### Old School Sweep: Step-by-Step Guide **Position: Half Guard** **Japanese Name:** N/A **Top/Bottom**: Bottom --- ### Introduction The "Old School Sweep" is a classic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique used from the half guard. It effectively transitions a practitioner from a defensive position at the bottom to a dominant top position. This sweep is particularly effective when your opponent is applying top pressure. --- ### Step-by-Step Instructions 1. **Establish a Deep Half Guard** - From beneath half guard, ensure that your opponent's far leg is tightly trapped between your legs. Your outside leg will clamp across the opponent's knee, and the inside leg peeks behind their calf. - Use your inside arm to underhook their far leg, reaching deeply to grab their ankle, typically the foot nearest you. 2. **Replace Guard Hook with Underhook** - While maintaining control of their leg, use your free arm to create a deep underhook around your opponent's near leg. Your goal is to grip around the thigh as high as you can. 3. **Break Your Opponent's Base** - Keep your underhook strong and apply pressure to disturb the opponent's balance. - Curl your body slightly and redirect your weight towards them to encourage a forward lean, creating an opportunity to initiate the sweep. 4. **Pivot and Bridge** - Begin to pivot your hips away from your opponent while simultaneously using your inside foot to bridge off the mat. - Push your opponent over your head in the direction of their trapped leg. This movement should lift their trapped knee off the mat, ensuring they are easily toppled over. 5. **Complete the Sweep** - Once your opponent's weight is lifted and they begin to fall, follow through by keeping control of their leg and driving it to the ground, pushing on their knee. - Use the momentum of the bridge to move from beneath them and over to finish on top, preferably into side control or mount. 6. **Stabilize the Top Position** - Once you've reached the top position, focus on establishing a strong control by pinning the opponent's shoulders or hips. - Keep a tight hold on their torso or head to prevent counter moves or a possible escape. --- ### Final Thoughts The "Old School Sweep" is a fundamental maneuver that relies on leverage and the tactical unbalance of the opponent. This technique can be a powerful addition to your half guard strategy when executed with precision and timing. Practice diligently and integrate seamlessly into your overall ground game.