Rear body lock | Learn how to THROW and SLAM
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Rear Body Lock Takedown·Energia Martial Arts
Tear body lock | Learn how to THROW and SLAM The second part of our rear bodylock takedowns. Time to mix it up with some…
Rear Body Lock Takedown
Family後ろボディロックテイクダウン(Ushiro Bodi Rokku Teikudaun)
HybridTranslation: rear body lock takedown
Overview
The Rear Body Lock Takedown family encompasses all takedowns executed from behind the opponent with a locked grip around the torso. [1] Rear body lock position is one of the most dominant standing clinch configurations because the opponent cannot effectively attack and has limited defensive options — their primary recourse is grip fighting and hip positioning to prevent the lift or return. [1],[2] Techniques in this family include mat returns (lifting and replacing the opponent on the mat) and rear lifts (elevating the opponent before bringing them down). [2] Rear body lock takedowns are essential in wrestling and are frequently the result of successful back-take sequences, sprawl-to-back transitions, or cage wrestling scenarios. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Rear body lock techniques are foundational in all wrestling styles, with particular emphasis in Greco-Roman where the rear standing position is a common restart and par terre scenario. [1] The rear body lock became a critical MMA technique as cage wrestling evolved, with fighters using the fence to establish back clinch position. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Competition Record
In MMA, the rear body lock against the cage is one of the most common takedown setups, used extensively by wrestlers in UFC competition. [1]
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Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Chest-to-chest connection with locked hands — body lock controls the opponent's torso as a single unit
Joints Involved — Attacker's hips (lifting or driving), opponent's spine (compressed within the lock), shoulders (restricted)
Force Vector — Varies — front body lock uses lateral or backward arching force; rear body lock uses lift and rotation
Takedown Mechanic — Controlling the torso eliminates independent limb posting — opponent cannot base out effectively
Position & Entry
From back clinch (standing) — Secure rear body lock from behind, lift or trip to bring the opponent to the mat
From arm drag to back — Use arm drag to get behind the opponent, lock the body lock and execute the mat return
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
6
High6/10
Rear body lock allows mat return/slam; spinal compression risk
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
— IJF — Legal takedown technique
IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF— 2 points
IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF— UWW — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman
UWW International Wrestling Rules, January 2026PDF— Unified MMA — Legal takedown technique
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF— ADCC — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match
ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF— FIAS Sport Sambo — Legal — all takedowns permitted
FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal
FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF— 2 points
NCAA Wrestling Rules 2025-26PDFTraining Notes
✓Once you have the back, lock your hands at the opponent's belly button — lower is better for control
✓Keep your chest glued to their back and your chin tucked behind their shoulder
✓Use short choppy steps to off-balance them before committing to the takedown
✓Choose your finish based on the opponent's reaction: mat return if they're heavy, lift if they're light
✓Arch your back slightly to load their weight onto your hips
✓Control at least one hip with your grip position to prevent them turning into you
Common Mistakes
!Locking the grip too high on the chest, allowing them to peel your hands off or duck under
!Standing straight up behind them without hip contact — no control
!Trying to suplex when a simple mat return would be safer and higher-percentage
!Letting the opponent turn to face you before securing the finish
!Crossing your feet behind the opponent (creates ankle lock vulnerability in grappling)
!Overcommitting to one direction, letting them pivot and escape
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Close Distance — use strikes or feints to enter clinch range
2Establish the Lock — wrap arms around the opponent's torso with hands clasped
3Hip Pressure — drive hips into opponent to control their movement
4Lift or Trip — elevate the opponent or use a trip to bring them to the mat
Sources & References
Primary Source
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
1OtherJapanese Martial Arts Community Terminology
Japanese amateur wrestling terminology
2OtherJapanese Martial Arts Hybrid Terminology
Mixed Japanese-Western terminology — combines traditional Japanese terms with katakana loanwords
3CitationJapanese amateur wrestling terminology
Standard katakana transliteration used in Japanese wrestling (レスリング)
Community
Athletics
Requires
upper body squeeze strength, lifting power, hip drive
Favours
thick chest and arms for tight lock, strong lower back for lifts
Key muscles
pectorals, biceps, erector spinae, glutes
Sub-techniques
Mat Return
SubFamilyThe Mat Return subfamily covers techniques where the attacker, having secured a rear body lock, returns the opponent to the mat from a standing or partially standing position. [1] Unlike lifts that elevate the opponent high before depositing them, mat returns focus on breaking the opponent's base and driving them directly to the mat with minimal lift. [1,2] The attacker typically uses a combination of hip pressure, weight distribution, and directional force — driving the opponent forward and to one side, or pulling them backward over the attacker's hip. [2] Mat returns are high-percentage techniques because they require less explosive strength than full lifts and can be executed incrementally. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Rear Lift
SubFamilyThe Rear Lift subfamily covers takedowns where the attacker elevates the opponent from behind using a body lock, lifting them off the mat before bringing them down. [1] Rear lifts require significant explosive strength and hip drive, as the attacker must overcome the opponent's entire body weight plus their active resistance. [1,2] The lift creates a moment of helplessness where the opponent is airborne with no base, allowing the attacker to choose the landing angle and position. [2] Rear lifts are among the most spectacular takedowns in wrestling and MMA, often producing decisive changes in momentum and scoring. [2,3]
1 genera·1 techniquesExplore
Notes
The rear body lock takedown lifts and slams the opponent from behind — suplexes, mat returns, and dump takedowns all start from rear body lock. The dominant Greco-Roman wrestling takedown position. (FILA/UWW Greco-Roman manuals; wrestling texts)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I lift my opponent with a rear body lock if they're heavier than me?
