Student Objectives:

  1. The student will perform the Low Hip Bump with good technique against a compliant partner.

  2. The student will identify the difference between the Hip Bump and the Low Hip Bump by recognizing the variation in hip height.

Teaching Cues:

  • Grip on the hip

  • High hips

Lesson: Low Hip Bump

The practicing student will start in the Closed Guard position with their legs wrapped around the assisting student. The assisting student will be on their knees with their Laces Down position. The assisting student should have good posture with their hands staggered in the Standard Grips position.

The practicing student will take a cross grip on the hip controlling hand of the assisting student. This grip should be made by going under the posture control arm that is holding the lapels. When making this grip, instruct the students to go slowly and take a firm grip but try not to be threatening. When done correctly this grip can be inconspicuous and their inability to adjust their base will be a surprise. To mask this hand, have the practicing student also take a sleeve grip on the posture controlling sleeve as well. This is the most common grip fight and leads to a common armbar.

To execute the Low Hip Bump the practicing student will open their legs and roll up on the elbow of the free hand. The foot that corresponds to the gripping hand will post on the floor and elevate the hips. This elevation of the hips should be fast and powerful with the aim to get hips as high into the armpit as possible. The chest will stay low with the goal of turning over towards the floor.

When done correctly this sweep will have a whip like effect in the sense that it will feel like the opponent isn't going to go over and then at the last moment their base will give out and they will roll to the side.

Mount is the most common ending place for the sweep, however against skilled opponents that have experienced this variation of the Hip Bump, you may find it difficult to maintain mount because of the extension of the hip. Be prepared to be put into Half Guard or make adjustments during the sweep to go to Side Control.

Possible Extensions:

  • This grip also plays well with a dynamic base check. This can be executed when the assisting students base is too established and the Low Hip Bump fails. To accomplish this, the practicing student, upon being returned to the mat from the attempted Low Hip Bump will maintain the same body angle and shrimp backwards. The goal of the shrimp is to get enough space to expose the legs of the assisting student. The practicing student will then take their non-posted foot and place it on the inside of the assisting student's knee. The sweep is executed by the practicing student stretching their back (to apply pressure to the sleeve) and simultaneously pushing with their foot (to knock the base of the assisting student out). This is an extremely powerful sweep and when done correctly is very difficult to stop.

  • If the practicing student keeps control of the arm after mounting there is an opportunity for an armbar. This is easiest when completed by using the S-Mount armbar variation as it will allow the practicing student to adjust their balance/base onto the assisting student.

Possible Refinements:

  • Make sure the practicing student is pulling on the sleeve while they lift and turn their hips. Preventing the assisting student from being able to put their hand on the floor to adjust their base is essential in finishing the sweep.

  • Often students will want to come up on their hand as they do in a traditional Hip Bump. This will create far too much slack in the sleeve and commonly they will be able to adjust their base. Make sure the practicing student stays on their forearm for this movement.

  • The emphasis to complete this sweep should be on the elevation of the hips with the thigh and hips driving into the armpit. To accomplish this they will have to dynamically bridge off the outside foot.

Reference materials:

Teaching Reflections:

  • How did I do teaching?

  • What could I do better next time?

  • Did the student gain proficiency in lesson material?