BJJ Graph

Tomahawk Sweep

Jun 15, 202510 min read

Tomahawk Sweep

bjjtransitionsweepopen_guarddynamic

Required Properties for State Machine

Core Identifiers

  • Transition ID: T055
  • Transition Name: Tomahawk Sweep
  • Alternative Names: Tomahawk Guard Sweep, Open Guard Tomahawk

State Machine Properties

Transition Properties

  • Success Probability: Beginner 30%, Intermediate 55%, Advanced 70% - core probability data
  • Execution Complexity: Medium to High - requires timing, coordination, and hip mobility
  • Energy Cost: Medium - demands controlled movement and leverage
  • Risk Level: Medium - potential for position loss or counter if mistimed
  • Execution Speed: Medium to Fast - must be executed with intent to catch opponent off-guard

Physical Requirements

  • Strength Requirements: Medium for hip drive and control
  • Flexibility Requirements: High for hip mobility and leg positioning
  • Coordination Requirements: High for timing grip, leg placement, and sweep
  • Speed Requirements: Medium for quick execution to prevent counters

State Machine Content Elements

Visual Execution Sequence

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

From an open guard position, you face the opponent with active legs and grips, typically controlling their sleeves or wrists while maintaining a strong frame with your feet on their hips or biceps to manage distance and prevent passes. As the opponent attempts to pass your guard by stepping to one side or driving forward, you initiate the Tomahawk Sweep by shifting your hips to create an angle, pulling one of their arms across your body with your grip while simultaneously swinging your outside leg down and across their far leg, aiming to hook behind their knee or ankle. Using your core and hip mobility, you drive your hooked leg upward and inward in a ‘chopping’ motion, mimicking a tomahawk swing, to off-balance the opponent and disrupt their base, while pulling with your grip to guide their upper body into the sweep. You then roll over your shoulder or hip, following the momentum of the sweep, to come up on top, maintaining control of their arm and leg to prevent a scramble. Immediately after completing the sweep, you establish a dominant top position such as mount or side control, securing control with chest pressure and arm isolation to solidify your advantage.

Template: “From open guard, control opponent’s sleeves with feet on hips or biceps to manage distance. Shift hips to angle as they pass, pull arm across body, swing outside leg to hook far leg. Drive hooked leg up in chopping motion to off-balance, roll over shoulder to come on top, then establish dominant position like mount or side control.”

Execution Steps (Numbered Sequence)

  1. Setup Requirements: Engage in open guard with active legs and grips
  2. Grip Establishment: Control opponent’s sleeves or wrists for leverage
  3. Distance Management: Place feet on hips or biceps to frame and prevent passes
  4. Opponent Response: Opponent attempts to pass by stepping or driving forward
  5. Hip Adjustment: Shift hips to create angle for sweep on passing side
  6. Arm Control: Pull opponent’s arm across body with grip to guide movement
  7. Leg Hook: Swing outside leg down and across to hook behind far knee or ankle
  8. Sweep Execution: Drive hooked leg up and in with chopping motion to off-balance
  9. Follow Through: Roll over shoulder or hip to come on top, establish top position

Key Technical Details

Critical elements that determine success:

  • Grip Control: Secure sleeve or wrist grips to manipulate opponent’s upper body
  • Hip Mobility: Shift hips to create optimal angle for sweep initiation
  • Leg Hook: Accurate placement behind opponent’s far leg for leverage
  • Chopping Motion: Upward and inward drive to disrupt opponent’s base
  • Momentum Follow: Roll with sweep momentum to secure top position

Success Modifiers

Factors that increase/decrease probability:

  • Grip Quality: Strength and control of sleeve or wrist grips (+/-15%)
  • Opponent Momentum: Capitalizing on passing attempt or forward pressure (+/-20%)
  • Timing Precision: Executing at the right moment of weight shift (+/-15%)
  • Hip Drive: Effective use of core and hip mobility for sweep (+/-10%)
  • Knowledge Test Performance: Understanding open guard sweep mechanics (+/-10%)

Counter-Attack Analysis

Common Counters

Opponent responses with success rates:

  • Base Adjustment: Widening stance to resist sweep → Open Guard Top (Success Rate: 50%, Conditions: early recognition)
  • Arm Withdrawal: Freeing controlled arm to regain balance → Neutral Position (Success Rate: 40%, Conditions: quick reaction)
  • Hip Pressure: Driving hips down to block sweep → Guard Pass (Success Rate: 35%, Conditions: strong posture)
  • Counter Sweep: Using momentum for own sweep → Bottom Position (Success Rate: 25%, Conditions: advanced skill)

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

Decision Logic

If [sweep setup] is recognized early:
- Execute [[Base Adjustment]] (Probability: 50%)

Else if [arm control] can be broken quickly:
- Execute [[Arm Withdrawal]] (Probability: 40%)

Else if [posture] is strong for resistance:
- Attempt [[Hip Pressure]] (Probability: 35%)

Else [skill level] allows for counterattack:
- Attempt [[Counter Sweep]] (Probability: 25%)

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

Educational Content

Expert Insights

Commentary as if from recognized authorities:

  • John Danaher: “The Tomahawk Sweep is a dynamic open guard technique that leverages precise hip movement and leg control to reverse position against a passing opponent. The key lies in the chopping motion of the leg to disrupt their base, creating an opportunity to come on top. This sweep teaches critical principles of angle creation and momentum that apply to all guard systems.”
  • Gordon Ryan: “In competition, the Tomahawk Sweep can be a high-percentage move to catch opponents during their guard pass attempts. I use it to capitalize on their forward momentum, quickly transitioning from bottom to top with control. The technique shows how open guard can be an offensive platform with the right timing.”
  • Eddie Bravo: “Tomahawk Sweep integrates seamlessly with modern guard play and can be chained with other sweeps or submissions if it fails. It often surprises opponents who aren’t expecting the unique leg hook and chopping action, creating openings for dominance. This move highlights how creative guard sweeps can dominate in BJJ.”

