Flower Sweep
Also known as: Pendulum Sweep, Bolo Sweep
The flower sweep uses a pendulum motion of your legs combined with sleeve/hip control to sweep your opponent over your body. Unlike the scissor sweep which goes to the side, the flower sweep arcs your opponent over your head. It's particularly effective when your opponent's weight is forward and pairs beautifully with armbar and triangle attacks.
🎯Key Details
Control the sleeve and pants
Same side sleeve grip and opposite side pants grip at the knee. Both grips are essential.
Open your guard and hip out
Unlock your guard and hip escape to create an angle toward the sleeve-controlled side.
Swing your legs
Your legs swing in a pendulum motion—the outside leg goes high and over, the inside leg pushes at their knee.
Pull the sleeve across
As you pendulum, pull their sleeve across your body. This prevents posting.
Follow the momentum
Use the sweeping momentum to come up into mount. Don't stop after the sweep lands.
⚠️Common Mistakes
Not controlling the sleeve
Sleeve grip prevents posting. Without it, they base and stop the sweep.
No hip escape first
You need the angle from hip escaping to make the pendulum work.
Weak leg swing
The pendulum needs momentum. Commit to a big swing.
Letting go of grips on the way up
Maintain grips until you're in mount. Letting go creates scrambles.
🚀Setups
- •When opponent leans forward
- •After breaking their posture
- •As armbar bait/chain
- •When they try to stand from closed guard
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Strong posture and base
- •Strip the sleeve grip
- •Stand up quickly
- •Post with free hand
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
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