The butterfly guard, also known as the hooks guard, is a traditional and enduring guard style in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). It’s a highly versatile position that uses the guard player’s feet as hooks inside the opponent’s legs to destabilize their base and create opportunities for sweeps, submissions, and transitions.
This classic guard developed from grappling styles like judo, particularly techniques like the tomoe nage (sacrifice throw), which is used to transition combat from standing to the ground. As judo evolved into BJJ through Mitsuyo Maeda’s migration to Brazil in the early 20th century, the butterfly became a cornerstone of guard work. In the decades since, BJJ practitioners like Jean Jacques Machado, Renzo Gracie, and Marcelo Garcia pushed the technique to new heights within this grappling art. Marcelo Garcia, in particular, revolutionized the butterfly guard by incorporating setups for his signature guillotine and x-guard, establishing it as a dominant position in both gi and no-gi formats.
Its advantages are numerous: the position generates powerful leverage for sweeps, offers superior control over the opponent’s movement, and acts as an efficient platform for attacks such as armlocks, triangles, and leg entanglements. While modern BJJ has shifted toward guard variations like De La Riva and 50/50, the butterfly guard remains a vital tool in any grappler’s arsenal, blending tradition with practical effectiveness.
Core Techniques of Butterfly Guard
Here are the fundamental concepts within the butterfly guard that, once you master them, will help you execute sweeps, maintain control, and set up attacks:
Hook Placement
Begin in a seated position with your legs open and feet positioned to engage with your opponent. Your feet should be positioned on the inside of your opponent’s thighs to disrupt their balance and give you the leverage needed for sweeps. Don’t overextend your hooks; just keep them active and responsive.
Posture
Maintaining strong posture is essential for creating leverage and executing techniques in the butterfly guard. Sit with your back slightly rounded and your hips close to your opponent, ensuring a stable base. Leaning too far back or collapsing your posture leaves you vulnerable to guard passes. Stay upright, engage your core, and absorb pressure effectively while transitioning into attacks.
Grip Control
Using grips on your opponent’s collar, sleeves, wrists, or even the back of their head allows you to manipulate their posture and limit their mobility. For no-gi scenarios, focus on securing underhooks, overhooks, or wrist control to dictate the pace of the exchange.
Importance of Timing
When you attack, you take away your opponent’s ability to impose their game on you. Timing and anticipation are key—move before your opponent does, and you’ll always have the strategic advantage on the mat.
Positioning Against the Opponent
In general, it’s up to you to pull your opponent into your position and control the situation. Some people will come in strong and put a lot of pressure; others will come in slow. Ideally, your hips should stay close to theirs, limiting their ability to disengage or create distance. Your head and shoulders should also stay centered or slightly off-angle to disrupt their base and prevent them from settling into a stable position. If it’s not the right time, disengage and stand back up.
When to Use Butterfly Guard
The butterfly guard shines in specific scenarios, such as:
- Transitioning from standing to the ground with control
- Transitioning to half guard or open guard for versatility
- When your opponent has a strong passing game, to neutralize pressure
- Looking for high-percentage sweeps using leverage and momentum
- Fighting for hip mobility to stay engaged in exchanges
- Against opponents crowding your space to counter tight pressure
- In no-gi scenarios where grip options are simplified
Basic Techniques and Sweeps from Butterfly Guard
The butterfly guard offers several powerful sweeps that can quickly change the momentum of a match. Here are three of the most fundamental and effective sweeps to master:
Hook Sweep: This classic sweep uses your hooks under your opponent’s legs to off-balance them. By lifting their far leg with your hook while driving your body in the opposite direction, you can flip them onto their back and secure top control.
Arm Drag Sweep: Leverage your opponent’s arm by pulling it across your body while simultaneously using your hooks to elevate their hips. This combination knocks them off-balance and allows you to transition smoothly into a dominant position.
Overhead Sweep: Use both hooks to elevate your opponent and swing them over your body in a controlled motion. This sweep is particularly effective against opponents who are postured too high or overcommitted, allowing you to flip them and secure top position.
Submissions
Guillotine: Often set up from overhooks or collar ties, this submission capitalizes on an exposed neck to secure a tight choke.
Kimura: Isolate and attack your opponent’s arm, taking advantage of openings created by their movement.
Triangle: Transition into this submission when your opponent’s posture breaks, trapping their head and arm for the finish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Executing Butterfly Guard
Even though the butterfly guard is a versatile and dynamic position, small mistakes can compromise its effectiveness. By understanding these common pitfalls, you can refine your technique and maximize your success:
- Poor hook placement: Hooks that are too shallow or too deep can make it harder to generate leverage for sweeps or maintain control. Keep your hooks active and responsive.
- No upper body control: Without controlling your opponent’s arms, collar, or head, they can easily break free and pass your guard. Always secure grips to limit their movement.
- Sitting too upright: While posture is key, sitting too upright can leave you vulnerable to counters. Maintain a balanced posture, leaning slightly forward to engage your core and create stability.
- Overcommitting to one side: Overcommitting can telegraph your sweeps or attacks, making it easier for your opponent to counter. Stay fluid and ready to adjust your approach.
- Ignoring the posture of your opponent: Understanding your opponent’s posture is crucial. If they are leaning forward, it’s an opportunity to sweep. If they’re postured back, adjust your strategy accordingly.
In Summary
As Garcia says, “Jiu-jitsu is for everyone. You don’t need to be super athletic or flexible to succeed. The beauty of the butterfly guard is that it allows you to control your opponent and impose your game, no matter your physical attributes.”
With practice, the butterfly guard can elevate your game, so stay sharp, stay technical, and see if you can make this technique a cornerstone of your strategy on the mat.