Train with me: Scissor sweep from closed guard to butterfly guard sweep to side control to Americana

Sticking with fundamental techniques from the Gracie University BBS1 syllabus, this drill starts in the closed guard and ends in the side control. First, we look at the scissor sweep from closed guard. Next, we consider transitioning to the butterfly guard if the scissor sweep isn’t happening. Then, we look at the strong side and weak side sweeps from the butterfly guard, landing in side control. Finally, rather than moving to knee ride and submitting via the elbow cup armbar, we drill some basic variations of the Americana.

For clarity, please note that these video snippets do not purport to offer thorough instruction, nor are they intended to replace proper online or in-person training. However, if, like me, you are looking for inspiration for you personal at-home training maybe these drills can encourage your own practice. If so, yay! If not, thanks for stopping by.

And now, before you go any further, couple things to note. Firstly, I’d recommend doing each drill for 2-3 days, perhaps a couple times a day – for example, as a warm-up to strength and conditioning (I’m loving the online programming at Subversive Fitness, by the way). Consistency is key, rather than binging and burning out. Lastly, of course, you’re doing these drills at your own risk.

Suggested drill

Building from the scissor sweep, let’s add butterfly sweeps to side control / knee ride to side control. Suggested drill is 5 minutes per variation, alternating sides.