Learn to Underhook Like a Wrestler | Wrestling for BJJ
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Standard Single Collar Tie·Wrestling University - Takedowns for Jiu Jitsu
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Standard Single Collar Tie
Genusスタンダードシングルカラータイ(Sutandādo Shinguru Karā Tai)
TransliterationTranslation: standard single collar tie
Overview
The Standard Single Collar Tie places one hand firmly behind the opponent's neck, gripping at the base of the skull with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other, while the free hand controls the opponent's bicep, wrist, or elbow. [1] The collar tie hand controls the opponent's posture and head position, while the free hand manages the opponent's lead arm to prevent counter-attacks. [1],[2] This is the default starting position for clinch exchanges in wrestling and MMA, serving as the launch point for snap-downs, arm drags, underhook entries, and level changes. [2],[3]
History & Origin
The standard single collar tie has been the foundational clinch engagement position in wrestling for centuries and is the first clinch position taught to beginners in virtually all grappling programmes. [1] Its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a universal starting point for clinch work across all combat disciplines. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
The standard single collar tie provides reliable head control with one hand cupping the back of the opponent's neck while maintaining the free hand for offensive or defensive action. [1] Welker identifies it as the single most common clinch position in wrestling, noting that the majority of neutral-position exchanges begin with one or both wrestlers establishing a single collar tie. [1]
Lineage
A basic wrestling and MMA clinch position taught from beginner level. [1]
Competition Record
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Establishing body-to-body connection through underhooks, overhooks, or collar ties to control the opponent's movement
Joints Involved — Attacker's shoulders (driving position), hips (base and drive), opponent's upper body (restricted)
Force Vector — Forward pressure and angular positioning — inside position (underhooks) creates offensive advantage
Control Mechanic — Chest-to-chest pressure combined with inside ties limits the opponent's ability to create distance or attack
Position & Entry
From striking range — Close distance with a jab or level change, cup the hand behind the opponent's head (nape of the neck), pull their posture down
From hand fighting — During grip exchanges, swim inside and secure the collar tie by cupping the back of the head
Variants
Single collar tie — one hand on the nape controlling the head
Double collar tie (plum) — both hands behind the head for maximum control
Collar tie with wrist control — one hand on the nape, other controlling the wrist
Videos
My #1 Attack When Someone Collar Ties Me (Shawn Melanson)
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Standard Single Collar Tie·Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics
Learn Shawn Melanson's number one high-percentage attack from the collar tie! In this Jiu-Jitsu technique video, the hig…
7 Simple & Effective Chain Takedowns for MMA
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Standard Single Collar Tie·Jeff Chan MMAShredded
0:00 - Start 0:35 - 1. Single Leg 1:06 - 2. Double Leg 1:37 - 3. Single Leg to Double Leg 2:25 - 4. Double Leg to Backta…
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3 videosWhat Instructors Say
The standard single collar tie serves as a foundational clinch position from which multiple attack systems emerge across wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and MMA applications. Wrestling University emphasizes the collar tie as an inevitable position in jiu-jitsu and details three primary methods for transitioning into an underhook when the opponent establishes one: the shoulder slip (the most direct route), the horizontal elbow punch for thumb-blocking defenses, and the inside wrist grip followed by head displacement when the opponent tucks the elbow tight. Once secured in an underhook, the instructor stresses maintaining a high elbow with the hand clasping down to prevent escape. From the underhook, Wrestling University chains multiple high-percentage takedowns including the snatch single leg, knee pick, and snap down, with detailed finishing mechanics for the Cow Catcher arm drag that transitions directly to side control. Bernardo Faria and Shawn Melanson present an alternative attack from the collar tie that targets the elbow itself: by applying thumb pressure to rotate the opponent's elbow upward and inward, the attacker slips into an "elbow-to-elbow" position with continued rotation creating submission pressure that either forces a forward roll into an armbar or generates enough momentum for a takedown. The emphasis across both approaches is continuous rotation and maintaining positional depth. Jeff Chan's contribution on chain takedowns does not directly address collar tie specifics but contextualizes how single and double-leg takedowns can transition through underhook and over-under positions into judo throws and back control. All three instructors agree on the prevalence and utility of the collar tie as a starting point, though they diverge in their preferred attack sequencing: Wrestling University favors leg-based finishes from underhook control, while Melanson favors arm-based submissions triggered by elbow manipulation.
