X-Guard BJJ: The Ultimate Sweep Guide
By BJJ Sportswear Editorial Team
Reviewed by competitive black belts | Last Updated: February 1, 2026
The X-Guard is one of the most powerful sweeping positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
While other guards rely on keeping the opponent away, the X-Guard relies on getting directly underneath them. By positioning your body under their center of gravity, you become a “human car jack,” capable of lifting and off-balancing opponents twice your size.
Popularized by Marcelo Garcia, this position is the perfect answer to opponents who stand up to pass your guard. In this guide, we break down the mechanics, entries, and unstoppable sweeps of the X-Guard.
Table of Contents
What is the X-Guard?
The X-Guard is an open guard where you are underneath the opponent, controlling one of their legs with your arms and the other with your legs.
- The “X”: Your legs cross (in an X shape) behind the opponent’s far leg.
- The Control: One hook is behind their knee, and the other is at their hip/groin. This dual tension stretches their legs apart.
- The Goal: To disrupt their base so severely that they fall over or give up their back.
As Digitsu explains, the power comes from the “stretch.” By extending your legs, you split their base, making it impossible for them to stand strong.
X-Guard vs. Single Leg X
They look similar, but they have different goals.
- Single Leg X (Ashi Garami): Best for attacking leg locks and quick sweeps.
- Full X-Guard: Best for stability, lifting heavy opponents, and taking the back.
Most high-level players, like Marcelo Garcia, constantly switch between the two.
Top 3 Entries to X-Guard
You rarely “pull” X-Guard; you transition into it.
1. From Single Leg X (The Classic)
This is the most common path.
- Start: In Single Leg X, the opponent peels your foot off their hip.
- Transition: Instead of fighting it, slide that foot deep behind their far knee.
- The X: Bring your bottom leg up to hook their hip. Now you have the full X.
2. From Butterfly Guard
If the opponent stands up in your Butterfly Guard:
- Elevate: Lift them with your hooks.
- Shoot: As they post, slide your body underneath them and secure the leg.
The Unstoppable Sweeps
Once you are there, the sweep is almost guaranteed.
1. The Technical Stand-Up Sweep
This is the highest percentage sweep in the system.
- Action: Extend your legs to push them away. As they stumble back, keep the bottom hook engaged.
- Finish: Post on your hand, retract your bottom leg, and perform a Technical Stand-Up to drive them over.
2. The Back Take (Back Door)
If they lean forward to stop the stand-up:
- Action: Pull their leg over your head (elevate it).
- Finish: Spin out the “back door” to take their back or land in the Crab Ride.
3. The Tripod Sweep (Far Leg Trip)
If they are balancing on one leg:
- Action: Drop your bottom hook to their ankle.
- Finish: Push with your top hook and pull their ankle to topple them.
Troubleshooting: Why You Get Smashed
Mistake #1: Being Flat
If your back is flat on the mat, you have no power.
The Fix: Stay on your side. You should be constantly looking at their far knee.
Mistake #2: Weak Hooks
If your legs are loose, they will step out.
The Fix: “Sticky Hooks.” Your feet should be constantly tracking their leg. Use the “stretch” to keep them off balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is X-Guard dangerous for my knees?
No, it is very safe for you. However, be careful with your partner’s knee when you extend your legs aggressively.
Can I do it in No-Gi?
Absolutely. It is arguably even better in No-Gi because you don’t need gi grips to control the leg. Just hug it tight (overhook or underhook).
Conclusion
The X-Guard is the ultimate equalizer. It doesn’t matter how big the opponent is; if you can get under their hips and stretch them out, they will fall.
Start by mastering the transition from Single Leg X to Full X-Guard.