As a relative n00b to butterfly guard, I’m already finding resources challenging with contradictory information. Like any other jiu jitsu positions, it will come down to what works for you and the combination of bodies involved in your current roll. When someone says “don’t do it like this, do this instead” try to understand why they have that preference, but everything has tradeoffs and other people might prefer to balance them differently.
Let’s start with a common reference on this site, Lachlan Giles. He’s great at breaking things down with clear instruction. Note the lack of lift and amplitude in this sweep. I’m drawn to it because it more closely resembles my experience, but it differs greatly from some other demonstrations that involve kicking up in the air. In fact, he says not to do that:
Here’s a bigger kick version of the basic sweep:
Even in videos featuring other famous Jiu Jitsu players, everyone references Marcelo Garcia when discussing butterfly guard. I don’t find his explanations to be as clear or detailed as some others, but he definitely applied the techniques at the highest level so it’s worth considering his thoughts on the subject:
Another guy that you have to consider based on performance is Gordon Ryan. He describes some principles regarding the entry and inside control that are lacking from the other instructions that I’ve seen. Gordon seems more willing to roll onto his back than Lachlan or Marcelo.
Kenny Florian has an interesting breakdown of the body connection required to succeed with butterfly attacks:
To wrap up this first post, here’s one that addresses a concern that I’m sure a lot of people have. He’s so heavy! I can’t move him! He uses a principle we’ve seen many times before and will see many times more: switching between pushing and pulling to get opponent reactions that will help you complete the movements.