Jiu Jitsu Basics: Mastering the Butterfly Guard
Welcome to another installment of Jiu Jitsu Skool! Whether you're stepping onto the mat for the first time or refining your skills, understanding and mastering the butterfly guard is essential for any jiu jitsu practitioner. Hosted by the renowned Jean Jacques Machado, this post will break down the fundamentals of the butterfly guard for you.
Introduction
The butterfly guard is a powerful and versatile position in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that allows you to maintain control of your opponent, set up sweeps, and transition to more dominant positions. It's called the "butterfly guard" because of the position of your legs, which resemble the wings of a butterfly.
Why is the Butterfly Guard Important?
- Control: It allows you diverse offensive options while keeping your opponent at bay.
- Flexibility: It transitions smoothly into a variety of guards and attacks.
- Balance: It helps in maintaining your balance and destabilizing your opponent.
Critical Areas to Focus On
When executing the butterfly guard, attention to detail is crucial. Here are some key areas to pay special attention to:
- Hooks: Your feet should be actively hooking your opponent’s legs. The mistake you want to avoid is keeping your feet flat.
- Grips: Establishing a strong grip on your opponent’s belt or their gi is vital. This creates leverage and control.
- Hips and Mobility: Your hips should be dynamic, following the opponent’s movements. Use your hips to adjust and reposition.
- Posture: Avoid being flat on your back. Always try to be on your side to maintain mobility and power.
- Elbow Positioning: Your elbow should be in line with your opponent's spine to leverage better control.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Initial Setup
- Get Your Hooks In:
- Sit up and place each of your feet inside your opponent's thighs.
- Curl your toes up and keep a constant active hook on their legs.
- Grip the Belt:
- Reach around your opponent’s back and grasp their belt. If the belt isn't available, grip their gi at the lower back.
- Control the Arm:
- Secure control of one of their arms. This limits their options for countering.
Execution
- Body Position:
- Shift your hips to one side. This makes it easier to reach and control the belt.
- Avoid lying flat on your back. Always aim to be on your side.
- Sweeping Motion:
- Pull your opponent using the grip on their belt while simultaneously driving your hooked foot into their thigh.
- Use your hips to create a scooping motion, lifting and off-balancing your opponent.
- Your goal is to tilt them to the side; don't just pull them directly forward.
- Follow Through:
- As your opponent starts to tip, extend your leg to guide their movement.
- Ensure that your elbow stays in line with their spine to maintain control.
Finishing
- Establish Dominance:
- Once your opponent starts losing balance and falls, release the grip carefully to avoid injuring your fingers.
- Transition into side control or mount to solidify your dominant position.
- Control the Head:
- Keep their head between your shoulders to control their movements.
- Optimize the positioning by stepping your leg between theirs if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Flat Feet: Always keep your hooks engaged and active. Flat feet allow your opponent to jump to the side and break your guard.
- Poor Hip Movement: Keep your hips active to follow their movements.
- Weak Grips: A loose grip can cause a failed sweep and put you in a defensive position.
- Flat Back: Avoid lying flat as it reduces your control and power.
Conclusion
The butterfly guard is incredibly effective in both offensive and defensive scenarios. By paying attention to hooks, grips, hip movement, and posture, you can master this fundamental position. Practice these steps diligently, and you'll soon find the butterfly guard to be a cornerstone of your jiu jitsu repertoire.
Remember, precision and attention to detail can make all the difference. Happy training!