for this class, I'm writing this up a month later, so I can't remember if there were any points. I'll check the teaching notes from the butterfly class before this, though I will note that the grip is handy. I've been finding myself going for it quite often now, though I don't always get it. It's interesting how people seem less concerned about me getting an overhook than they are an underhook.
Showing posts with label teaching # Open Guard: Butterfly Sweep. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching # Open Guard: Butterfly Sweep. Show all posts
10 September 2017
21 June 2017
21/06/2017 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #677
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/06/2017
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
I like to start with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass. Keep your bum back and head forward, to strengthen your posture and stop them pushing you backwards.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Today, I went with the thumb in grip, something I've been playing with recently. This connects to the closed guard into open guard I also teach (based off Neil Owen's first seminar with us), plus it is similar to sitting guard. You have a cross-collar grip, with your thumb inside and fingers on top. I find that grip means the alignment of your arm naturally presses more firmly into their neck. That sets you up for the butterfly sweep movement. Your other hand will initially be back for base (as per what I just said above), to stop them collapsing you backwards.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist (in this scenario, they have just been pushing on your leg to open your closed arm, so the wrist is right there to grab), possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop sideways onto your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting with your butterfly hook as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face (or move into knee on belly, depending how they land). If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I was originally going to show the DLR pull them over sweep, but after drilling and sparring with Heidi at the (new! ooo) morning open mat a few hours earlier (I'll write that up soon), I decided this was more important to show. I will keep including that flip pass drill in the warm up too, it's fun. In terms of the solo drill, I'm not sure that funky breakdance style leg through is as important, I could probably lose it and just keep the basic shoulder balance.
I went with the collar grip this time round, as we've been doing lots of sitting guard. June 2017 has been super hot in the UK, so I said it was ok to train nogi: for those people not wearing a gi, I suggested using a collar tie grip, something else I've been using a bunch recently due to my busted fingers. It's handy for the ankle pick style follow up too. However, when I show underhook version, that's confusing as it is a slightly different position to collar grip/sitting guard. With sitting, hand is behind. With standard butterfly, head into chest and tilt forward, head in front of bum. So, teach separate next time, so not mixing postures in one lesson.
I keep talking about going sideways, but it is worth noting you might need to do a little backwards motion first to get their weight off their heels. Also, talk about flicking the leg back as they go over, to avoid getting stuck in half guard. Knee on belly drills, more of that as I'm finding that's often the finishing position for these flip them over sweeps?
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/06/2017
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
I like to start with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass. Keep your bum back and head forward, to strengthen your posture and stop them pushing you backwards.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Today, I went with the thumb in grip, something I've been playing with recently. This connects to the closed guard into open guard I also teach (based off Neil Owen's first seminar with us), plus it is similar to sitting guard. You have a cross-collar grip, with your thumb inside and fingers on top. I find that grip means the alignment of your arm naturally presses more firmly into their neck. That sets you up for the butterfly sweep movement. Your other hand will initially be back for base (as per what I just said above), to stop them collapsing you backwards.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist (in this scenario, they have just been pushing on your leg to open your closed arm, so the wrist is right there to grab), possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop sideways onto your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting with your butterfly hook as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face (or move into knee on belly, depending how they land). If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I was originally going to show the DLR pull them over sweep, but after drilling and sparring with Heidi at the (new! ooo) morning open mat a few hours earlier (I'll write that up soon), I decided this was more important to show. I will keep including that flip pass drill in the warm up too, it's fun. In terms of the solo drill, I'm not sure that funky breakdance style leg through is as important, I could probably lose it and just keep the basic shoulder balance.
I went with the collar grip this time round, as we've been doing lots of sitting guard. June 2017 has been super hot in the UK, so I said it was ok to train nogi: for those people not wearing a gi, I suggested using a collar tie grip, something else I've been using a bunch recently due to my busted fingers. It's handy for the ankle pick style follow up too. However, when I show underhook version, that's confusing as it is a slightly different position to collar grip/sitting guard. With sitting, hand is behind. With standard butterfly, head into chest and tilt forward, head in front of bum. So, teach separate next time, so not mixing postures in one lesson.
I keep talking about going sideways, but it is worth noting you might need to do a little backwards motion first to get their weight off their heels. Also, talk about flicking the leg back as they go over, to avoid getting stuck in half guard. Knee on belly drills, more of that as I'm finding that's often the finishing position for these flip them over sweeps?
03 February 2017
03/02/2017 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep (Shoulder Clamp)
Teaching #627
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 03/02/2017
The orthodox version of the butterfly sweep relies on a deep underhook, then you angle out. With the shoulder clamp, which Carlos Machado refers to as the 'shoulder and chin' grip (IIRC), you can be more versatile. That's because it allows you to not only sweep with both your butterfly hooks in, but to either side as well. It also means you can sweep with both of your butterfly hooks in, rather than with one hook as you angle out to the side.
So, you have both butterfly hooks. Get your underhook as usual, but bring the other arm around their head. Lock your hands together in a gable grip (palm to palm), clamping that by their shoulder. From here, you may be able to get the sweep already, depending on their reaction. Using the elbow/upper arm of the arm behind their head, press down on the back of their head (Machado refers to this as 'swallowing' their head with your arm), simultaneously lifting with your underhook. You can then use you butterfly hook on the underhook side to flip them.
If you're not able to do that as they manage to dislodge your arm, bring the elbow underneath their head instead, into the neck. You can now lift underneath their head with your arm, while also raising your butterfly hook on the non-underhook side. That means you can flip them to the other side. A common problem in both situations is that they slip their arm out of your shoulder clamp. To tighten it up, you're going to adjust the hand that you're facing (so, the one where your knuckles are pointing at your face). From your gable grip, slide that down to your forearm and grip, while the other hand grips the other forearm. It should now be tough for your partner to free their arm.
