BJJ Graph

Hip Bump Sweep

Jun 15, 20259 min read

Hip Bump Sweep

bjjtransitionsweepclosed_guardfundamental

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T045
  • Transition Name: Hip Bump Sweep
  • Alternative Names: Sit-Up Sweep, Hip Heist, Basic Sweep

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 50%, Intermediate 70%, Advanced 85% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Low - technical difficulty assessment
  • Energy Cost: Low - physical demand of execution
  • Time Required: Quick - duration of transition
  • Risk Level: Low - chance of backfire or position loss

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Low for core and hip muscles
  • Flexibility Requirements: Low for basic execution
  • Coordination Requirements: Medium 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 collar grip with one hand while posting your other hand on the mat beside your hip. Your opponent typically maintains their posture or attempts to establish their own grips. You then perform a sit-up motion, bringing your posted hand to their opposite shoulder while simultaneously bumping your hips up and to the side. The combination of the sit-up, hip bump, and shoulder push creates an off-balancing force that sweeps them over to the side as you follow through, ending up in mount position with control established.

Template: “From closed guard with collar grip and hand posted, you sit up while bumping your hips and pushing their shoulder. Your opponent falls to the side as you follow through to mount position.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Establish collar grip and post hand on mat beside your hip
  2. Initial Movement: Begin sit-up motion while maintaining closed guard
  3. Opponent Response: Opponent typically tries to maintain posture or grip fight
  4. Adaptation: Adjust timing and direction based on their balance and reaction
  5. Completion: Complete hip bump while pushing shoulder to sweep them over
  6. Consolidation: Follow through by transitioning to mount position

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Requirements: Strong collar grip with one hand for control
  • Base/Foundation: Hand posted on mat provides leverage for sit-up
  • Timing Windows: Execute when opponent’s weight is centered or forward
  • Leverage Points: Hip bump combined with shoulder push creates off-balance
  • Common Adjustments: Vary bump direction and timing based on opponent’s reaction

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Setup Quality: Strong grips and proper hand positioning (+/-10%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing during optimal weight distribution (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Fatigue: Reduced defensive reactions and balance (+/-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: 55%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Weight Forward: Leaning into the sweep to maintain balance → Guard Pass (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: timing dependent)
  • Counter Sweep: Using momentum to reverse the direction → Top Position (Success Rate: 30%, Conditions: superior timing)
  • Posture Up: Creating distance to neutralize sweep mechanics → Open Guard (Success Rate: 45%, Conditions: strong posture)

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

Decision Logic

If [sweep timing] is telegraphed early:
- Execute [[Base Out]] (Probability: 55%)

Else if [opponent maintains] strong posture:
- Execute [[Posture Up]] (Probability: 45%)

Else if [sweep momentum] can be redirected:
- Execute [[Counter Sweep]] (Probability: 30%)

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

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The hip bump sweep succeeds through proper coordination of upper and lower body movements. The key is understanding that the sit-up motion must be combined with the hip bump - neither action alone will create sufficient off-balancing force. The timing must be precise to catch the opponent when their weight distribution is vulnerable.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, I use the hip bump sweep as a fundamental technique to establish dominant position quickly. It’s particularly effective against opponents who maintain a more upright posture in guard. The transition to mount is immediate, which allows for quick point scoring and submission opportunities.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “The hip bump sweep integrates perfectly with submission attempts from guard, particularly when opponents defend other attacks. It can be set up from various guard positions and combines well with rubber guard concepts when modified appropriately. The simplicity makes it highly reliable under pressure.”

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

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Attempting sweep without proper collar grip establishment

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

  • Correction: Always secure collar grip before initiating sweep motion

  • Recognition: Opponent easily maintains balance during sweep attempt

  • Error: Posting hand too far from body or in wrong position

  • Why It Fails: Reduces leverage and power of the sit-up motion

  • Correction: Post hand close to hip on same side for optimal leverage

  • Recognition: Feeling weak or unstable during sit-up phase

  • Error: Not following through completely to mount position

  • Why It Fails: Opponent can recover guard or scramble to better position

  • Correction: Continue motion until fully in mount with control established

  • Recognition: Ending in scramble or opponent recovering position

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent has upright posture with weight centered
  • Avoid When: Opponent is low and heavy with strong base
  • Setup Sequences: After failed submission attempts that bring opponent upright
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete transition within 2-3 seconds

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Basic closed guard control and grip fighting
  • Physical Preparation: Core strength for sit-up motion and hip mobility
  • Positional Understanding: Closed guard mechanics and sweep principles
  • Experience Level: Beginner-friendly technique, excellent first sweep to learn

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the sweeping force in the hip bump sweep?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to execute this sweep?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common grip mistake in this technique?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which hand placement is essential for proper execution?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if opponent bases out on the swept side?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Traditional collar grips provide maximum control
  • No-Gi Specific: Adapt to overhook or neck control instead of collar
  • Self-Defense: Modified version using clothing grips in street situations
  • Competition: Combination with submission attempts for multiple threats
  • Size Differential: Smaller practitioners can use superior hip mobility advantage

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Sit-up motion and hip bump mechanics without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows sweep completion for timing development
  • 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: Bump, sit, push, sweep, drive, follow-through
  • Spatial References: Upward motion, lateral force, rotational momentum
  • Pressure Dynamics: Hip drive, shoulder pressure, weight displacement
  • Momentum Descriptions: Explosive sit-up, smooth follow-through

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Get that collar grip deep and post your hand”
  • Execution Guidance: “Sit up strong and bump those hips hard”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Feel their weight and time your movement”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Follow through all the way to mount”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Closed guard with collar grip and posted hand
  • Transition Points: Sit-up initiation, hip bump execution, shoulder push
  • Ending Position: Mount position with opponent swept
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed sweep leading to guard retention or scramble

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Upward hip force combined with lateral shoulder pressure
  • Leverage Ratios: Sit-up strength multiplied by hip bump momentum
  • Range of Motion: Core flexion and hip extension working in coordination
  • Power Generation: Core muscles, hip flexors, and arm strength combination

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.

  • Flower Sweep - Alternative sweep using different mechanics
  • Scissor Sweep - Another fundamental closed guard sweep
  • Triangle Choke - Common combination when sweep is defended
  • Armbar from Guard - Alternative attack using similar collar grip
  • Kimura - Submission option if opponent defends sweep poorly

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: Excellent for creating dominant position quickly
  • MMA Applications: Modified version effective in mixed martial arts

Historical Context

The hip bump sweep is one of the most fundamental techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, taught to beginners as an introduction to sweep mechanics. It demonstrates core principles of leverage, timing, and position that apply throughout the art.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Application: Smooth execution prevents injury to both practitioners
  • Mat Awareness: Ensure adequate space for safe completion
  • Partner Safety: Controlled follow-through protects training partner
  • Gradual Progression: Build up speed and power gradually during learning

Position Integration

Common hip bump sweep combinations:

Training Applications

  • Beginner Curriculum: Essential first sweep for new practitioners
  • Drilling Sequences: Excellent for repetitive technical practice
  • Flow Training: Integrates well with other guard techniques
  • Competition Preparation: Reliable technique under pressure

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