defending butterfly guard pass

**blackmonk** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 6:15pm

For the most part, I don't have much of a problem with people passing my butterfly guard, but those that are able to pass use one technique with a high degree of success.

It's a really common pass... My opponent straightens one leg out to clear the hook on one side, and then brings the knee back against the other knee, pinning my other leg to my body.

I try to manipulate the head as they're passing, but it's inevitable that they will win that battle. Ideas? I always know it's coming, yet still can't effectively defend it.

**CrackFox** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 6:31pm

Are you, by any chance, flat on your back when this happens?

**blackmonk** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 6:39pm

Originally Posted by CrackFox

Are you, by any chance, flat on your back when this happens?

No, it doesn't seem to matter what position I am in. If I am on my back at all, it is rounded for a sweep. I try to stay upright and into my opponent's torso, but this is of course against a resisting opponent, so it doesn't always work like that.

**RandomTriangle** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:02pm

I am having trouble picturing it.

Gi or no gi?

Are they in a combat base or standing

Can you switch to DLH guard?

What are they holding?

**goodlun** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:06pm

Is this the pass your talking about?

**DKJr** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 7:10pm

Is is the variation with the underhook or do they switch to the over under pass?

**blackmonk** · Posted On: 11/18/2012 9:45pm

Not the pass in the video.

The underhook or over/under transition from the initial pass isn't so much of my concern as them trapping one of my butterfly hooks. Although, Koresh, I would like you to please elaborate on that line of thinking, as you've grappled for a couple years more than I have.

Happens gi and nogi. Not sure what DLH is, but if you mean DLR, then no, there isn't an opportunity for that.

**Petter** · Posted On: 11/19/2012 12:08am

This pass?

In general terms, I’d probably do one of two things. Supposing it is my right leg that gets stuck, and my opponent is trying to circle/pass to my right (his left). I might try to use my free (left) leg to reach over and trap his nearest (right) leg by stepping over it, then angle onto my right hip a bit and wiggle the trapped hook free, then play half butterfly from there. Alternatively, I might post my free (left) foot on his hip and try to push off, create a bit of space so I have some room to play with, maybe replacing butterfly, maybe moving to something else.

**DKJr** · Posted On: 11/19/2012 1:33am

Originally Posted by blackmonk

Not the pass in the video.

The underhook or over/under transition from the initial pass isn't so much of my concern as them trapping one of my butterfly hooks. Although, Koresh, I would like you to please elaborate on that line of thinking, as you've grappled for a couple years more than I have.

Happens gi and nogi. Not sure what DLH is, but if you mean DLR, then no, there isn't an opportunity for that.

They kill your butterfly hooks like that typically because they can get you flat. If that's your concern I'd say frame under their neck with your (left arm if they trapped your right hook) rock up onto your (right) elbow and scoot your hips back.

The underhook vs over/under question is because that becomes the next problem if they counter framing and scooting, or if you're a step too late. I've got two fun counters for both those passes, the over/under one is especially sneaky. I'll figure out a way to make a video since I'm lazy and don't like to type it all out.

**Kintanon** · Posted On: 11/19/2012 10:27am

Are they controlling your upper body so much that you can't use the hook that is still established as well as your now free leg to push your hips backwards and re-insert your hook?

Alternately you can perform an armdrag on the same side as your free leg.

The deciding issue on how you can counter that pass is going to be what kind of upper body control they have over you.