This adjustment often happens when you've been flattened out, meaning you will need to sit back up. Also, it is hard to sweep from the forearm grip, because you lose the ability to easily press down with the elbow/upper arm or circle it under their head. Kick forward with your butterfly hooks and use that space to sit back up. You can then slide the hand back up into the gable grip and go for the sweep. Be aware that this whole process will probably tighten up the pressure on their shoulder, meaning that you need to be careful as you sweep.
________________
Teaching Notes: Remember to keep your bum back. This sweep has the advantage that it can be done flat, but it's harder and you really need your elbow under the chin for that ideally. Again, like I said last time (if I'm reading this about to teach the butterfly sweep, remember to also check the notes on that previous post) do not drop backwards, drop sideways.
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 03/02/2017
The orthodox version of the butterfly sweep relies on a deep underhook, then you angle out. With the shoulder clamp, which Carlos Machado refers to as the 'shoulder and chin' grip (IIRC), you can be more versatile. That's because it allows you to not only sweep with both your butterfly hooks in, but to either side as well. It also means you can sweep with both of your butterfly hooks in, rather than with one hook as you angle out to the side.
So, you have both butterfly hooks. Get your underhook as usual, but bring the other arm around their head. Lock your hands together in a gable grip (palm to palm), clamping that by their shoulder. From here, you may be able to get the sweep already, depending on their reaction. Using the elbow/upper arm of the arm behind their head, press down on the back of their head (Machado refers to this as 'swallowing' their head with your arm), simultaneously lifting with your underhook. You can then use you butterfly hook on the underhook side to flip them.
If you're not able to do that as they manage to dislodge your arm, bring the elbow underneath their head instead, into the neck. You can now lift underneath their head with your arm, while also raising your butterfly hook on the non-underhook side. That means you can flip them to the other side. A common problem in both situations is that they slip their arm out of your shoulder clamp. To tighten it up, you're going to adjust the hand that you're facing (so, the one where your knuckles are pointing at your face). From your gable grip, slide that down to your forearm and grip, while the other hand grips the other forearm. It should now be tough for your partner to free their arm.
This adjustment often happens when you've been flattened out, meaning you will need to sit back up. Also, it is hard to sweep from the forearm grip, because you lose the ability to easily press down with the elbow/upper arm or circle it under their head. Kick forward with your butterfly hooks and use that space to sit back up. You can then slide the hand back up into the gable grip and go for the sweep. Be aware that this whole process will probably tighten up the pressure on their shoulder, meaning that you need to be careful as you sweep.________________
Teaching Notes: Remember to keep your bum back. This sweep has the advantage that it can be done flat, but it's harder and you really need your elbow under the chin for that ideally. Again, like I said last time (if I'm reading this about to teach the butterfly sweep, remember to also check the notes on that previous post) do not drop backwards, drop sideways.
01 February 2017
01/02/2017 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep (Thumb In Grip)
Teaching #626
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 01/02/2017
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
I like to start with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass. Keep your bum back and head forward, to strengthen your posture and stop them pushing you backwards.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Today, I went with the thumb in grip, something I've been playing with recently. This connects to the closed guard into open guard I also teach (based off Neil Owen's first seminar with us), plus it is similar to sitting guard. You have a cross-collar grip, with your thumb inside and fingers on top. I find that grip means the alignment of your arm naturally presses more firmly into their neck. That sets you up for the butterfly sweep movement. Your other hand will initially be back for base (as per what I just said above), to stop them collapsing you backwards.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist (in this scenario, they have just been pushing on your leg to open your closed arm, so the wrist is right there to grab), possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop sideways onto your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting with your butterfly hook as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face (or move into knee on belly, depending how they land). If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: Usual things to emphasise. Make sure your main motion is dropping sideways, not backwards. Also, it's just a flick with your foot, you don't want to follow through, or you are likely to get your leg stuck in their half guard. I also want to make the starting position clearer next time. Another thing I could add in is yanking up on the sleeve/wrist you've grabbed, a good option I noticed a few people were doing. You can go for an overhook for controlling their posting arm too, but be careful they can't post with their hand and that you haven't got their arm at a nasty angle.
I'd forgotten about the entertaining flip pass drill until I checked my notes from the last time I taught this sweep, but that's one I could add in again. It isn't the highest percentage way to pass, but it makes for a fun drill (and therefore a good drill! :D). Put your head and arm on the right, which will be your main base. Your head is by your opponent's side, tucked in tight. You can also use your left hand for base. Kick your feet up like your were doing a handstand, going all the way over into a bridge (aim to get the soles of your feet on the mat, to the left of their head). Finish by turning towards their legs.
That is a little acrobatic for some, so you can also go for the less intimidating versions. One step down is to do a handstand, then drift past the legs, well out of range, dropping into side control. Safest of all is to do a hop past their legs, using that base. It is the least scary, but it is also the easiest to stop, as they may be able to get their knee in the way. I put up a video on Instagram last time, where the class was sticking with that safe hop (though Paul did give the handstand a go, plus there were people behind me going for the full flip, but I didn't manage to get that in the 15 secs of video Instagram used to limit you to. Next time I can get more, as the limit has increased to a full minute since I did the below vid. Yay!):
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 01/02/2017
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
I like to start with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass. Keep your bum back and head forward, to strengthen your posture and stop them pushing you backwards.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Today, I went with the thumb in grip, something I've been playing with recently. This connects to the closed guard into open guard I also teach (based off Neil Owen's first seminar with us), plus it is similar to sitting guard. You have a cross-collar grip, with your thumb inside and fingers on top. I find that grip means the alignment of your arm naturally presses more firmly into their neck. That sets you up for the butterfly sweep movement. Your other hand will initially be back for base (as per what I just said above), to stop them collapsing you backwards.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist (in this scenario, they have just been pushing on your leg to open your closed arm, so the wrist is right there to grab), possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop sideways onto your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting with your butterfly hook as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face (or move into knee on belly, depending how they land). If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: Usual things to emphasise. Make sure your main motion is dropping sideways, not backwards. Also, it's just a flick with your foot, you don't want to follow through, or you are likely to get your leg stuck in their half guard. I also want to make the starting position clearer next time. Another thing I could add in is yanking up on the sleeve/wrist you've grabbed, a good option I noticed a few people were doing. You can go for an overhook for controlling their posting arm too, but be careful they can't post with their hand and that you haven't got their arm at a nasty angle.
