Attack from an angled butterfly that forces reactions into sweeps, back takes, and armbars.
The Bottom Line
Side butterfly gives you strong upper-body control without inverting. The set focuses on angle creation, two-on-one, and simple wrestle-ups. It is a targeted upgrade that slots into your open guard.
⚡️ Quick facts
Best for: Up-close guard players
Skip if: You play long range
Tech focus: Side Butterfly, Two On One, Arm Drag, Wrestle Up, X Guard Entries, Back Take, Armbar
Biggest takeaway: Angle off to the blindside
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What You'll Learn
Lovato’s variation angles off the classic butterfly to attack from the blindside. You get clear entries, two-on-one control, arm drags, wrestle-ups, and transitions to x-guards. It suits older or pressure-minded players who want strong upper-body control without inverting.
Primary Techniques You'll Drill
- Side Butterfly
- Two On One
- Arm Drag
- Wrestle Up
- X Guard Entries
- Back Take
- Armbar
Format & Level
- Instructional style: System Based, Technique Collection
- Skill level: All Levels
- Format: Both
- Runtime: 2 hours and 12 minutes
- Volumes: 4
Should You Buy It?
Wait for daily deal. I saw how a small angle shift unlocks two-on-one control and easy wrestle-ups.
Why Rafael Lovato Jr?
Lovato teaches a side-angled butterfly that emphasizes arm control and posture breaks. It is a practical way to create off-balances and transitions without relying on speed.
Community feedback
Here’s a summary of common feedback from platforms like Reddit’s r/bjj.
😍 Why People Love It
- Helped me hit a sweep the same week I watched it.
- Side butterfly clip answers common counters to overhooks.
- Works well when you prefer clamp-style upper-body control.
🤔 Common Criticisms
- Narrower scope than full open guard systems.
- Less relevant if you prefer long-range guards.
- Some content overlaps with other butterfly materials.
Free Preview Lesson
Smart Alternatives
- Butterfly Guard Rediscovered (Wardzinski) – More comprehensive butterfly coverage.
Sources & References
Video Breakdowns
Official listing: View Timeless Sweeps and Submissions: The Side Butterfly Guard on BJJ Fanatics
Additional References
Your next step
You have the breakdown, community feedback, and my final thoughts. Now it’s your move.
