BJJ Graph

John Wayne Sweep

Jun 15, 202511 min read

John Wayne Sweep

bjjtransitionsweephalf_guardintermediate

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T061
  • Transition Name: John Wayne Sweep
  • Alternative Names: Old School Sweep, Half Guard Underhook Sweep

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 50%, Advanced 70% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium - requires underhook control and hip movement
  • Energy Cost: Medium - demands active hip escape and leverage
  • Risk Level: Medium - potential for losing position if mistimed
  • Execution Speed: Medium - must be executed with control and timing

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for underhook control and hip drive
  • Flexibility Requirements: Medium for hip mobility and leg positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for timing underhook, hip escape, and sweep
  • Speed Requirements: Medium for quick reaction to opponent’s weight shift

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

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

From a Half Guard Bottom or Knee Shield Half Guard position, you start on your side, facing the opponent who is on top, with your bottom leg trapping one of their legs between yours, while your top leg is either framing as a knee shield across their chest or positioned to block their hip, and you secure a strong underhook with your top arm under their near arm, reaching up toward their shoulder or back to control their upper body. You maintain a tight connection with your underhook, keeping your elbow close to your body to prevent them from pulling out, while your bottom arm frames against their far hip or grips their pants to block their posture and create space, ensuring your head is positioned defensively to avoid crossfaces or chokes. As you prepare to initiate the sweep, you shift your hips underneath the opponent by scooting them out to the side, using your underhook to pull their weight forward and slightly off-balance them, while simultaneously swinging your top leg (knee shield leg) down and out to the side to create an angle, planting your foot on the mat for leverage. With your hips now under their center of gravity, you drive upward with your underhook and bottom leg, using your posted top foot to assist in rolling them over your body to the side of your underhook, maintaining control of their trapped leg to prevent them from basing out, as you follow through by coming up on top during the roll, keeping pressure with your chest to pin them. You land in a dominant top position, such as side control or a transitional top position, immediately securing their upper body with an underhook or crossface to prevent escapes, establishing control to consolidate your position after the sweep.

Template: “From Half Guard Bottom or Knee Shield Half Guard, lie on side, trap opponent’s leg, secure underhook under near arm. Frame with bottom arm against far hip, keep head defensive. Shift hips underneath by scooting out, pull opponent forward with underhook, swing top leg out for angle. Drive up with underhook and bottom leg, roll opponent over using posted foot, follow to top. Land in top position or side control, secure control with underhook or crossface.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Start in Half Guard Bottom or Knee Shield Half Guard on side
  2. Leg Control: Trap opponent’s leg between yours, bottom leg hooks their ankle
  3. Underhook Grip: Secure strong underhook under opponent’s near arm to shoulder
  4. Framing Defense: Use bottom arm to frame far hip or grip pants, block posture
  5. Head Positioning: Keep head defensive to avoid crossface or choke attacks
  6. Hip Shift: Scoot hips out to side, get underneath opponent’s center of gravity
  7. Off-Balance Pull: Use underhook to pull opponent forward, disrupt their base
  8. Leg Swing: Swing top leg out and down, plant foot for leverage and angle
  9. Sweep Drive: Drive up with underhook and bottom leg, roll opponent over to side
  10. Position Secure: Follow roll to top position or side control, maintain control

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Underhook Control: Strong grip under opponent’s arm to pull and off-balance
  • Hip Positioning: Getting hips underneath opponent’s center for leverage
  • Leg Framing: Top leg swing and bottom leg hook to create sweep angle
  • Opponent Posture: Breaking opponent’s posture forward to disrupt base
  • Timing: Coordinating hip shift and underhook pull during weight shift

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Underhook Strength: Depth and control of underhook grip (+/-20%)
  • Hip Mobility: Ability to shift hips underneath opponent (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Weight Distribution: Catching opponent leaning forward (+/-15%)
  • Leg Control: Effectiveness of trapping opponent’s leg (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding half guard sweep mechanics (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Posture Recovery: Regaining upright posture to resist pull → Top Half Guard (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Base Widening: Posting far leg or arm to prevent roll → Top Position (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Counter Pressure: Driving weight back to flatten sweeper → Flattened Half Guard (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: strong top control)
  • Submission Counter: Attacking with choke or arm lock → Ezekiel Choke (Success Rate: 20%, Conditions: advanced skill)

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

Decision Logic

If [sweep setup] is recognized early:
- Execute [[Posture Recovery]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [base] can be widened quickly:
- Execute [[Base Widening]] (Probability: 35%)

Else if [weight] can be driven back:
- Attempt [[Counter Pressure]] (Probability: 25%)

Else [advanced skill] allows submission:
- Attempt [[Submission Counter]] (Probability: 20%)

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

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The John Wayne Sweep is a fundamental half guard technique that exemplifies the importance of underhook control in bottom positions. The key lies in shifting your hips underneath the opponent to create leverage for the roll, demonstrating how positional advantage can overcome strength disparities. This sweep teaches essential principles of leverage and timing that are critical for all guard systems.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, the John Wayne Sweep is a high-percentage move from half guard when you can secure a deep underhook and catch the opponent leaning forward. I use it to reverse position and gain top control, often chaining it with immediate passing or submission attempts. The technique shows how half guard can be an offensive platform rather than just defensive.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “The John Wayne Sweep integrates well with modern half guard systems, offering a dynamic way to reverse position using underhook control. It’s a great move for grapplers who want to attack from the bottom, blending traditional BJJ with wrestling-style reversals. This sweep is perfect for building an active, offensive half guard game.”

