The Hip Bump Sweep is one of the most effective sweeps in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and allows you to launch several attacks, leading to successful submissions.
Sweeps in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are often used as a technique from the closed guard to reverse the opponent and transition into a more dominant position, such as a mount. They allow the guard player to reverse the opponent’s attempts to pass the guard, often leading to advantageous positions or attacks.
When you master the hip bump sweep, you will execute it seamlessly with a smooth, flowing motion. This will increase your effectiveness in setting up submissions such as the triangle, armbar, kimura, or other possible finishes.
Learn from this article all about the hip bump sweep and its variations to advance your BJJ game!
What is the Hip Bump Sweep
The hip bump sweep is one of the first techniques grapplers learn in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It is part of complex groundwork, in which the guard player disrupts the opponent’s posture by coming up from the ground and lifting their hips towards the opponent’s chest.
Its variations create opportunities for follow-up attacks, allowing the guard player to reverse their opponent and prevent a guard pass attempt successfully.
Importance of doing basic sweeps from closed-guard
The closed guard position creates an ideal setup for a sweep. From here, the guard player can effectively tackle the opponent, pull them down from an upright posture, and disrupt their balance.
As your opponent attempts to escape, it presents a golden opportunity to execute the sweep. The closed guard’s control makes it difficult for your opponent to predict your next move, allowing you to bank on their moment of vulnerability.
How to Do the Hip Bump Sweep
Starting from a closed guard position, the sweep allows for various follow-up submissions based on your opponent’s reactions. Its success is in the minor details where a series of small, mindful movements set up the next steps. Be mindful of your angle, contact with your opponent, weight distribution on the mat, and the direction in which you aim to move into a mounting position.
Basic Mechanics
Key concepts include setting up the sweep from postured-up and postured-down positions, controlling your opponent’s arm to prevent them from posting, and transitioning to submissions like the Kimura, guillotine, or triangle choke if the sweep fails or is countered.
- Initiate from a closed guard position.
- Angle your body while reaching behind with one hand.
- Keep your legs locked around your opponent’s waist.
- Place your other hand on the mat behind you to support your weight.
- Reach over your opponent’s shoulder, positioning your body upright.
- Push up with your palm on the ground (not your elbow) and direct your armpit toward their shoulder.
- Angle your hips to the side, raising your opponent’s elbow above your shoulder while lifting your hips to chest level.
- Use your elbow to push up quickly.
- Control your opponent’s arm by pulling it down with your chin tucked into your chest.
- Complete the sweep by rotating, dropping to your knee, and trapping your arm.
Going for the Bump Sweep
- From a closed guard position: Start by establishing a strong closed guard, using your legs to control your opponent’s posture. As they attempt to break free or posture up, shift your weight to one side, creating the angle needed for the sweep.
- For scoring points: The bump sweep is an effective way to earn points in competitions. By successfully executing the sweep, you transition to a dominant position, allowing you to score points for the mount or back control.
- Gaining top mount position: After executing the bump sweep, aim to establish a solid top mount. This position not only provides control but also opens up opportunities for submissions and further attacks.
Best Time to Use the Hip Bump Sweep
- When the opponent passes your guard: If your opponent successfully begins to pass your guard, initiate the bump sweep to reverse their position and regain control.
- When the opponent is postured up: When you are pinned down, use the bump sweep to create space and shift the momentum in your favor. If they are postured up, they become vulnerable to being swept; exploit their elevated position to take them off balance.
- When the opponent is postured down: Conversely, if your opponent is leaning forward, you can leverage this position to execute the bump sweep, using their weight to reverse the position.
Countering When the Opponent Tries to Escape
The hip bump sweep gives a guard player better chances to break their opponent’s posture. Mastering this technique enables you to exploit minor details, identify weaknesses in the opponent’s stance, and use fakes to gain an advantage. Although a guard passer may seem to have the upper hand by being on top, a well-executed bump sweep can quickly shift the momentum in your favor.
Transition to Other Positions
The closed guard serves as an effective entry point, allowing you to counter a guard passer’s submission attempts, enhance your defense, or escape from leg locks.
Attacks and Submission Techniques
Can transition to various attacks or submissions: This position opens up numerous offensive opportunities.
- Hip Bump Attack: Safe to execute, even for white belts or beginners.
- Triangle Choke: A classic submission that can catch opponents off guard.
- Guillotine: A versatile submission that targets the neck, often used when an opponent’s head is exposed during a scramble.
- Armbar: A powerful technique to isolate and extend the opponent’s arm.
- Transition to Kimura: Maintain the arm lock while bending the arm for control.
- Transition to Triangle: Utilize the opponent’s posture to shift into a triangle choke.
- Transition to Omoplata: Leverage the closed guard to set up this shoulder lock effectively.
Variations of Hip Bump Sweep
The hip bump sweep has tricky variations, including modified sweeps that incorporate angles, locks, and directional changes. All of these rely on subtle details and your opponent’s movements to signal your options.
Variations of the Hip Bump Sweep can create dynamic opportunities during a roll. Here are a few:
- Modified Hip Bump – Blocking the arm while securing the mount adds control and pressure during the sweep.
- Sit-up Sweep (No-Gi) – Focus on full commitment with a strong hip bridge and leg lock to gain leverage.
- Sleeve Variation (Gi) – Armbar setup using a thrust grip holding the sleeve and pinning your opponent under your body for control.
- Fake Hip Bump Sweep – A deceptive move to force a reaction from your opponent and transition into another attack.
CONCLUSION
The hip bump sweep from a closed guard is a versatile technique that provides opportunities to reverse the position and opens up follow-up submission options like the Kimura, guillotine, or triangle choke. Success relies on controlling your opponent’s arm to prevent them from posting, and it can be adapted to both postured-up and postured-down positions, ensuring options even if the sweep is countered.