For the longest time, my closed guard was a trap — but not for my opponents.
It was a trap for me.
I’d lock my legs, control my grips, and… nothing. My opponent wouldn’t give me an arm. They wouldn’t lean forward. They wouldn’t even try to pass.
I was stuck.
But once I started using the right sweeps, everything changed. Suddenly, I wasn’t stuck at the bottom — I was sweeping and dominating from the top.
Here are the sweeps that saved my closed guard game.
1. The Hip Bump Sweep — When They Sit Up, It’s Time to Go!
This sweep changed my game overnight. If my opponent postured up, I didn’t fight it — I used it against them.
🔹 I sat up fast, hooked their elbow, and controlled their wrist.
🔹 I drove my hips forward like I was throwing a punch with my body.
🔹 Boom! They went flying over their shoulder, and I landed in the mount.
This works even if you’re smaller — because momentum beats muscle.
2. The Scissor Sweep — A Classic for a Reason!
I ignored this sweep for a long time because I thought it was too simple.
Big mistake.
Once I cleaned up my technique, it became one of my most reliable sweeps.
🔹 I broke their posture and got a deep collar grip.
🔹 My shin went across their belly while my other leg chopped their knee.
🔹 I pulled with my arms, scissored my legs, and flipped them over.
This sweep works against bigger opponents because it’s all about leverage.
3. The Pendulum Sweep — For When They Post a Hand!
If they started posting their hand to stop the scissor sweep, I had the perfect answer.
🔹 I controlled their wrist and angled my hips out.
🔹 I swung my leg like a pendulum, building momentum.
🔹 The moment they leaned back? I cut my other leg under and swept them.
The best part? If they defended the sweep, they gave me an armbar.
Win-win.
4. The Flower Sweep — My Secret Weapon!
This one feels like cheating once you get the timing down.
🔹 I trapped their arm and grabbed their pants near the knee.
🔹 As I pulled their knee toward me, I kicked my leg in a big, explosive motion.
🔹 They flipped over, and I landed straight into mount.
If they try to pull their arm out?
Guess what — they just gave me a triangle choke.
5. The Lumberjack Sweep — Easy Points When They Stand!
If they stood up in my closed guard, I didn’t panic. I swept them instantly.
🔹 I grabbed their ankles.
🔹 I planted my feet on their hips and pushed while pulling their ankles.
🔹 Gravity did the rest.
They fell like a tree, and I landed straight into mount.
Best part? Zero strength needed — just timing.
Lesson Learned: Closed Guard Isn’t a Resting Spot — It’s an Attack Position!
I used to stall in closed guard. Now, I attack non-stop.
If my opponent sits back? Hip bump sweep.
If they lean forward? Scissor or flower sweep.
If they stand? Lumberjack sweep.
If they post? Pendulum sweep into an armbar.
No more getting stuck — only sweeping and dominating.
Want to Stop Getting Stuck? Do This!
✅ Have at least 3 sweeps ready! One will always fit the situation.
✅ Use their movement against them! If they sit up, take them over. If they lean forward, knock them back.
✅ Don’t fight — redirect! The best sweeps use momentum, not muscle.
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