Technique
Guard
Gi

Kick Flip Backtake From Butterfly Guard

Learn how to execute the kick flip backtake from Butterfly Guard, an effective and surprisingly simple move despite its highlight-reel appearance.

Mastering the Kick Flip Back Take from Butterfly Guard

Welcome to our detailed guide on executing a flashy yet simple Jiu-Jitsu technique: the Kick Flip Back Take from Butterfly Guard. Despite its highlight reel appearance, this move is efficient and accessible with the right fundamentals. Here, we'll break down each step, paying close attention to critical areas to ensure you get this technique right every time.

Understanding the Butterfly Guard

Before diving into the technique, let's clarify what the Butterfly Guard is:

  • Positioning: In Butterfly Guard, you sit on your butt with your legs bent and feet positioned like butterfly wings against the inner thighs of your opponent.
  • Purpose: It allows you to control your opponent's posture and execute sweeps, submissions, and back takes.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Kick Flip Back Take

1. Establishing the Cross Grip

Critical Area: The initial grip and pull.

  • Get Ready: Sit in Butterfly Guard with your opponent in front.
  • Cross Grip: Reach across and grab your opponent's opposite side sleeve with one hand, forming a cross grip. This is essential for control.

2. Securing the Grip and Position

Critical Area: Pulling opponent’s arm and controlling the hip.

  • Double Cross Grip: Use both hands to control the opponent's arm if needed.
  • Body Position: Pull your opponent’s arm across their body and secure it against your hip. This immobilizes their arm and sets up your movement.

3. Connecting to the Back

Critical Area: Adjusting your position for control.

  • Scoot In: Shift your hips closer to your opponent, maintaining the pulled arm tight against your hip.
  • Back Grip: Use your free hand to grab material (gi or belt) on your opponent’s back. This ensures upper body control.

4. Executing the Kick Flip

Critical Area: Coordinating your arms and legs.

  • Lie Back: Lie flat on your back and lift your opponent with your legs. This motion uses your legs' strength to get your opponent airborne.
  • Drop Leg and Push Pull: Drop one leg while performing a push-pull motion with your arms. The coordinated drop and pull will rotate your opponent's body, making them land on your back.

5. Final Adjustments and Securing the Position

Critical Area: Ensuring hooks and maintaining control.

  • Hooks In: As your opponent lands, adjust your position slightly to ensure you have both hooks (legs) in place.
  • Secure Grip: Confirm your grip on their back for stability.

Practical Tips

  • Smooth Transitions: Each movement should flow into the next. Practice slowly to ensure fluidity.
  • Partner Communication: Always communicate with your training partner, especially when practicing lifts and drops.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  1. Poor Grip: A weak initial cross grip can leave you vulnerable and unable to control the opponent.
  2. Incorrect Positioning: If you're too far or too close, it can disrupt your balance and the effectiveness of the kick flip.
  3. Mis-timed Leg Drop: Dropping your leg without the push-pull action results in lost momentum.

Demonstration

Here’s the step-by-step breakdown of the move from a different angle to help with visualization:

  1. Butterfly Guard Position: Butt back, head forward.
  2. Cross Grip: Control opponent’s arm.
  3. Scoot In: Secure back grip.
  4. Lie Back: Engage legs to lift opponent.
  5. Drop and Push-Pull: Rotate opponent onto your back.
  6. Final Position: Secure hooks.
    By breaking down each part and emphasizing critical areas, you’ll be able to master this impressive yet straightforward back take. Remember, practice with concentration on each phase and respect for your training partners. Happy rolling!