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

Common Errors

For knowledge test generation:

  • Error: Mistiming the hip shift and sweep initiation

  • Why It Fails: Allows opponent to maintain balance and resist sweep

  • Correction: Wait for opponent’s passing movement before shifting hips and sweeping

  • Recognition: Opponent stays upright or easily adjusts base during attempt

  • Error: Insufficient grip or arm control

  • Why It Fails: Fails to guide opponent’s upper body into the sweep

  • Correction: Secure strong sleeve or wrist grips before initiating sweep

  • Recognition: Opponent easily pulls arm back or counters with posture

  • Error: Poor leg hook placement or chopping motion

  • Why It Fails: Reduces leverage to off-balance opponent effectively

  • Correction: Ensure leg hooks behind far knee or ankle with upward drive

  • Recognition: Sweep feels ineffective or opponent steps out of hook

Timing Considerations

When to attempt this transition:

  • Optimal Conditions: When opponent attempts to pass guard with forward momentum
  • Avoid When: Opponent maintains strong defensive posture or low base
  • Setup Sequences: After establishing open guard with active grips and frames
  • Follow-up Windows: Must complete sweep within 3-5 seconds to avoid counters

Prerequisites

Requirements before attempting:

  • Technical Skills: Understanding of open guard principles and sweep mechanics
  • Physical Preparation: Hip flexibility and core strength for mobility
  • Positional Understanding: Control points in open guard position
  • Experience Level: Intermediate - requires timing and coordination

Technical Assessment Elements

Knowledge Assessment Questions

5 technical questions with multiple choice answers:

  • Mechanical Understanding: “What creates the off-balancing effect in Tomahawk Sweep?”
  • Timing Recognition: “When is the optimal moment to initiate the Tomahawk Sweep?”
  • Error Prevention: “What is the most common mistake in executing Tomahawk Sweep?”
  • Setup Requirements: “Which grips are essential for controlling the opponent?”
  • Adaptation: “How do you adjust if the opponent resists the initial sweep?”

Variants and Adaptations

Different versions for various scenarios:

  • Gi Specific: Using gi sleeve grips for enhanced control
  • No-Gi Specific: Modified wrist control without gi assistance
  • Self-Defense: Quick application for reversals in real-world scenarios
  • Competition: Combination with other open guard sweeps for points
  • Size Differential: Effective against larger opponents with proper angle

Training Progressions

Skill development pathway:

  • Solo Practice: Hip movement and leg hook motion without partner
  • Cooperative Drilling: Partner allows sweep for technique development
  • Resistant Practice: Partner provides progressive resistance to setup
  • Sparring Integration: Attempt during live rolling from open guard
  • Troubleshooting: Identify and correct issues with timing or hook placement

Audio & Narration Elements

Action Descriptions

Dynamic language for TTS narration:

  • Movement Verbs: Shift, pull, swing, hook, drive, roll
  • Spatial References: Hip angle, leg hook, far knee, top position
  • Pressure Dynamics: Off-balance effect, hip drive, upper body control
  • Momentum Descriptions: Quick chop, dynamic roll, controlled finish

Coaching Commentary

Real-time instruction and feedback:

  • Setup Cues: “Control their sleeves and frame with your feet on hips”
  • Execution Guidance: “Shift hips and swing your leg to hook as they pass”
  • Adaptation Prompts: “Adjust your angle if they resist, drive harder with hips”
  • Completion Confirmation: “Follow through to land on top and secure control”

Technical Specifications

Animation Keyframes

For potential visual development:

  • Starting Position: Open guard with grips and feet framing
  • Transition Points: Hip shift, arm pull, leg hook, chopping sweep
  • Finishing Position: Top position after sweep (mount or side control)
  • Alternative Outcomes: Failed attempt leading to neutral or scramble

Biomechanical Analysis

Scientific movement breakdown:

  • Force Vectors: Upward and inward drive through hooked leg
  • Leverage Ratios: Hips as fulcrum for opponent’s weight shift
  • Range of Motion: Hip rotation, leg extension for hook
  • Power Generation: Core and hip strength for sweep momentum

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.

  • De La Riva Sweep - Similar open guard sweep with different mechanics
  • Tripod Sweep - Alternative open guard sweep option
  • Open Guard Bottom - Common starting point for this transition
  • Guard Recovery - Fallback option if sweep fails

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

Tomahawk Sweep is a modern open guard technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, showcasing the evolution of guard play with dynamic sweeps. It highlights BJJ’s focus on using hip mobility and creative leg control for effective reversals in competition.

Safety Considerations

  • Controlled Sweep: Execute sweep with control to avoid injuring opponent
  • 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

Position Integration

Common Tomahawk Sweep combinations:

Training Applications

  • Guard Development: Essential for open guard sweep arsenal in competition
  • Competition Preparation: High-percentage move for scoring points
  • Control Training: Builds skills in manipulating opponent’s balance from bottom
  • Dynamic Attack: Encourages creative and powerful transitions

Graph View

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