I'd forgotten about the entertaining flip pass drill until I checked my notes from the last time I taught this sweep, but that's one I could add in again. It isn't the highest percentage way to pass, but it makes for a fun drill (and therefore a good drill! :D). Put your head and arm on the right, which will be your main base. Your head is by your opponent's side, tucked in tight. You can also use your left hand for base. Kick your feet up like your were doing a handstand, going all the way over into a bridge (aim to get the soles of your feet on the mat, to the left of their head). Finish by turning towards their legs.
That is a little acrobatic for some, so you can also go for the less intimidating versions. One step down is to do a handstand, then drift past the legs, well out of range, dropping into side control. Safest of all is to do a hop past their legs, using that base. It is the least scary, but it is also the easiest to stop, as they may be able to get their knee in the way. I put up a video on Instagram last time, where the class was sticking with that safe hop (though Paul did give the handstand a go, plus there were people behind me going for the full flip, but I didn't manage to get that in the 15 secs of video Instagram used to limit you to. Next time I can get more, as the limit has increased to a full minute since I did the below vid. Yay!):
15 June 2016
15/06/2016 - Teaching | Women's Class | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #518
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 15/06/2016
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: On the shoulder clamp, I didn't feel we really got into the importance of sitting up, so I'll focus more on that next time. It is perhaps a bit too complex to squeeze into an hour together with other butterfly grips: possibly something to show in isolation, though I do often teach multiple techniques in the women's class. On pushing the head down, it's important to get the elbow right by the back of the head, as well as keeping your arms in tight. If that starts loosening, they have too much room to move and may be able to pull their head and/or arm free. Gable grip makes it much easier to sweep too: Kirsty was naturally moving into the forearm clasp, which is good for maintaining the grip, but sweeping is tough from there.
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 15/06/2016
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: On the shoulder clamp, I didn't feel we really got into the importance of sitting up, so I'll focus more on that next time. It is perhaps a bit too complex to squeeze into an hour together with other butterfly grips: possibly something to show in isolation, though I do often teach multiple techniques in the women's class. On pushing the head down, it's important to get the elbow right by the back of the head, as well as keeping your arms in tight. If that starts loosening, they have too much room to move and may be able to pull their head and/or arm free. Gable grip makes it much easier to sweep too: Kirsty was naturally moving into the forearm clasp, which is good for maintaining the grip, but sweeping is tough from there.
30 December 2015
30/12/2015 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep (Orthodox)
Teaching #442
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 30/12/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I added in the flip pass drill, which is not the highest percentage way to pass, but it makes for a fun drill (and therefore a good drill! :D). Put your head and arm on the right, which will be your main base. Your head is by your opponent's side, tucked in tight. You can also use your left hand for base. Kick your feet up like your were doing a handstand, going all the way over into a bridge (aim to get the soles of your feet on the mat, to the left of their head). Finish by turning towards their legs.
That is a little acrobatic for some, so you can also go for the less intimidating versions. One step down is to do a handstand, then drift past the legs, well out of range, dropping into side control. Safest of all is to do a hop past their legs, using that base. It is the least scary, but it is also the easiest to stop, as they may be able to get their knee in the way. I put up a video on Instagram, where the class was sticking with that safe hop (though Paul did give the handstand a go, plus there were people behind me going for the full flip, but I didn't manage to get that in the 15 secs of video Instagram limits you to):
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 30/12/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I added in the flip pass drill, which is not the highest percentage way to pass, but it makes for a fun drill (and therefore a good drill! :D). Put your head and arm on the right, which will be your main base. Your head is by your opponent's side, tucked in tight. You can also use your left hand for base. Kick your feet up like your were doing a handstand, going all the way over into a bridge (aim to get the soles of your feet on the mat, to the left of their head). Finish by turning towards their legs.
That is a little acrobatic for some, so you can also go for the less intimidating versions. One step down is to do a handstand, then drift past the legs, well out of range, dropping into side control. Safest of all is to do a hop past their legs, using that base. It is the least scary, but it is also the easiest to stop, as they may be able to get their knee in the way. I put up a video on Instagram, where the class was sticking with that safe hop (though Paul did give the handstand a go, plus there were people behind me going for the full flip, but I didn't manage to get that in the 15 secs of video Instagram limits you to):
23 December 2015
23/12/2015 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep (Shoulder Clamp)
Teaching #441
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 23/12/2015
As tonight was the last class before xmas, it meant more silly xmas games! Last year, I split the room into two teams, with Team Santa Hat and Team Belt. The idea was to try and get people from the other team to join yours by taking their belt. This time round, I changed it a bit. Now, one team defended the 'reindeer', while the other team tried to capture it. Again, you could get members of the other team to join yours by taking their belt. To get the reindeer, you had to both get its belt and pull off the head. Which isn't as gruesome as it sounds, this was just a reindeer hat. ;)
Check the Artemis BJJ Instagram for a vid, if you're confused by the above garbled description. After class, we went out for very tasty pie at Pieminister, in what I've been trying to make into an Artemis BJJ tradition (this is the second time we've done it, though last time it was just me and Laura after her last class). More pie in the New Year!
