BJJ Graph

Flower Sweep

Jun 15, 20258 min read

Flower Sweep

bjjtransitionsweepclosed_guardfundamental

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T043
  • Transition Name: Flower Sweep
  • Alternative Names: Pendulum Sweep, Flower Sweep to Mount

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 40%, Intermediate 65%, Advanced 80% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Medium - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Quick - duration of transition
  • Risk Level: Low - chance of backfire or position loss

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for core and leg muscles
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for hip mobility and leg extension
  • Coordination Requirements: High for technical precision
  • Speed Requirements: Medium for timing-dependent execution

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

Detailed step-by-step description for clear movement sequence visualization:

From closed guard bottom, you establish a cross-collar grip with one hand while your other hand controls their same-side sleeve. Your opponent typically attempts to posture up or establish their own grips. You then swing your leg on the collar grip side in a pendulum motion toward their head while simultaneously pulling them off balance with your grips, creating a sweeping motion that brings them over your body. The momentum carries them to the side as you follow through by rolling over them, resulting in mount position with superior control.

Template: “From closed guard with cross-collar and sleeve grips, you pendulum your leg toward their head while pulling them off balance. Your opponent falls to the side as you follow through, resulting in mount position.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish cross-collar grip and same-side sleeve control from closed guard
  2. Initial Movement: Open guard and begin pendulum swing with leg on collar-grip side
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent typically tries to base out or resist the sweep
  4. Adaptation: Adjust grip tension and leg swing timing based on their reaction
  5. Completion: Complete pendulum motion while pulling with grips to sweep them over
  6. Consolidation: Follow through by rolling over opponent to secure mount position

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Deep cross-collar grip, tight sleeve control on same side
  • Base/Foundation: Strong pendulum leg swing creates momentum
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s weight is forward or they’re adjusting grips
  • Leverage Points: Collar grip provides directional control, leg swing provides power
  • Common Adjustments: Vary swing angle and grip pulling direction based on resistance

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Deep grips and proper guard closure (+/-15%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing during opponent’s forward movement (+/-20%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive base and reactions (+/-5%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding sweep mechanics (+/-10%)
  • Position Control: Quality of closed guard maintenance (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Base Out: Posting hand on swept side to prevent rollover → Closed Guard Top (Success Rate: 60%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Counter Sweep: Using momentum to reverse the sweep → Top Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: strong base)
  • Stack Defense: Driving forward to prevent leg swing → Guard Pass (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: timing dependent)
  • Grip Break: Breaking collar or sleeve grip to neutralize → Open Guard (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: superior grip fighting)

Format: [[Counter Technique]] → [[Result State]] (Success Rate: X%, Conditions: [when applicable])

Decision Logic

If [grip setup quality] < 50%:
- Execute [[Grip Break]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [sweep timing] is telegraphed:
- Execute [[Base Out]] (Probability: 60%)

Else if [opponent has superior position]:
- Execute [[Stack Defense]] (Probability: 40%)

Else [optimal sweep execution]:
- Accept transition (Probability: Success Rate - Modifiers)

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The flower sweep succeeds through precise coordination of grip control and pendulum motion. The cross-collar grip provides directional steering while the leg swing generates the mechanical force. Most practitioners fail by rushing the timing rather than waiting for the opponent’s weight to be properly positioned forward.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, I use the flower sweep as part of a sweep series, particularly when opponents are defensive in my guard. The threat of the sweep often opens up other attacks like triangles and armbars. The key is making the pendulum motion explosive while maintaining grip control throughout.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “The flower sweep integrates well with rubber guard concepts, especially when transitioning from mission control positions. It can be modified with different grip variations and combined with submission attempts for a complete attack system from guard.”

Each insight should focus on one key technical or strategic element.

