The Body Lock Grip
0
Side Body LockΒ·Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne
The most common error I see in people using the body lock is incorrect grip placement. This video gives a rationale for β¦
Translation: side body lock
Range & classification
Category
Strike & defenceLocksClose rangeFighting multiple people
Distance
CloseMiddleLong
Body target
Upper bodyMiddle bodyLower body
Overview
The Side Body Lock subfamily covers positions where the attacker locks the grip around the opponent's torso from a lateral position, with the attacker's hip against the opponent's hip. [1] The side body lock creates a unique mechanical dynamic where the attacker can use their hip as a fulcrum for rotational throws and takedowns, leveraging the lateral angle to topple the opponent sideways. [1],[2] Side body lock positions commonly arise during transitions when front or rear body locks are partially defended and the fighters end up in a lateral configuration. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Side body lock positions have been part of wrestling systems as transitional clinch positions that occur naturally during body lock scrambles. [1] The position gained recognition as a distinct clinch category as coaches identified reliable offensive techniques available from the lateral angle. [2],[3]
Country of originΒ· shown in random order
- GreeceWrestling, Greco-Roman Wrestling
- USAWrestling, MMA
- BrazilMMA
- JapanJudo
- FranceGreco-Roman Wrestling
- RussiaSambo
Effectiveness
The side body lock provides an angular clinch position that enables hip throws, trips, and lateral takedowns. [1]
Lineage
Side body lock is used across wrestling, judo, and MMA as a transitional clinch position. [1]
Competition Record
The side body lock is used in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling to attack from an angular position, setting up lateral trips and lateral drop throws in competition. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action β Establishing a controlling connection with the opponent at close range
Joints Involved β Upper body contact points β head, arms, and torso used for control and balance disruption
Force Vector β Varies by clinch type β downward (collar tie), lateral (arm drags), or forward (chest pressure)
Control Mechanic β Inside position and head control are the dominant factors in clinch superiority
Position & Entry
From clinch range β Swim inside past the opponent's arms, lock hands around their torso in a body lock (gable grip or clasp)
From underhook battle β Win double underhooks, step in and lock hands around the body
Videos
1 video
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
4
Moderate4/10
Body clinch positions enable throws and takedowns; rib compression risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
WBC/Boxing β Holding is technically a foul β referee breaks clinch, excessive holding results in point deduction {srcβ WBC Rules of Boxing}
K-1/GLORY β One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks {srcβ K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
β WAKO β Clinch generally broken by referee β limited or no...
WAKO Competition RulesPDFLegal
β Unified MMA β Legal β clinching is integral to MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFβ grip fighting
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFβ IBJJF β Legal β standing grip fighting and clinch work pe...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDFβ IFMA β Legal β the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai,...
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDFβ UWW β Legal β clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the pri...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFTraining Notes
βThe side body lock wraps the opponent's torso from a perpendicular angle β chest to the opponent's side
βThis position offers hip throw entries and lateral throws β you're already at a 90Β° angle, which is ideal for rotational throws
βThe side body lock is commonly achieved from a duck under or arm drag that takes you to the opponent's side
βLock hands around the waist and press your near hip into the opponent's hip β this hip contact is your throwing fulcrum
βIn MMA, the side body lock leads to hip tosses that are difficult to defend because the opponent can't square up in time
βChain: side body lock to hip toss, if blocked rotate to rear body lock, if that's blocked transition to a trip
βThe side body lock is particularly effective against taller opponents β your lower centre of gravity from the side creates excellent leverage
Common Mistakes
!Not pressing your hip into the opponent's hip β without hip contact, you have no throwing fulcrum
!Wrapping too loosely β the lock must be tight to prevent the opponent from turning to face you
!Not attacking immediately β the side position is transitional; the opponent will try to face you or turn away
!Standing too upright at the side β bend your knees and get your hips below theirs
!Allowing the opponent to pummel an arm inside the lock β keep the wrap tight against their body
!Not following through on throws β side body lock throws require full commitment
!Staying at the side without transitioning β if you can't throw, circle to the rear body lock
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Pummeling β fight for inside position by swimming arms under opponent's gripsFrame and Push β create distance using forearm frames against the chest or neckGrip Break β systematically strip the opponent's controlling gripsPosture Up β straighten the spine and drive the hips forward to break clinch control
Setup Chain
1Close Distance β bridge the gap using footwork, strikes, or a level change
2Secure Both Arms β wrap both arms around the opponent's torso
3Clasp Hands β lock hands together behind the opponent's back
4Hip Drive β press hips against the opponent to maximize control pressure
Sources & References
Primary Source
Freestyle Wrestling: A Complete Guide for Coaches and Wrestlers (Petrov, 1977)
1BookGreco-Roman Wrestling (Petrov, 1985)
Alias sources β [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010) [2] Clinch Fighting for MMA (Couture, 2011) [3] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986)
2BookFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Petrov, 1977)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (ε€ζ₯θͺ) β used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationGreco-Roman Wrestling (Petrov, 1985)
Alias sources β [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010) [2] Clinch Fighting for MMA (Couture, 2011) [3] Kodokan Judo (Kano, 1986)
5CitationFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Effectiveness sources β [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Petrov, 1977)
Community
Athletics
Requires
arm length to wrap the torso, squeeze strength, hip drive
Favours
long arms and strong grip, powerful lower back
Key muscles
biceps, pectorals, forearms, erector spinae, glutes
Sub-techniques
Find by what a technique does β not its name
Every move, in any martial art, shares a few universal traits. Mix and match below to pinpoint the right tool β or compare equivalents across styles.