___________________________
The orthodox version of the butterfly sweep relies on a deep underhook, then you angle out. With the shoulder clamp, which Carlos Machado refers to as the 'shoulder and chin' grip (IIRC), you can be more versatile. That's because it allows you to not only sweep with both your butterfly hooks in, but to either side as well. It also means you can sweep with both of your butterfly hooks in, rather than with one hook as you angle out to the side.
So, you have both butterfly hooks. Get your underhook as usual, but bring the other arm around their head. Lock your hands together in a gable grip (palm to palm), clamping that by their shoulder. From here, you may be able to get the sweep already, depending on their reaction. Using the elbow/upper arm of the arm behind their head, press down on the back of their head (Machado refers to this as 'swallowing' their head with your arm), simultaneously lifting with your underhook. You can then use you butterfly hook on the underhook side to flip them.
If you're not able to do that as they manage to dislodge your arm, bring the elbow underneath their head instead, into the neck. You can now lift underneath their head with your arm, while also raising your butterfly hook on the non-underhook side. That means you can flip them to the other side. A common problem in both situations is that they slip their arm out of your shoulder clamp. To tighten it up, you're going to adjust the hand that you're facing (so, the one where your knuckles are pointing at your face). From your gable grip, slide that down to your forearm and grip, while the other hand grips the other forearm. It should now be tough for your partner to free their arm.
This adjustment often happens when you've been flattened out, meaning you will need to sit back up. Also, it is hard to sweep from the forearm grip, because you lose the ability to easily press down with the elbow/upper arm or circle it under their head. Kick forward with your butterfly hooks and use that space to sit back up. You can then slide the hand back up into the gable grip and go for the sweep. Be aware that this whole process will probably tighten up the pressure on their shoulder, meaning that you need to be careful as you sweep.
________________
Teaching Notes: This should work well with next month, as the shoulder clamp applies to closed guard too (that's the more common guard to get it from). Also, it's important to emphasise being careful of the neck on the 'swallowing' one, as you are essentially flipping them over it. I annoyingly deleted the pictures of the forearm grip that I got for this one, which is a pain: I'll remember next time.
For the xmas 'Hunt the Reindeer' game next year, I think I will have people pull off socks rather than belts. Getting the belt off is a bit too hard. Also means everybody can wear silly xmas themed socks, which sounds like fun. Or just silly socks. I have some great squirrel ones, for example. :D
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 23/12/2015
As tonight was the last class before xmas, it meant more silly xmas games! Last year, I split the room into two teams, with Team Santa Hat and Team Belt. The idea was to try and get people from the other team to join yours by taking their belt. This time round, I changed it a bit. Now, one team defended the 'reindeer', while the other team tried to capture it. Again, you could get members of the other team to join yours by taking their belt. To get the reindeer, you had to both get its belt and pull off the head. Which isn't as gruesome as it sounds, this was just a reindeer hat. ;)
Check the Artemis BJJ Instagram for a vid, if you're confused by the above garbled description. After class, we went out for very tasty pie at Pieminister, in what I've been trying to make into an Artemis BJJ tradition (this is the second time we've done it, though last time it was just me and Laura after her last class). More pie in the New Year!
___________________________
The orthodox version of the butterfly sweep relies on a deep underhook, then you angle out. With the shoulder clamp, which Carlos Machado refers to as the 'shoulder and chin' grip (IIRC), you can be more versatile. That's because it allows you to not only sweep with both your butterfly hooks in, but to either side as well. It also means you can sweep with both of your butterfly hooks in, rather than with one hook as you angle out to the side.
So, you have both butterfly hooks. Get your underhook as usual, but bring the other arm around their head. Lock your hands together in a gable grip (palm to palm), clamping that by their shoulder. From here, you may be able to get the sweep already, depending on their reaction. Using the elbow/upper arm of the arm behind their head, press down on the back of their head (Machado refers to this as 'swallowing' their head with your arm), simultaneously lifting with your underhook. You can then use you butterfly hook on the underhook side to flip them.
If you're not able to do that as they manage to dislodge your arm, bring the elbow underneath their head instead, into the neck. You can now lift underneath their head with your arm, while also raising your butterfly hook on the non-underhook side. That means you can flip them to the other side. A common problem in both situations is that they slip their arm out of your shoulder clamp. To tighten it up, you're going to adjust the hand that you're facing (so, the one where your knuckles are pointing at your face). From your gable grip, slide that down to your forearm and grip, while the other hand grips the other forearm. It should now be tough for your partner to free their arm.
This adjustment often happens when you've been flattened out, meaning you will need to sit back up. Also, it is hard to sweep from the forearm grip, because you lose the ability to easily press down with the elbow/upper arm or circle it under their head. Kick forward with your butterfly hooks and use that space to sit back up. You can then slide the hand back up into the gable grip and go for the sweep. Be aware that this whole process will probably tighten up the pressure on their shoulder, meaning that you need to be careful as you sweep.________________
Teaching Notes: This should work well with next month, as the shoulder clamp applies to closed guard too (that's the more common guard to get it from). Also, it's important to emphasise being careful of the neck on the 'swallowing' one, as you are essentially flipping them over it. I annoyingly deleted the pictures of the forearm grip that I got for this one, which is a pain: I'll remember next time.
