MGC #450: Double-Underhooks To Body Lock Takedown
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Side Body Lock Takedown·Modesto Judo Club
MGC #450: Double-Underhooks To Body Lock Takedown
Side Body Lock Takedown
Family横ボディロックテイクダウン(Yoko Bodi Rokku Teikudaun)
HybridTranslation: side body lock takedown
Overview
The Side Body Lock Takedown family covers takedowns executed from a lateral body lock position where the attacker is positioned to the side of the opponent with arms locked around the torso. [1] The side angle provides unique mechanical advantages — the attacker can use hip-to-hip contact as a fulcrum and leverage rotational force to turn the opponent toward the mat. [1],[2] Side body lock positions commonly arise during scrambles, when an opponent partially defends a front or rear body lock by turning, or during transitions from single-leg defence. [2] These takedowns are effective in both wrestling and MMA contexts. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Side body lock techniques developed as transitional attacks within wrestling's body lock system, recognised as distinct entries when practitioners found consistent success from the lateral angle. [1] The side position became particularly valued in MMA cage wrestling where fighters frequently achieve side clinch during wall work. [2],[3]
Effectiveness
Lineage
Side body lock techniques are taught in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, providing an alternative angle when frontal attacks are defended. [1]
Competition Record
Side body lock takedowns are used in both wrestling and MMA competition as an alternative to frontal body lock drives. [1]
Images
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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 collar tie or underhook — Close distance, secure body lock around the opponent's torso, arch or drive laterally to take them down
From clinch exchange — During collar-tie battle, swim to body lock position, lock hands and execute the takedown
Videos
1 video
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Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
Lateral body lock takedown; shoulder/hip impact
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
✓Use your hip-to-hip contact as the fulcrum — the closer your hips are to theirs, the easier the takedown
✓Control the near-side underhook to prevent them turning into you
✓Drive your shoulder into their ribs to maintain pressure and off-balance them laterally
✓The side angle gives you a natural rotational advantage — use circular motion, not linear pushing
✓Keep your feet active with short steps to maintain the angle as they try to square up
✓Combine with trips or hooks for higher-percentage finishes
Common Mistakes
!Losing the angle by letting the opponent square up to you — the side position is the whole advantage
!Gripping too far around the back, reducing your ability to drive laterally
!Standing too upright, allowing them to pummel for their own underhook
!Trying to push them directly sideways without using hip rotation
!Neglecting foot position — your feet should mirror their movement to maintain the angle
!Not using the underhook aggressively enough to block their hip 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
Notes
The side body lock takedown attacks from an angle — the attacker wraps around the opponent's torso from the side and trips or lifts them. Less common than front or rear body lock but effective when the opponent defends the other angles. (Wrestling coaching manuals)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most critical detail when executing a side body lock takedown?
According to Modesto Judo Club, controlling your leg placement through your opponent's leg is the most important part—this is the danger zone where control is essential to complete the technique successfully.
How do you transition into a body lock from double-underhooks?
From double-underhooks, you push down on your opponent's body and then drive upward to establish the body lock position, as demonstrated in Modesto Judo Club's instructional sequence.
How does the Side Body Lock Takedown work?
The Side Body Lock Takedown family covers takedowns executed from a lateral body lock position where the attacker is positioned to the side of the opponent with arms locked around the torso. The side angle provides unique mechanical advantages — the attacker can use hip-to-hip contact as a fulcrum and leverage rotational force to turn the opponent toward the mat.
Where does the Side Body Lock Takedown come from?
Side body lock techniques developed as transitional attacks within wrestling's body lock system, recognised as distinct entries when practitioners found consistent success from the lateral angle. The side position became particularly valued in MMA cage wrestling where fighters frequently achieve side clinch during wall work.
Is the Side 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 Side Body Lock Takedown?
Danger rating 5/10. High — lateral body lock takedown; shoulder/hip impact
How do I set up the Side Body Lock Takedown?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Establish the Lock → Hip Pressure → Lift or Trip.
How do I defend against the Side 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 Side 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 Side Body Lock Takedown in competition?
Side body lock takedowns are used in both wrestling and MMA competition as an alternative to frontal body lock drives.
What are common mistakes when doing the Side Body Lock Takedown?
Top errors to watch for: Losing the angle by letting the opponent square up to you — the side position is the whole advantage / Gripping too far around the back, reducing your ability to drive laterally / Standing too upright, allowing them to pummel for their own underhook / Trying to push them directly sideways without using hip rotation.
What are other names for the Side Body Lock Takedown?
The Side Body Lock Takedown is also known as Yoko Bodi Rokku Teikudaun, Side Bear Hug, Lateral Body Lock, Side Clinch Takedown.