Step in with your hip lower than their hip and lift them up using your legs rather than trying to curl them up with your arms. This hip positioning allows you to generate lifting power even against heavier opponents.
What's the most common mistake beginners make with the rear body lock takedown?
Beginners often focus too much on going to the side and forget to lift first. You need to lift up before dipping to the side, similar to how you'd execute a good double leg takedown.
How do I maintain top control after landing the rear body lock takedown?
As soon as you land, place your head on your opponent's hip to prevent them from recovering guard or turning their hips. From there, you can circle out into a cradle or side control position.
Why does the impact from the slam matter in this technique?
The impact creates a few seconds of disorientation, which you can immediately exploit to take a dominant top position before your opponent recovers.
How does the Rear Body Lock Takedown work?
The Rear Body Lock Takedown family encompasses all takedowns executed from behind the opponent with a locked grip around the torso. Rear body lock position is one of the most dominant standing clinch configurations because the opponent cannot effectively attack and has limited defensive options — their primary recourse is grip fighting and hip positioning to prevent the lift or return.
Where does the Rear Body Lock Takedown come from?
Rear body lock techniques are foundational in all wrestling styles, with particular emphasis in Greco-Roman where the rear standing position is a common restart and par terre scenario. The rear body lock became a critical MMA technique as cage wrestling evolved, with fighters using the fence to establish back clinch position.
Is the Rear Body Lock Takedown legal in competition?
IJF: legal — Legal takedown technique; IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, scored as takedown (2 points); UWW: legal — Legal in both freestyle and Greco-Roman; Unified MMA: legal — Legal takedown technique; ADCC: legal — Legal, scored 2-4 points in second half of match; FIAS Sport Sambo: legal — Legal — all takedowns permitted; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal; NCAA Folkstyle: legal — Legal, scored as takedown (2 points)
How dangerous is the Rear Body Lock Takedown?
Danger rating 6/10. High — rear body lock allows mat return/slam; spinal compression risk
How do I set up the Rear Body Lock Takedown?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Establish the Lock → Hip Pressure → Lift or Trip.
How do I defend against the Rear Body Lock Takedown?
Standard counters include: Sprawl — drop hips back and drive weight down to stuff the takedown attempt / Underhook Pummeling — fight for inside position to neutralize the lock / Hip Switch — rotate hips to break the grip angle and create separation / Knee Tap — redirect opponent's momentum with a quick leg attack.
What are the variants of the Rear Body Lock Takedown?
Common variants: Front body lock (securing the lock face-to-face and driving laterally or b…); Rear body lock (securing from behind for mat returns or lifts); Side body lock (angled body lock for trips and throws); Body lock to trip (combining the lock with a foot trip for the finish).
How effective is the Rear Body Lock Takedown in competition?
In MMA, the rear body lock against the cage is one of the most common takedown setups, used extensively by wrestlers in UFC competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Rear Body Lock Takedown?
Top errors to watch for: Locking the grip too high on the chest, allowing them to peel your hands off or duck under / Standing straight up behind them without hip contact — no control / Trying to suplex when a simple mat return would be safer and higher-percentage / Letting the opponent turn to face you before securing the finish.
What are other names for the Rear Body Lock Takedown?
The Rear Body Lock Takedown is also known as Ushiro Bodi Rokku Teikudaun, Rear Bear Hug, Back Body Lock, Rear Clinch Takedown.