Alias · Guard
Butterfly hooks
Also known as Butterfly Guard — the canonical term used on this site.
Training background: descriptive
Descriptive — butterfly guard hook mechanism
Butterfly hooks is the descriptive name for the butterfly guard — flagging the hooks (the attacker’s feet inserted inside the opponent’s thighs) that define the guard’s leverage geometry.
Etymology. “Butterfly” references the butterfly-wing geometry of the inserted feet; “hooks” specifies the foot-as-hook function. The compound predominates in coaching contexts that emphasise the hook-mechanic over the broader “butterfly guard” position-family naming.
Mechanics. The hooks elevate or push the opponent — the attacker’s feet inserted inside the opponent’s thighs provide the leverage for sweep attacks and posture-breaking.
Cross-reference. “Butterfly guard,” “double butterfly,” and “butterfly half guard” are related configurations. Full mechanical coverage on Butterfly Guard.