Butterfly guard
A seated open guard using two hooks inside the thighs to elevate and off-balance.
How to read it
What this entry helps you see
Butterfly guard is a seated position where both feet hook inside the partner thighs. An upright posture, an underhook or grip, and active hooks let you elevate and off-balance a partner to one side. It works best when you stay connected chest to chest rather than leaning back and reaching.
Study cues
- Sit up and stay connected to the partner chest
- Keep both hooks active inside the thighs
- Off-balance to a corner before elevating
Common errors
- Leaning back and losing the connection
- Letting the hooks go passive
- Trying to lift straight up instead of to a corner