What comes next from butterfly guard
Butterfly guard: the bottom player sits up with both feet hooked inside the top player's thighs. The bottom player is a little ahead and wants an underhook (an arm under the other person's armpit). The top player wants to flatten the bottom player or get the hooks off.
Loading 3D view
Learn the position itself: Butterfly Guard in the library ›
If you are the passer
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Shoot for the underhooks and flatten them
Get your own underhooks and put your chest on them. Once they are flat, their hooks lose their power and you reach half guard.
Leads to half guard, smashed › - Stand up and clear the hooks
Stand up so their hooks come off your legs. Now you can pass an open guard.
Leads to open guard › - Knee cut over the hook
Pin one hook down and cut your knee across it. This starts a knee cut pass.
Leads to knee slice in progress › - Hips back, posture up
Keep your hips away from their hooks and your back straight. Wait until you have good grips.
You stay in this position.
Mistake Avoid this: it usually makes things worse.
- Sit back with your arms out
Sitting back with your arms out gives them the underhook. Then they can lift you with their hooks.
Usually goes wrong. Choose a better option above.
If you are the guard player
Best The choice that works most often here.
- Get the underhook and head position
Slide one arm under their armpit and put your head on that side of their chest. With the underhook, all your sweeps work better.
Leads to butterfly guard with underhook ›
Good Works well with the right setup.
- Arm drag to the back
Grab one arm with both hands and pull it across your body. Then climb around to their back for 4 points.
Leads to back control › - Technical stand-up
Post one hand behind you, lift your hips and step back to your feet. You are back to standing, where nobody has control.
Leads to standing › - Sit up and keep distance
Keep your hooks in, sit up straight and keep your hands ready. Let them come to you.
You stay in this position.
Mistake Avoid this: it usually makes things worse.
- Butterfly sweep without the underhook
Without an underhook you cannot control their upper body. Most of the time they put a hand out for balance and flatten you.
Usually goes wrong. Choose a better option above.
Train it on the Path
The Butterfly guard unit turns this into short lessons: you see a position and pick the best move.
Butterfly guard is part of the Purple belt, included in Rolla Plus. Start free with Foundations and the white belt.