For the xmas 'Hunt the Reindeer' game next year, I think I will have people pull off socks rather than belts. Getting the belt off is a bit too hard. Also means everybody can wear silly xmas themed socks, which sounds like fun. Or just silly socks. I have some great squirrel ones, for example. :D
23/12/2015 - Teaching | Women's Class | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #440
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 23/12/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps.
The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I went through the butterfly sweep again in the women's class. Like last week, it was just the one person down, so we did loads of technique. I covered off several butterfly variations, which was both good for her (she hasn't done butterfly before) and for me, as I wanted to see how a student would find some of the less common variations. The version I was planning to teach in the mixed class was the shoulder clamp, which she seemed to pick up ok.
It was good to give it a run through before the mixed class. Along with the shoulder clamp and the orthodox version of the sweep with the the deep underhook, I also tried that 'lie on their arm' one that Carlos Machado does, but while that's pretty good if you get it set up right, it seems like it can easily go wrong and they just pass. Of course, I'm not very good at butterfly, no doubt there are lots of little tips to make the position more secure too. :)
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 23/12/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I went through the butterfly sweep again in the women's class. Like last week, it was just the one person down, so we did loads of technique. I covered off several butterfly variations, which was both good for her (she hasn't done butterfly before) and for me, as I wanted to see how a student would find some of the less common variations. The version I was planning to teach in the mixed class was the shoulder clamp, which she seemed to pick up ok.
It was good to give it a run through before the mixed class. Along with the shoulder clamp and the orthodox version of the sweep with the the deep underhook, I also tried that 'lie on their arm' one that Carlos Machado does, but while that's pretty good if you get it set up right, it seems like it can easily go wrong and they just pass. Of course, I'm not very good at butterfly, no doubt there are lots of little tips to make the position more secure too. :)
21 December 2015
21/12/2015 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep (Orthodox)
Teaching #439
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/12/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps.
The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: For next time, further emphasising angling off is important, which applies to so much of offensive guard stuff. Also keeping the head into the chest and staying mobile, through the use of that arm behind. This ties in well with the lessons I've taught on sitting guard in the past: I haven't done that as much this month, so that could do with a refresher next time (but I think some of the students who were around for my sitting guard picked up on this quicker, so seems to help). That little lean back is worth mentioning too, though I don't want people to get confused and think leaning back gives the leverage, rather than that drop sideways onto your shoulder.
Some good questions tonight too, which were fun to delve into. If somebody tries to reach through your arm and grab your leg, you can switch to the wing sweep (which reminds me to look at it in more depth before I teach this next time, I'd like to give a more thorough demonstration if that problem crops up more often).
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/12/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are numerous grips to try, but for me there are three main ones: collar and sleeve, deep underhook and the shoulder clamp. Having the collar opens up chokes, as well as providing excellent control to switch into other attacks and sweeps. The shoulder clamp gives you the option of sweeping in either direction (either away from underhook side, or if you can get your arm by their head, leveraging up with your elbow under their head to go towards the underhook), as well as things like pressing armbars and omoplatas.
However, the deep underhook is the way I first learned and I think the easiest one to teach. Saulo calls this the 'competition' grip, I guess because it must have been something he noticed appearing more in competition (as opposed to the collar grip, which he dubs 'classic': interestingly, his personal preference is grabbing the front of the belt, not something I've ever had much success with). You reach under their armpit as far as you can, getting your shoulder in if possible. Secure that arm around their back, or you can grab the belt.
With the legs, it tends to be slightly more straightforward. Either you're going to have both feet hooked under their thighs, with your knees flared out wide, or you'll have one hook in, the other knee on the ground: I'd recommend the latter. That angle helps with the sweep, I find, as well as making it harder for them to drive your back to the mat. In both leg configurations, you want to have your forehead driving into their chest. If they can get their head under yours, that's problematic, because then they can drive you flat on your back and start their pass.
Butterfly also links back to sitting guard, of which butterfly is effectively a short range version. That's because in both, you can put an arm behind you for base and mobility. It makes it harder for them to collapse you to your back, while also enabling you to keep angling off. That sets you up for attacks (especially the butterfly sweep, along with various fun from the underhook, like pressing armbars, back takes etc). Armdrags are another big area for butterfly, though that's a topic for another day.
Whatever grip, the basic mechanics of the sweep are broadly similar. You need to have some kind of control over their arm on the side you want to sweep, otherwise they will be able to post. Grab the sleeve or the wrist, possibly the elbow if you can sufficiently control their lower arm too. Lean back very slightly to get their weight towards you, then drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: For next time, further emphasising angling off is important, which applies to so much of offensive guard stuff. Also keeping the head into the chest and staying mobile, through the use of that arm behind. This ties in well with the lessons I've taught on sitting guard in the past: I haven't done that as much this month, so that could do with a refresher next time (but I think some of the students who were around for my sitting guard picked up on this quicker, so seems to help). That little lean back is worth mentioning too, though I don't want people to get confused and think leaning back gives the leverage, rather than that drop sideways onto your shoulder.
Some good questions tonight too, which were fun to delve into. If somebody tries to reach through your arm and grab your leg, you can switch to the wing sweep (which reminds me to look at it in more depth before I teach this next time, I'd like to give a more thorough demonstration if that problem crops up more often).
26 August 2015
26/08/2015 - Teaching | Women's Class | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #378
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 26/08/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are three main grips to try. Two less common options are grabbing the neck, or grabbing the same side sleeve and collar (or neck and wrist in nogi): the latter can be useful if you want to transition to a choke in gi, or perhaps back to closed guard to go for a scissor or knee push sweep. On Carlos Machado's excellent Unstoppable DVD all about this sweep, he shows many more variations, but it is definitely a higher level instructional (so, I wouldn't recommend beginners pick it up). The orthodox method is to establish a deep underhook with your arm, reaching around their back and/or grabbing their belt.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
Whatever grip, drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: Went fairly well. A few people got confused by feet positioning, having one slightly out in order to act as a post once you've dropped to your side. Also, people weren't lifting all that high, so perhaps relying too much on the arms as a sort of throw? Then again, still works, which is the main thing. Perhaps I'm not lifting as high as I think, because I haven't filmed myself doing this: it would be interesting to know.
