sweeps open guard sweeps blue Belt

How to Do the Tomoe Nage Sweep in BJJ

★★★☆☆ Difficulty 3/5
📍 From: open guard
🎯 To: mount

The tomoe nage sweep from guard adapts the judo sacrifice throw into a guard sweep. By placing your foot on their hip and pulling with your grips, you launch the opponent overhead. In BJJ context, you follow the roll and land in mount. It is highly effective against forward-leaning opponents.

Key Details to Master

  1. 1 From seated or butterfly guard, grip the collar and sleeve
  2. 2 Place one foot on their hip or belt knot
  3. 3 Fall back while pulling them forward with your grips
  4. 4 Extend your leg to launch them overhead
  5. 5 Follow through the somersault to land in mount

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ⚠️ Foot placed too high or too low on the hip
  • ⚠️ Not pulling with the arms while extending the leg
  • ⚠️ Launching too much to one side missing the overhead path
  • ⚠️ Not following through to mount after the throw
  • ⚠️ Attempting against an opponent who is leaning backward

🔄 Variations

  • Sumi gaeshi variation
  • With butterfly hook
  • To back take
  • Double sleeve tomoe nage

🛡️ Counters & Defenses

  • Do not lean forward
  • Sprawl when the foot hits the hip
  • Base wide
  • Strip the grips before the foot is placed

Track Your Tomoe Nage Sweep Progress

Log every time you practice the Tomoe Nage Sweep and watch your proficiency grow. MatTime helps you build muscle memory by tracking what you actually drill.

Download on the
App Store

Related Techniques

More Sweeps

View all →

Frequently Asked Questions

What belt level should I be to learn the Tomoe Nage Sweep?

The Tomoe Nage 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 Tomoe Nage 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 Tomoe Nage Sweep?

The Tomoe Nage Sweep is typically executed from open guard. Key setups include controlling your opponent's posture and creating the right angle. Practice the entry repeatedly before focusing on the finish.