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

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Weak or shallow underhook grip

  • Why It Fails: Lacks control to pull opponent forward and off-balance

  • Correction: Secure deep underhook reaching up to shoulder or back

  • Recognition: Opponent easily pulls arm out or maintains posture

  • Error: Insufficient hip shift underneath opponent

  • Why It Fails: Reduces leverage for sweep, making roll difficult

  • Correction: Scoot hips out to side, position under opponent’s center of gravity

  • Recognition: Sweep stalls or opponent remains stable on top

  • Error: Poor timing of pull and leg swing

  • Why It Fails: Lacks coordinated force to execute sweep effectively

  • Correction: Pull with underhook as top leg swings out for angle and leverage

  • Recognition: Opponent counters with posture recovery or base widening

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent leans forward or shifts weight over trapped leg
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains heavy, centered pressure with strong posture
  • Setup Sequences: After securing deep underhook and framing against far hip
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete sweep within 3-5 seconds to avoid counters

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of half guard principles and underhook control
  • Physical Preparation: Hip mobility and core strength for sweep leverage
  • Positional Understanding: Control points in half guard bottom positions
  • Experience Level: Intermediate - requires specific half guard concepts

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the leverage in John Wayne Sweep?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate John Wayne Sweep?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in executing John Wayne Sweep?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grip is essential for starting John Wayne Sweep?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent resists during John Wayne Sweep?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Standard John Wayne Sweep: Classic underhook sweep from half guard bottom
  • Knee Shield Variation: Using knee shield frame before swinging leg out
  • Combination Setup: Used as feint to set up other half guard sweeps or submissions
  • Counter Adaptation: Applied as counter to opponent’s passing pressure
  • Size Differential: Effective against larger opponents with proper hip shift

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Hip shift and underhook positioning drills without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows sweep for technique development
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive resistance to setup
  • Sparring Integration: Attempt during live half guard bottom scenarios
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and correct issues with hip positioning or timing

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Trap, secure, frame, scoot, pull, swing, drive, roll, follow
  • Spatial References: Underhook side, underneath center, top leg out, top position
  • Pressure Dynamics: Posture break, off-balance pull, sweep leverage
  • Momentum Descriptions: Hip shift, coordinated roll, controlled landing

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Secure deep underhook, frame against their far hip”
  • Execution Guidance: “Scoot hips out, pull them forward, swing leg for angle, roll over”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “If they resist, deepen underhook and adjust hip angle”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Drive through, come up on top, secure control position”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Half guard bottom with underhook and leg control
  • Transition Points: Hip shift, off-balance pull, leg swing, sweep drive
  • Finishing Position: Top position or side control after sweep
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt leading to flattened half guard or counter

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Upward drive with underhook, lateral hip shift for leverage
  • Leverage Ratios: Opponent’s weight shift as fulcrum for sweep momentum
  • Range of Motion: Hip rotation and leg swing for angle creation
  • Power Generation: Core and leg strength for sweep drive and roll

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 Hip Bump Sweep 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.

  • Half Guard Bottom - Primary starting position for this sweep
  • Knee Shield Half Guard - Alternative starting position with additional frame
  • Hip Bump Sweep - Similar fundamental sweep with different mechanics
  • Side Control - Common ending position after successful sweep

Competition Applications

  • IBJJF Rules: Legal at all belt levels, scores as sweep (2 points)
  • No-Gi Competition: Effective with modified grip setups
  • Self-Defense: Useful for reversing position in real-world scenarios
  • MMA Applications: Applicable with adjustments for striking defense

Historical Context

The John Wayne Sweep, also known as the Old School Sweep, is a traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique from half guard, named for its classic, straightforward approach to reversing position. It highlights the importance of underhook control in BJJ’s evolving guard game, often associated with early practitioners refining half guard as an offensive position.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Sweep: Execute with control to avoid injuring opponent during roll
  • Personal Safety: Be prepared to adjust if sweep fails or opponent counters
  • Partner Communication: Ensure opponent is ready for dynamic movement
  • Training Environment: Use in controlled settings with proper mats to prevent injury

Position Integration

Common John Wayne Sweep combinations:

Training Applications

  • Sweep Development: Essential for half guard bottom offensive game
  • Competition Preparation: High-percentage move for scoring sweep points
  • Control Training: Builds skills in reversing from bottom to top positions
  • Timing Mastery: Encourages development of precise timing and leverage

Graph View

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