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 26/08/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
Whatever grip, drop to your shoulder on the sleeve grabbing arm, lifting as you drop. Switch your legs, bringing one under the other in order to establish scarf hold, heavy on your cross face. If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: Went fairly well. A few people got confused by feet positioning, having one slightly out in order to act as a post once you've dropped to your side. Also, people weren't lifting all that high, so perhaps relying too much on the arms as a sort of throw? Then again, still works, which is the main thing. Perhaps I'm not lifting as high as I think, because I haven't filmed myself doing this: it would be interesting to know.
18 March 2015
18/03/2015 - Teaching | Women's Class | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #296
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 18/03/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are three main grips to try. Two less common options are grabbing the neck, or grabbing the same side sleeve and collar (or neck and wrist in nogi): the latter can be useful if you want to transition to a choke in gi, or perhaps back to closed guard to go for a scissor or knee push sweep. On Carlos Machado's excellent Unstoppable DVD all about this sweep, he shows many more variations, but it is definitely a higher level instructional (so, I wouldn't recommend beginners pick it up). The orthodox method is to establish a deep underhook with your arm, reaching around their back and/or grabbing their belt.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: Nothing to add, as I'm writing this several months later. I must have forgotten to do a write-up for this at the time, which is random. But meh, here it is now. ;)
Artemis BJJ (MYGYM Bristol), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 18/03/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: Nothing to add, as I'm writing this several months later. I must have forgotten to do a write-up for this at the time, which is random. But meh, here it is now. ;)
22 January 2015
22/01/2015 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #266
Artemis BJJ (PHNX Fitness), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 22/01/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are three main grips to try. Two less common options are grabbing the neck, or grabbing the same side sleeve and collar (or neck and wrist in nogi): the latter can be useful if you want to transition to a choke in gi, or perhaps back to closed guard to go for a scissor or knee push sweep. On Carlos Machado's excellent Unstoppable DVD all about this sweep, he shows many more variations, but it is definitely a higher level instructional (so, I wouldn't recommend beginners pick it up). The orthodox method is to establish a deep underhook with your arm, reaching around their back and/or grabbing their belt.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I added in a couple of variations tonight, both of which I've taught before. The ankle pick is something I've previously shown from the cross grip/stiff arm guard, so possibly not as applicable (though it's easy enough to switch from butterfly to the stiff arm). Taking the back is more effective. On that, I'll emphasise bringing your foot to the outside next time - this is something I will probably teach again on Monday, before finishing off the month with a basic butterfly pass.
I was also able to get in some more sparring. I'm really pleased I'm getting in more sparring time, but I need to be careful I don't get overexcited and make my groin injury worse. Especially as the GrappleThon is in less than six weeks now: it would be annoying to not be able to take part in the rolling, to say the least!
My butterfly guard as ever needs a lot of improvement. I was generally switching into the related stiff arm guard, going for my ankle pick off that, or transitioning into the tripod/sickle combination (as Kev advised way back in that private lesson. I think I'll get another private on the same thing when I next pop up to RGA Bucks in February).
Artemis BJJ (PHNX Fitness), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 22/01/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I added in a couple of variations tonight, both of which I've taught before. The ankle pick is something I've previously shown from the cross grip/stiff arm guard, so possibly not as applicable (though it's easy enough to switch from butterfly to the stiff arm). Taking the back is more effective. On that, I'll emphasise bringing your foot to the outside next time - this is something I will probably teach again on Monday, before finishing off the month with a basic butterfly pass.
I was also able to get in some more sparring. I'm really pleased I'm getting in more sparring time, but I need to be careful I don't get overexcited and make my groin injury worse. Especially as the GrappleThon is in less than six weeks now: it would be annoying to not be able to take part in the rolling, to say the least!
My butterfly guard as ever needs a lot of improvement. I was generally switching into the related stiff arm guard, going for my ankle pick off that, or transitioning into the tripod/sickle combination (as Kev advised way back in that private lesson. I think I'll get another private on the same thing when I next pop up to RGA Bucks in February).
21 January 2015
21/01/2015 - Teaching | Open Guard | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #265
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/01/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are three main grips to try. Two less common options are grabbing the neck, or grabbing the same side sleeve and collar (or neck and wrist in nogi): the latter can be useful if you want to transition to a choke in gi, or perhaps back to closed guard to go for a scissor or knee push sweep. On Carlos Machado's excellent Unstoppable DVD all about this sweep, he shows many more variations, but it is definitely a higher level instructional (so, I wouldn't recommend beginners pick it up). The orthodox method is to establish a deep underhook with your arm, reaching around their back and/or grabbing their belt.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching & Sparring Notes: There are lots of variations to the butterfly sweep, but I stuck with the basic one. I'm curious to try Rodrigo Pagani's 'goose neck' version, where he is hooking with both feet, driving his head into the chest and also gripping around both their arms with his hands. That's where the 'goose neck' comes in, using that kind of grip to both push down on their arms for control, while also lifting with your elbows to prevent them establishing a grip or getting their hand to the floor. Maybe on Thursday? I'll see who shows up.
In terms of teaching, I'm fairly comfortable with the basics of the butterfly sweep, at least when it comes to showing a simple application. I don't use butterfly guard much myself, but it fits in with that stiff arm approach I've been using a lot recently. Many of the same techniques apply, such as ankle pick sweeps and loop chokes. You could do a collar grab if you were gripping the collar, but for that deep underhook version, a back take makes more sense. That would fit in nicely with a progression to half guard next month, but I'll probably finish this month with some butterfly passes.
