Scissor Sweep
Also known as: Cross Sweep, Basic Sweep
The scissor sweep is typically the first sweep taught to beginners because it teaches fundamental sweeping principles: breaking posture, creating an angle, and using your legs as a lever while your grips prevent the opponent from basing out. The 'scissor' motion uses one leg to chop at their knee while the other elevates, dumping them to the side.
🎯Key Details
Breaking posture
Before the sweep, pull their head down using collar grip. Broken posture = unable to base.
Shin across stomach
Your top leg's shin goes across their stomach as a frame and lifting platform.
Bottom leg chops
Your bottom leg hooks behind their knee and chops backward as you elevate with the top leg.
Hip escape first
Small hip escape to create the angle before executing. Flat hips = weak sweep.
Grip the sleeve
Control their arm on the side you're sweeping to. They can't post if you control their wrist/sleeve.
⚠️Common Mistakes
Opponent has strong posture
Break their posture first with collar pull. Strong posture lets them base.
Not controlling the sleeve
Same side sleeve control is essential—they post and stop the sweep without it.
Flat on your back
Hip escape to create an angle. Flat = no leverage for the scissor motion.
Legs don't work together
Both legs move at the same time—one up, one back. Timing must be coordinated.
🚀Setups
- •Break posture from closed guard
- •After they try to stand
- •When they lean forward
- •From collar and sleeve grip
🛡️Counters / Defenses
- •Strong posture
- •Post with the free hand
- •Backstep
- •Stand up and pressure
🔄Variations
📍Applicable Positions
🔗Related Techniques
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