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Attempting sweep without proper grip establishment

  • Why It Fails: Lack of control allows opponent to easily defend and counter

  • Correction: Always secure deep cross-collar and sleeve grips before initiating

  • Recognition: Notice if grips feel loose or opponent easily breaks them

  • Error: Swinging leg too high toward opponent’s face

  • Why It Fails: Reduces leverage and makes sweep less effective

  • Correction: Aim leg swing at hip/thigh level for optimal mechanics

  • Recognition: Sweep feels weak or opponent doesn’t move significantly

  • Error: Not following through after initial sweep motion

  • Why It Fails: Opponent can recover and counter-attack

  • Correction: Continue rolling motion to secure mount position

  • Recognition: Getting swept back or ending in scramble position

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent leans forward or adjusts their grips
  • Avoid When: Opponent has strong defensive posture with good base
  • Setup Sequences: After failed submission attempts that bring opponent forward
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete within 2-3 seconds to prevent counter

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Basic closed guard control and grip fighting
  • Physical Preparation: Hip flexibility and core strength for pendulum motion
  • Positional Understanding: Closed guard mechanics and sweep principles
  • Experience Level: Beginner-friendly technique, good introduction to sweeps

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the sweeping force in the flower sweep?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute the flower sweep?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common grip mistake in this technique?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grips must be established before attempting?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent bases out on the swept side?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Deep collar grips and sleeve control maximize effectiveness
  • No-Gi Specific: Adapt to overhook and underhook control instead of grips
  • Self-Defense: Modified version for clothing grips and street application
  • Competition: Combination with submission attacks for point scoring
  • Size Differential: Larger opponents require more explosive leg swing

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Pendulum leg motion and hip mobility exercises
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows sweep completion for technique refinement
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive defensive resistance
  • Sparring Integration: Implementing sweep during live rolling
  • Troubleshooting: Identifying and correcting common execution problems

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Swing, sweep, roll, flow, drive
  • Spatial References: Pendulum motion, over-under direction, rotational force
  • Pressure Dynamics: Grip tension, momentum transfer, weight displacement
  • Momentum Descriptions: Explosive leg swing, smooth follow-through

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Get your grips deep before you swing”
  • Execution Guidance: “Pendulum that leg and pull with your grips”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Feel their base and adjust your angle”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Follow through to mount, don’t stop halfway”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Closed guard with cross-collar and sleeve grips
  • Transition Points: Leg swing initiation, sweep execution, opponent falling
  • Ending Position: Mount position with control established
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed sweep leading to guard retention or scramble

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Pendulum leg creates rotational force, grips provide directional control
  • Leverage Ratios: Leg length multiplied by swing speed creates mechanical advantage
  • Range of Motion: Hip flexibility determines leg swing arc and power
  • Power Generation: Core muscles, hip flexors, and grip strength combine for execution

Validation Checklist

Every transition file must include:

  • All required properties with specific numeric values
  • Detailed visual execution sequence (minimum 4 sentences)
  • Complete numbered execution steps (minimum 6 steps)
  • At least 3 common counters with success rates
  • Decision logic for opponent behavior
  • Expert insights from all three authorities
  • Minimum 3 common errors with corrections
  • 5 knowledge test questions with answers
  • Timing considerations and prerequisites
  • Training progression pathway

Example Implementation

See Bridge and Roll for a complete example implementing all standard requirements.

Notes for Developers

This standard ensures:

  • Consistent transition data for state machine implementation
  • Probability calculations with modifier systems
  • Rich content for comprehensive technical documentation
  • Educational value through expert analysis
  • Technical depth for authentic understanding
  • Structured decision analysis patterns
  • Knowledge assessment integration
  • Training progression guidance

Updates to this standard should be reflected across all transition files to maintain consistency and educational value.

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as sweep (2 points) plus mount (4 points)
  • No-Gi Competition: Requires adaptation to different grip systems
  • Self-Defense: Effective for creating distance and gaining dominant position
  • MMA Applications: Modified version can work in mixed martial arts context

Historical Context

The flower sweep is one of the fundamental techniques taught in traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, developed as part of the Gracie family’s systematic approach to ground fighting. It demonstrates the principle of using technique and timing over strength, making it accessible to practitioners of all sizes.

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