Scissor Sweep

Student Objectives:

  1. The student will execute a proper Scissor Sweep under supervision of the instructor.
  2. The student will gain a better understanding of the scissor sweep and the mechanics that make it work.

Teaching Cues:

  • Collar Sleeve
  • Booty Away
  • SCISSOR! (typically said loudly and with enthusiasm)

Lesson: Scissor Sweep from Closed Guard

The practicing student will start in the Closed Guard Position with a collar and sleeve grip. The assisting student will be seated with mild posture to allow the practicing student to get deep grips.

The practicing student will then Shrimp their buttox away from their grips - making sure to disengage enough to get their knee across the hip line while also making sure that their own heel is not pinned against the buttox.

Focus should be given to the assisting partner to ensure they can not put their hands on the floor during this transition. Once the knee is across the chest and the grips have tension, there should be a kicking/scissoring motion with the legs. Emphasize that the top leg not only kicks, but the bottom leg pulls.

Encourage students to maintain their grips throughout the complete sweep, and when they come to the top position they should still have these grips.

Remind the assisting student to be a good training partner during the practicing portion of the lesson.

Possible Extensions:

  • Have the assisting student practice the Upa Escape after the practicing student successfully completes a Scissor Sweep.
  • If the student understands the Cross Collar Choke, then it pairs after the completion of the Scissor Sweep.
  • Have the student vary their placement of the Knee Shield and angle for the Scissor.
  • Allow the assisting student to place varying amounts of weight across the Knee Shield.

Possible Refinements:

  • Pulling with the hands to create a transfer of weight onto the Knee Shield
  • An in depth focus on the space between the heel and the buttocks

Reference materials:

Teaching Reflections:

  • How did I do teaching?
  • What could I do better next time?
  • Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?

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