Synthesized from 3 instructors
- Wrestling University — Learn to Underhook Like a Wrestler | Wrestling for BJJ: Detailed the three primary setups to establish an underhook from a collar tie (shoulder slip, horizontal elbow punch, inside wrist grip), proper underhook mechanics with high elbow positioning, and chained takedown systems (snatch single leg, knee pick, snap down) with finishing details for the Cow Catcher arm drag to side control.
- Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics — My #1 Attack When Someone Collar Ties Me (Shawn Melanson): Presented an elbow-focused attack from the collar tie using thumb pressure and rotation to create an elbow-to-elbow position, with branching finishes into armbar submissions or takedowns depending on opponent response and the importance of continuous elbow rotation throughout the technique.
- Jeff Chan MMAShredded — 7 Simple & Effective Chain Takedowns for MMA: Provided context for how single and double-leg takedowns transition through underhook and over-under positions (positions accessible from collar tie exchanges) into judo throws and back control sequences in MMA-relevant scenarios.
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Head/neck control positions create cervical strain; Muay Thai plum is primary striking platform
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
WBC/Boxing — Holding is technically a foul — referee breaks clinch, excessive holding results in point deduction {src— WBC Rules of Boxing}
K-1/GLORY — One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks {src— K-1/GLORY Kickboxing Rules}
— WAKO — Clinch generally broken by referee — limited or no...
WAKO Competition RulesPDFLegal
— Unified MMA — Legal — clinching is integral to MMA
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— grip fighting
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— IBJJF — Legal — standing grip fighting and clinch work pe...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— IFMA — Legal — the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai,...
IFMA Muay Thai RulesPDF— UWW — Legal — clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the pri...
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDFTraining Notes
✓Cup the back of the opponent's neck — palm against the neck, fingers curling around toward the far side of the spine
✓Your forearm rests on their collarbone/trap area — this provides a frame that adds structural pressure
✓Pull the head diagonally down and to the side — toward your hip on the collar-tie side
✓Keep your other hand active: post on their bicep, grip their wrist, or prepare a strike
✓From here, your primary chain is: snap down → arm drag → shoot → knee strike (cycle through these based on the opponent's reaction)
✓Keep your elbow pointed down and close to your centreline — an elbow that flares out loses structural support
✓Practise the collar tie from the orthodox stance: lead hand cups the neck, rear hand posts or strikes
Common Mistakes
!Placing the hand on top of the head instead of behind the neck — the neck cup gives rotational control; head-top gives only downward push
!Pulling with just the arm — engage the lats, core, and bodyweight for the pulling force
!Flaring the elbow outward — the elbow should point down toward the mat for maximum pulling leverage
!Holding the collar tie with a stiff arm — maintain a slight bend for shock absorption and dynamic control
!Not pulling with intent — every pull should be an attack (snap) or a setup for the next action
!Keeping both feet planted when snapping — step backward as you snap to multiply the force
!Ignoring the opponent's free hand — they can still punch or grip with the unchecked side
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Pummeling — fight for inside position by swimming arms under opponent's gripsFrame and Push — create distance using forearm frames against the chest or neckHand Fight — strip grips by peeling fingers or pushing the wrist awayLevel Change — change levels to break the collar tie angle and attack the legs
Setup Chain
1Close Distance — bridge the gap using footwork, strikes, or a level change
2Cup the Neck — place the hand behind the opponent's head with fingers interlocked at the base
3Pull Down — use downward pressure to break the opponent's posture
4Off-Balance — snap or drag the opponent to create offensive opportunities
Sources & References
Primary Source
Freestyle Wrestling: A Complete Guide for Coaches and Wrestlers (Petrov, 1977)
1BookFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Alias sources — [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010) [2] NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations (NCAA, 2020) [3] Clinch Fighting for MMA (Couture, 2011)
2BookMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010)
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationFreestyle Wrestling (Petrov, 1977)
Alias sources — [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010) [2] NCAA Wrestling Rules and Interpretations (NCAA, 2020) [3] Clinch Fighting for MMA (Couture, 2011)
5CitationMuay Thai: The Art of Fighting (Kraitus, 2002)
Effectiveness sources — [1] Wrestling Physical Conditioning Encyclopedia (Welker, 2010)
Community
Athletics
Requires
swimming speed for inside position, shoulder drive, hip pressure
Favours
strong shoulders and low centre of gravity
Key muscles
deltoids, pectorals, core, quadriceps
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most common mistake when setting up an underhook in a collar tie situation?