Worth emphasising the slight move backwards to start, in order to get their bum off their heels. Other than that, I wouldn't change too much about the class. I guess I could have thrown in the John Will method again in the middle, as it was another big class, as I forgot to use it again. I was pleased to get in a bit of sparring for the first time in ages, beginning with some 'king of the hill' specific sparring. Although that ended up just being one round with a guy who has done various martial arts and had an interesting approach. He immediately stood up and moved to the back, locking on a rear naked choke. Effective!
The only problem was the common issue where they end up choking your face, teeth and jaw rather than your neck. It's uncomfortable, but it's not something I normally tap to unless it's someone really strong and I'm in danger of really hurting my face. If he's able to adjust that and move to the neck, he'll have an excellent submission option, as he was very quick to get to the position. So I don't want to discourage people from trying the RNC, just note that it's going to be both more efficient and effective if they focus on getting the neck rather than the face. ;)
I also had two free spars, with the two women who regularly pop along to the Wednesday mixed class (yay, women's class success!). As I'm still getting back from my injury, that's perfect: they're the lightest people in class, so much less strain on my injured leg. It's also cool to see that they're developing that 'jiu jitsu sensitivity', like Tracey. They have an understanding of where their bodies should be, what they should be grabbing, where to move etc. I'm looking forward to seeing how they grow over the next few months: sparring them is going to get increasingly difficult (in a good way)! Zoe already has an awesome cross-face. :D
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 21/01/2015
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard I've taught previously, along with the stiff arm guard I've been working on), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching & Sparring Notes: There are lots of variations to the butterfly sweep, but I stuck with the basic one. I'm curious to try Rodrigo Pagani's 'goose neck' version, where he is hooking with both feet, driving his head into the chest and also gripping around both their arms with his hands. That's where the 'goose neck' comes in, using that kind of grip to both push down on their arms for control, while also lifting with your elbows to prevent them establishing a grip or getting their hand to the floor. Maybe on Thursday? I'll see who shows up.
In terms of teaching, I'm fairly comfortable with the basics of the butterfly sweep, at least when it comes to showing a simple application. I don't use butterfly guard much myself, but it fits in with that stiff arm approach I've been using a lot recently. Many of the same techniques apply, such as ankle pick sweeps and loop chokes. You could do a collar grab if you were gripping the collar, but for that deep underhook version, a back take makes more sense. That would fit in nicely with a progression to half guard next month, but I'll probably finish this month with some butterfly passes.
Worth emphasising the slight move backwards to start, in order to get their bum off their heels. Other than that, I wouldn't change too much about the class. I guess I could have thrown in the John Will method again in the middle, as it was another big class, as I forgot to use it again. I was pleased to get in a bit of sparring for the first time in ages, beginning with some 'king of the hill' specific sparring. Although that ended up just being one round with a guy who has done various martial arts and had an interesting approach. He immediately stood up and moved to the back, locking on a rear naked choke. Effective!
The only problem was the common issue where they end up choking your face, teeth and jaw rather than your neck. It's uncomfortable, but it's not something I normally tap to unless it's someone really strong and I'm in danger of really hurting my face. If he's able to adjust that and move to the neck, he'll have an excellent submission option, as he was very quick to get to the position. So I don't want to discourage people from trying the RNC, just note that it's going to be both more efficient and effective if they focus on getting the neck rather than the face. ;)
I also had two free spars, with the two women who regularly pop along to the Wednesday mixed class (yay, women's class success!). As I'm still getting back from my injury, that's perfect: they're the lightest people in class, so much less strain on my injured leg. It's also cool to see that they're developing that 'jiu jitsu sensitivity', like Tracey. They have an understanding of where their bodies should be, what they should be grabbing, where to move etc. I'm looking forward to seeing how they grow over the next few months: sparring them is going to get increasingly difficult (in a good way)! Zoe already has an awesome cross-face. :D
09 August 2014
09/08/2014 - Teaching | NoGi | Butterfly Sweep
Teaching #179
Artemis BJJ (Impact Gym), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 09/08/2014
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are three main grips to try. Two less common options are grabbing the neck, or grabbing the same side sleeve and collar (or neck and wrist in nogi): the latter can be useful if you want to transition to a choke in gi, or perhaps back to closed guard to go for a scissor or knee push sweep. On Carlos Machado's excellent Unstoppable DVD all about this sweep, he shows many more variations, but it is definitely a higher level instructional (so, I wouldn't recommend beginners pick it up). The orthodox method is to establish a deep underhook with your arm, reaching around their back and/or grabbing their belt.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard we did last week), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I added in that additional drill this time, where you don't just do the solo butterfly motion, but kick through as if you were going to scarf hold as well. As this was the first time I've taught butterfly at Impact, I did it in two stages, starting with the sweep motion, then a second drill where I added the kick through.
I could also put in more butterfly passing elements to the drilling. For a start, riding the sweep when doing that lifting drill, balancing on your hands. The backstep off their sweep attempt is a good one too, but takes a bit longer to explain. I'd probably need to start with the backstep in isolation, then move on to the drill. I might give it a try anyway in one of the butterfly guard classes next week and see how that goes.
Artemis BJJ (Impact Gym), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 09/08/2014
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard we did last week), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I added in that additional drill this time, where you don't just do the solo butterfly motion, but kick through as if you were going to scarf hold as well. As this was the first time I've taught butterfly at Impact, I did it in two stages, starting with the sweep motion, then a second drill where I added the kick through.
