### Flower Sweep (Saka Otoshi) - Closed Guard The Flower Sweep, also referred to as the Pendulum Sweep or in Japanese, **Saka Otoshi**, is a fundamental technique initiated from the closed guard position. This technique leverages the opponent's momentum and works effectively against resisting opponents. When executed correctly, the Flower Sweep transitions you from the bottom to a dominant top position – most commonly side control or mount. ### Position: - **Closed Guard** ### Top or Bottom: - **Bottom** ### Step-by-Step Instructions #### 1. **Control the Posture** - Begin in the closed guard with your opponent postured up. - Use your hands to control their posture by grabbing behind their head with one hand. #### 2. **Control the Arm** - Release their head and use one hand to grip your opponent's sleeve or wrist on the same side (let's say right-side sleeve with your right hand). - Pull the opponent's arm towards you, breaking their posture. Keep your elbows close to your body to increase your leverage. #### 3. **Create an Angle** - Use your opposite hand (left hand in this case) to underhook your opponent's leg on the same side as your grip (right leg here). This step pulls you closer to your opponent's right leg. - Simultaneously open your guard; use your left foot to post on your opponent's hip for an additional pivot. #### 4. **Sweep the Leg** - With your right leg, use a sweeping motion to scythe down from your opponent's armpit to underneath them, maintaining the grip on their arm. This motion should be smooth, activating your hips in a wide, pendulum-like arc. - Aim to kick with intention, shifting their weight completely onto the overhooked side. #### 5. **Follow Through and Secure Top Position** - As your opponent's balance tips, pull them over you using the sleeve grip while simultaneously scissoring your legs to extend out and trap their balance. - Continue the sweep motion, guiding your opponent to roll over. - Release their sleeve and establish control by moving your body to their side or directly mounting them if their posture and space allow. ### Key Details: - Successfully controlling the arm and leg is crucial for maintaining their imbalance. - Ensure fluid motion with your sweeping leg; abrupt movements can betray the setup. - Timing is essential – execute as your opponent tries to regain posture or shift. By drilling these steps consistently, you will have mastered the Flower Sweep, enhancing your transition skills from a defensive closed guard to an offensive top position.