Leaving your underhook lazy with your elbow not fully attached allows your opponent to put their bicep to their ear and circle out. Wrestling University emphasizes keeping your elbow as high as possible and your hand clasping down to trap their escape.
How do I defend when someone has a collar tie on me?
According to Shawn Melanson on Bernardo Faria BJJ Fanatics, start by hitting their elbow with your thumb and bringing their arm up to create rotation of their elbow. As their elbow rotates and points toward the sky, slip heavily into an elbow-to-elbow position to set up a submission or takedown.
What's the key to executing the underhook effectively in a takedown chain?
Wrestling University teaches that you need a solid connection north and south so the grip doesn't slip—punch and clear before stepping in to underhook. If your opponent is quick and avoids the single-leg take down, you can pivot to their far leg for a knee pick instead.
How does the Standard Single Collar Tie work?
The Standard Single Collar Tie places one hand firmly behind the opponent's neck, gripping at the base of the skull with the thumb on one side and fingers on the other, while the free hand controls the opponent's bicep, wrist, or elbow. The collar tie hand controls the opponent's posture and head position, while the free hand manages the opponent's lead arm to prevent counter-attacks.
Where does the Standard Single Collar Tie come from?
The standard single collar tie has been the foundational clinch engagement position in wrestling for centuries and is the first clinch position taught to beginners in virtually all grappling programmes. Its simplicity and effectiveness have made it a universal starting point for clinch work across all combat disciplines.
Is the Standard Single Collar Tie legal in competition?
Unified MMA: legal — Legal — clinching is integral to MMA; IJF: legal — Legal — kumi-kata (grip fighting) is fundamental to judo; IBJJF: legal — Legal — standing grip fighting and clinch work permitted; IFMA: legal — Legal — the clinch is a core element of Muay Thai, clinch dominance is highly…; WBC/Boxing: restricted — Holding is technically a foul — referee breaks clinch, excessive holding resu…; K: restricted — 1/GLORY — One attack from clinch allowed, then referee breaks; WAKO: restricted — Clinch generally broken by referee — limited or no clinch fighting in most fo…; UWW: legal — Legal — clinch is fundamental to wrestling, the primary position in Greco-Roman
How dangerous is the Standard Single Collar Tie?
Danger rating 5/10. High — head/neck control positions create cervical strain; Muay Thai plum is primary striking platform
How do I set up the Standard Single Collar Tie?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Cup the Neck → Pull Down → Off-Balance.
How do I defend against the Standard Single Collar Tie?
Standard counters include: Pummeling — fight for inside position by swimming arms under opponent's grips / Frame and Push — create distance using forearm frames against the chest or neck / Hand Fight — strip grips by peeling fingers or pushing the wrist away / Level Change — change levels to break the collar tie angle and attack the legs.
What are the variants of the Standard Single Collar Tie?
Common variants: Single collar tie (one hand on the nape controlling the head); Double collar tie (plum) (both hands behind the head for maximum control); Collar tie with wrist control (one hand on the nape, other controlling the wrist).
How effective is the Standard Single Collar Tie in competition?
The single collar tie is one of the most frequently used clinch grips in MMA and wrestling, controlling the opponent's head and posture. It is the standard starting clinch grip in UFC and Bellator competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Single Collar Tie?
Top errors to watch for: Placing the hand on top of the head instead of behind the neck — the neck cup gives rotational control; head-top give… / Pulling with just the arm — engage the lats, core, and bodyweight for the pulling force / Flaring the elbow outward — the elbow should point down toward the mat for maximum pulling leverage / Holding the collar tie with a stiff arm — maintain a slight bend for shock absorption and dynamic control.
What are other names for the Standard Single Collar Tie?
The Standard Single Collar Tie is also known as Sutandādo Shinguru Karā Tai, Basic Single Collar Tie, Fundamental Neck Tie, Standard One-Hand Collar Grip.