I could also put in more butterfly passing elements to the drilling. For a start, riding the sweep when doing that lifting drill, balancing on your hands. The backstep off their sweep attempt is a good one too, but takes a bit longer to explain. I'd probably need to start with the backstep in isolation, then move on to the drill. I might give it a try anyway in one of the butterfly guard classes next week and see how that goes.
04 August 2014
04/08/2014 - Teaching | Butterfly Guard | Basic Sweep
Teaching #174
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 04/08/2014
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
So, I stuck with the most basic technique in butterfly, which is the classic butterfly sweep. There are three main grips to try. Two less common options are grabbing the neck, or grabbing the same side sleeve and collar: the latter can be useful if you want to transition to a choke, or perhaps back to closed guard to go for a scissor or knee push sweep. On Carlos Machado's excellent Unstoppable DVD all about this sweep, he shows many more variations, but it is definitely a higher level instructional (so, I wouldn't recommend beginners pick it up). The orthodox method is to establish a deep underhook with your arm, reaching around their back and/or grabbing their belt.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard we did last week), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
________________
Teaching Notes: I added in two drills at the start, both to do with butterfly guard. First, get double underhooks from butterfly guard, then rock backwards and lift them up. Second, dropping to your side in a butterfly guard position (but solo), kicking your leg up into the air in the same motion as the sweep. I think next time, I'll add in the extra part that Dave Jacobs put on the end in his seminar. So, after you've done the sweeping motion, bring your leg through like you were switching into scarf hold after completing the sweep. I could possibly do that as a follow up to the first drill, to prevent getting too much thrown at them at once.
I think most people understood the sweep ok. I could emphasise that with the orthodox version, you have one hook in and your other leg at an angle, but it is technically possible to do with with both hooks in too (e.g., the double-grip 'switchback' variation I was trying on Saturday). I therefore don't have a problem with people trying that, but during drilling, I went round and suggested the other version was easier.
In sparring, I was looking to give people a chance at trying the sweep, while also practicing my passing a little. I'm not certain which passes I want to teach next week. I want to make sure they are the simplest, highest percentage options. Today, I was mainly playing with the pass where you lift up your knee then drive that sideways, but I wasn't doing it very successfully. On Wednesday, I might try the one that I tend to attempt when people put me in butterfly, which is grabbing their collar and driving them onto their back. I'll need to go review my notes to see what pass I did most often last time I was sparring against a lot of butterfly. :)
On a non-teaching note, I am still clearly leaving my arm out too much when sparring, as somebody almost caught me in an armbar. I was able to grab the back of their leg to stuff it, but I'm sure if they'd had more experience, that would have been sunk in. I'm not sure if it's something I'm doing with certain passes, or perhaps in some kind of guard defence. I think it's a passing thing: I'll keep an eye on it. In an ideal world I'd have a camera running the whole time, making both note-taking and sparring analysis way easier, but we don't quite have the set-up for that. Yet. One day! :D
Artemis BJJ (Bristol Sports Centre), Can Sönmez, Bristol, UK - 04/08/2014
Marcelo Garcia has written that when passing butterfly guard, it's important to keep in mind that "unlike the closed guard or half guard, in the butterfly guard, your opponent is not trying to hold you in place." In my opinion, the ensuing dynamism and movement makes butterfly guard a more advanced position, which requires greater sensitivity and timing than closed or half guard.
Saulo Ribeiro emphasises that you must be close with the shoulder to generate sufficient leverage. Saulo also likes to put a hand out behind him for base (just like the cross-grip guard we did last week), which contrasts with others who prefer to grab the knee. It is worth experimenting with several options. One of the best parts about training in jiu jitsu is that it is so individual. There is rarely a single 'right' way to do any technique, which is also part of what makes jiu jitsu so complex.
If you've lifted them up but they aren't going over, try hopping towards your lifting leg with your other leg. That should eventually provide the leverage to knock them to the mat.
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Teaching Notes: I added in two drills at the start, both to do with butterfly guard. First, get double underhooks from butterfly guard, then rock backwards and lift them up. Second, dropping to your side in a butterfly guard position (but solo), kicking your leg up into the air in the same motion as the sweep. I think next time, I'll add in the extra part that Dave Jacobs put on the end in his seminar. So, after you've done the sweeping motion, bring your leg through like you were switching into scarf hold after completing the sweep. I could possibly do that as a follow up to the first drill, to prevent getting too much thrown at them at once.
I think most people understood the sweep ok. I could emphasise that with the orthodox version, you have one hook in and your other leg at an angle, but it is technically possible to do with with both hooks in too (e.g., the double-grip 'switchback' variation I was trying on Saturday). I therefore don't have a problem with people trying that, but during drilling, I went round and suggested the other version was easier.
In sparring, I was looking to give people a chance at trying the sweep, while also practicing my passing a little. I'm not certain which passes I want to teach next week. I want to make sure they are the simplest, highest percentage options. Today, I was mainly playing with the pass where you lift up your knee then drive that sideways, but I wasn't doing it very successfully. On Wednesday, I might try the one that I tend to attempt when people put me in butterfly, which is grabbing their collar and driving them onto their back. I'll need to go review my notes to see what pass I did most often last time I was sparring against a lot of butterfly. :)
On a non-teaching note, I am still clearly leaving my arm out too much when sparring, as somebody almost caught me in an armbar. I was able to grab the back of their leg to stuff it, but I'm sure if they'd had more experience, that would have been sunk in. I'm not sure if it's something I'm doing with certain passes, or perhaps in some kind of guard defence. I think it's a passing thing: I'll keep an eye on it. In an ideal world I'd have a camera running the whole time, making both note-taking and sparring analysis way easier, but we don't quite have the set-up for that. Yet. One day! :D
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