Principles of Sweeps
Structure Over Surprise
Choke Point Chronicles is where strategy meets storytelling. Each post explores the tactics, psychology, and culture of Jiu-Jitsu, written for students and coaches who want to train with intention and think deeper about the art.
Tapped In is a short-form audio series built for grapplers chasing mastery, not medals. Weekly insights blending mindset, structure, and real-talk in just 15-20 minutes.
Upgrade to premium for just $5/month to unlock deeper essays, bonus audio, and behind-the-scenes coaching content.
Newest Tapped In Episode!
The Principles of Sweeps: Structure Over Surprise
Sweeping your opponent is defined as creating movement with your guard, that off balances and reverses the position that you’re in. The guard is which ever one you decide to play or the one that’s most advantage at a given moment.
There are times where I will play De La Riva, simply because it’s there, and not because I’m great at it.
The goal of every guard is to first defend, preventing your opponent from advancing past your legs. The two secondary options are to submit or sweep, based on what you prefer or what your opponent gives you.
When we decided that we want to sweep, we have to be mindful of keeping, three or more points of contact in order to control. The tripod sweep being an excellent example of that concept.
Judo Concept That Can Be Applied To The Guard
Understanding Jiu-Jitsu Angles
Things To Consider
The Platform - In order to simplify things, lets equate Platform to the guard that we’re in or the contact points that we have in place against my opponent. While each guard will have different focal points of control and weight distribution, the same rules apply in the end. We’re looking for where the weight is and isn’t.
Stances and Voids - For every stance, there’s a given weight distribution, which lead to voids. When the feet are shoulder width apart and parallel, you’re opponent can be pulled towards you or pushed away. When their feet are staggered, one forward and one back, collard drags and ankle picks are often my favorites due to the angle that the stance naturally creates.
Kazushi, Breaking Structure - Kazushi is the art of creating reactions that benefit you. Sometimes Kazushi will look like me pursuing a submission knowing that they will defend a very specific way. My opponent’s response will then lead to me applying the technique that I actually wanted.
It can also be movement based. In closed guard, I could commit to the Hip Bump, forcing them to post the arm, which would then lead me to attacking with the Kimura.
Principles of Sweeping in Bjj | Internal Hook
Principle of Sweeping in Bjj | External Hooks
Simple A to B Sweeps
Closing Thoughts
Jiu-Jitsu can sometimes become extremely complicated. Worm Guard, X, Single Leg X, Butterfly and so on. At it’s simplest form, sweeps are about not allowing your opponent to post, attacking base, and looking for the void in the stance. Sweeps don’t have to be pretty, they just have to get you back to the top position, where you can be at your most dominant.
Thank you,
David Figueroa-Martinez
Founder, DFM Coaching
Coach | Writer | Grappler
DFM Coaching is dedicated to helping you overcome mental hurdles and achieve your full potential in BJJ. Whether through in-person instruction, seminars, private lessons, remote coaching, or video analysis, I provide personalized support tailored to your needs. Keep pushing forward, and let’s grow together!