How to Do the Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep in BJJ
The Marcelo Garcia butterfly sweep uses a body lock grip and off-angles to create sweeps from butterfly guard. Instead of a simple underhook, you grip around their body and use head position to create the sweeping angle. Marcelo Garcia used this as his primary weapon to become a multiple-time world champion.
✓ Key Details to Master
- 1 From butterfly guard, secure a body lock or double underhook grip
- 2 Place your head on the side you want to sweep toward
- 3 Load their weight onto your butterfly hook on that side
- 4 Extend the hook while driving with your upper body
- 5 The body lock prevents them from posting on either side
✗ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ⚠️ Body lock too loose to prevent posting
- ⚠️ Head on the wrong side for the sweeping direction
- ⚠️ Not loading the weight before elevating the hook
- ⚠️ Extending the hook straight up instead of at an angle
- ⚠️ Releasing the body lock during the roll
🔄 Variations
- → To arm drag
- → To guillotine
- → X-guard transition
- → Single leg X entry
🛡️ Counters & Defenses
- → Sprawl and pressure down
- → Break the body lock grip
- → Crossface to prevent the angle
- → Stand up and disengage
Track Your Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep Progress
Log every time you practice the Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.
Related Techniques
More Sweeps
View all →Scissor Sweep
The scissor sweep is one of the first sweeps taught in BJJ. From closed guard, you use your legs in ...
Hip Bump Sweep
The hip bump sweep capitalizes on an opponent who sits back with good posture in your guard. You use...
Flower Sweep
The flower sweep (pendulum sweep) uses a big pendulum motion with your leg to generate momentum and ...
Butterfly Sweep
The butterfly sweep is the fundamental attack from butterfly guard. Using your hooks and an underhoo...
Frequently Asked Questions
What belt level should I be to learn the Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep? ▼
The Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep is typically introduced at the blue belt level. However, higher belts continue to refine this technique throughout their BJJ journey. Building a technical foundation. Developing a guard game and understanding of timing.
Does this work in both gi and no-gi? ▼
The Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep works in both gi and no-gi, though grip adjustments may be necessary. In no-gi, focus on body control and underhooks instead of gi grips.
How do I set up the Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep? ▼
The Marcelo Garcia Butterfly Sweep is typically executed from butterfly guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.