What is Butterfly Guard in BJJ?
Also known as: Hooks guard
Quick Definition
A seated guard with your feet hooked inside your opponent's thighs.
Full Explanation
Butterfly guard is a seated position where both your feet are hooked inside your opponent's thighs (like butterfly wings). It's an excellent offensive guard for sweeps - the butterfly sweep uses one hook to elevate while you off-balance them to the opposite side. It's also great for transitioning to other guards and setting up guillotines. Marcelo Garcia is famous for his butterfly guard game.
Examples in Context
"He hit me with a butterfly sweep before I could base"
"Butterfly guard works great for smaller players"
Related Terms
Open Guard
Any guard position where your legs are not closed around your opponent.
Butterfly Sweep
A sweep from butterfly guard using a hook to elevate and off-balance the opponent.
Guillotine Choke
A front headlock choke wrapping around the opponent's neck.
Arm Drag
A technique pulling the opponent's arm across your body to get to their back or side.
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