Category
Distance
Body target
Frequently Asked Questions
How tight should I keep my opponent's hips in a side body lock?
You want to pull the hips tight towards you to maintain control and prevent them from having too much space, which would make it harder to pass their knee line and weaken your grip pressure. According to Absolute MMA St Kilda, you need to ensure you're past the waistline but not positioned too high.
Where should my hands be positioned in a side body lock grip?
Use an S-grip with your palm facing up on the hand closest to the leg, and position your tricep and armpit as high as possible on the leg so you can apply weight through your forearm and body rather than your hands. Absolute MMA St Kilda emphasizes that the deeper your hand goes, the more pressure you can apply to pull the knee away from the chest.
Why is the body lock grip effective for passing guard in no-gi grappling?
The body lock connects your hands to your opponent in a way that sticks you together and makes it much harder for them to create space or escape with techniques like underhooks or cross faces, making it one of the most effective methods for passing the guard.
How does the Side Body Lock work?
The Side Body Lock subfamily covers positions where the attacker locks the grip around the opponent's torso from a lateral position, with the attacker's hip against the opponent's hip. The side body lock creates a unique mechanical dynamic where the attacker can use their hip as a fulcrum for rotational throws and takedowns, leveraging the lateral angle to topple the opponent sideways.
Where does the Side Body Lock come from?
Side body lock positions have been part of wrestling systems as transitional clinch positions that occur naturally during body lock scrambles. The position gained recognition as a distinct clinch category as coaches identified reliable offensive techniques available from the lateral angle.
Is the Side Body Lock legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal β Legal β clinching is integral to MMA; IJF: legal β Legal β kumi-kata (grip fighting) is fundamental to judo; IBJJF: legal β Legal β standing grip fighting and clinch work permitted; IFMA: legal β Legal β the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai, clinch dominance is highlyβ¦; WBC/Boxing: restricted β Holding is technically a foul β referee breaks clinch, excessive holding resuβ¦; K: restricted β 1/GLORY β One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks; WAKO: restricted β Clinch generally broken by referee β limited or no clinch fighting in most foβ¦; UWW: legal β Legal β clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the primary position in Greco-Roman
How dangerous is the Side Body Lock?
Danger rating 4/10. Moderate β body clinch positions enable throws and takedowns; rib compression risk
How do I set up the Side Body Lock?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance β Secure Both Arms β Clasp Hands β Hip Drive.
How do I defend against the Side Body Lock?
Standard counters include: Pummeling β fight for inside position by swimming arms under opponent's grips / Frame and Push β create distance using forearm frames against the chest or neck / Grip Break β systematically strip the opponent's controlling grips / Posture Up β straighten the spine and drive the hips forward to break clinch control.
What are the variants of the Side Body Lock?
Common variants: Front body lock (locked hands around the torso face-to-face); Rear body lock (hands locked around the torso from behind); Side body lock (angled body lock for trips and throws); Over-arms body lock (locking over both arms to pin the opponent's arms to theiβ¦).
How effective is the Side Body Lock in competition?
The side body lock is used in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling to attack from an angular position, setting up lateral trips and lateral drop throws in competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Side Body Lock?
Top errors to watch for: Not pressing your hip into the opponent's hip β without hip contact, you have no throwing fulcrum / Wrapping too loosely β the lock must be tight to prevent the opponent from turning to face you / Not attacking immediately β the side position is transitional; the opponent will try to face you or turn away / Standing too upright at the side β bend your knees and get your hips below theirs.
What are other names for the Side Body Lock?
The Side Body Lock is also known as Saido Bodi Rokku, Side Bear Hug Lock, Lateral Body Lock, Yoko-Kumi.