Training from the Dogfight Position
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Dogfight Position·Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne
You can check out the course here https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses/dogfight The dogfight is a battle that ensue…
Dogfight Position
SubFamilyドッグファイト
TransliterationTranslation
Not yet documented
Overview
The Dogfight Position is the neutral/advantageous position reached when the half guard bottom player comes to their knees with an underhook — both fighters are on their knees in a wrestling-like clinch with the underhook determining advantage. [1] From the dogfight, the underhook player can sweep (driving forward), take the back (turning the corner), or transition to a single-leg; the opponent can counter with a whizzer, re-flatten, or attack with a guillotine. [1],[2]
DogfightScramble PositionHalf Guard Dogfight
History & Origin
Effectiveness
Lineage
Developed within the modern BJJ competition framework. [1]
Competition Record
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition. [1]
Images
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Establishing and maintaining this specific positional configuration for control, transition, or submission
Joints Involved — Position-specific — each configuration uses different leg hooks, arm controls, and body positioning to achieve its tactical purpose
Force Vector — Determined by the position's function — control positions apply compression and containment; transitional positions create directional movement; attack positions isolate joints for submission
Position Mechanic — This position serves a specific tactical role within the broader grappling positional hierarchy — either as a control point, a transition station, or a submission platform
Position & Entry
From guard/bottom — Enter this position through the appropriate guard transition
From top/passing — Achieve this position through passing or scramble transitions
From back control or scramble — Transition to this position from back control or during a scramble
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Restricted
— IJF — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — ground...
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDFLegal
— IBJJF — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from ...
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— ADCC — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points por...
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— Unified MMA — Legal — no penalty for playing guard
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓Understand this position's role in the broader system before drilling techniques from it
✓Train entries from multiple positions
✓Develop both offensive attacks and defensive escapes from this position
✓Partner drilling with progressive resistance builds real competence
Common Mistakes
!Entering without proper control
!Not understanding the position's purpose
!Staying too long without attacking
!Not chaining with transitions to other positions
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Establish Entry Position
2Transition to This Position
3Consolidate Control
4Attack or Transition
5Maintain or Advance
Sources & References
Primary Source
Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)
1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ positional development [2] Competition evolution
2BookModern BJJ instructional resources
3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention
Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities
4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)
Description sources — [1] Modern BJJ positional development [2] Competition evolution
5CitationModern BJJ instructional resources
Community
Athletics
Requires
positional awareness, body control, specific attribute for this position
Key muscles
core, hip flexors, legs
Sub-techniques
Notes
The dogfight is a scramble position that occurs when both fighters are on their knees with underhooks — common from half guard. Lucas Leite made the dogfight his signature position, using it to sweep and take the back. (BJJ competition records; half guard instructionals)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Dogfight Position work?
The Dogfight Position is the neutral/advantageous position reached when the half guard bottom player comes to their knees with an underhook — both fighters are on their knees in a wrestling-like clinch with the underhook determining advantage. From the dogfight, the underhook player can sweep (driving forward), take the back (turning the corner), or transition to a single-leg; the opponent can counter with a whizzer, re-flatten, or attack with a guillotine.
Where does the Dogfight Position come from?
This position developed within the modern BJJ/grappling positional framework as the art evolved.
Is the Dogfight Position legal in competition?
IBJJF: legal — Legal — guard is fundamental to BJJ, sweeps from guard score 2 points; IJF: restricted — Guard pulling penalized as non-combativity — groundwork from guard permitted …; ADCC: legal — Legal, guard pull penalized -1 point in points portion; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — no penalty for playing guard; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal
How dangerous is the Dogfight Position?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — varies based on the submissions accessible from this position
How do I set up the Dogfight Position?
The standard setup chain: Establish Entry Position → Transition to This Position → Consolidate Control → Attack or Transition → Maintain or Advance.
How do I defend against the Dogfight Position?
Standard counters include: Positional escape / Prevention (not allowing the position to be established) / Transition to a more advantageous position.
What are the variants of the Dogfight Position?
Common variants: Standard execution (the fundamental version); Modified variation (adapted for specific scenarios); Transitional version (used as a waypoint between positions).
How effective is the Dogfight Position in competition?
Used in IBJJF, ADCC, and/or EBI competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Dogfight Position?
Top errors to watch for: Entering without proper control / Not understanding the position's purpose / Staying too long without attacking / Not chaining with transitions to other positions.
What are other names for the Dogfight Position?
The Dogfight Position is also known as Dogfight, Scramble Position, Half Guard Dogfight.