Simple Takedown Chain from the Body Lock for MMA with Matt Thorpe
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Standard Side Body Lock Takedown·Stuart Tomlinson
Takedowns are a much needed aspect of MMA. Keeping them simple is often the key to consistent success whilst under pres…
Standard Side Body Lock Takedown
SubFamily横ボディロック(Yoko Bodi Rokku)
HybridTranslation: standard side body lock
Overview
The Standard Side Body Lock Takedown subfamily executes the classical lateral body lock takedown where the attacker uses hip-to-hip contact and rotational force from the side position to bring the opponent to the mat. [1] The attacker typically locks the grip around the opponent's waist from the side, positions the near hip against the opponent's hip as a fulcrum, and uses a twisting lift-and-turn motion to topple them. [1],[2] The side angle makes this technique difficult to defend because the opponent cannot effectively brace against the lateral rotational force. [2],[3]
History & Origin
Effectiveness
The standard side body lock takedown is the fundamental lateral body lock drive, using hip pressure and rotational force to take the opponent down from an angle. [1]
Lineage
This is a core technique in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling curricula. [1]
Competition Record
The standard side body lock is a regular technique in international wrestling competition. [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 clinch range — Close the distance, secure a body lock around the opponent's torso, and drive, lift, or trip to complete the takedown
From underhook battle — Win inside position, transition to body lock, and drive through to the mat
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
✓Lock the grip with your chest pressed to their side and your lead hip bumping into their near hip
✓Use a sharp hip bump combined with a rotational pull to topple them laterally
✓Step your outside foot behind their far foot as you rotate to block their base
✓Keep your head tight to their ribs — if your head pops up, they'll spin and face you
✓Follow the rotation all the way to the mat, landing in side control
✓Practice chaining into this from an underhook pummeling exchange
Common Mistakes
!Hip bump without rotation — just pushing sideways rarely works against a braced opponent
!Head position too high, allowing them to crossface and turn
!Not blocking the far foot, letting them step out of the rotation
!Grip breaking because you didn't squeeze tight before initiating
!Rotating but not following through to the ground, ending in a standing scramble
!Losing the underhook during the takedown attempt
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
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should my head be positioned when I lock up the body lock?
Your head should be on your opponent's shoulder, and you should look down at what they're doing rather than across their back. This positioning helps you read their movements and maintain control.
What should I do if my opponent starts to rebuild their base after the first takedown attempt?
As soon as you feel them building their base back up, immediately rejoin your hands and return to control their waist. Stuart Tomlinson emphasizes that if you don't rejoin your grip, they can escape because you'll only have one-handed control.
How do I execute the hip bump to take them down to their knees and elbows?
Step your leg in and drive your hips up—it's the bump of your hips that kicks their post out and brings them down to their knees and elbows, where you can maintain control and continue striking.
What's my counter if they push their hips and defend the initial takedown direction?
If they're fighting your grip and pushing their hips to escape in the original direction, hook your foot to their heel, sit on your butt while keeping the grip strong, and turn them in a different direction.
How does the Standard Side Body Lock Takedown work?
The Standard Side Body Lock Takedown subfamily executes the classical lateral body lock takedown where the attacker uses hip-to-hip contact and rotational force from the side position to bring the opponent to the mat. The attacker typically locks the grip around the opponent's waist from the side, positions the near hip against the opponent's hip as a fulcrum, and uses a twisting lift-and-turn motion to topple them.
Where does the Standard Side Body Lock Takedown come from?
Side body lock takedowns have been part of wrestling curricula across multiple styles, evolving from the natural transitions that occur when front or rear body locks are partially defended. The technique is taught as a standard clinch takedown in modern MMA and wrestling programmes.
Is the Standard 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 Standard Side Body Lock Takedown?
Danger rating 5/10. High — lateral body lock takedown; shoulder/hip impact
How do I set up the Standard Side Body Lock Takedown?
The standard setup chain: Close Distance → Establish the Lock → Hip Pressure → Lift or Trip.
How do I defend against the Standard 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 Standard 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 Standard Side Body Lock Takedown in competition?
The standard side body lock is a regular technique in international wrestling competition.
What are common mistakes when doing the Standard Side Body Lock Takedown?
Top errors to watch for: Hip bump without rotation — just pushing sideways rarely works against a braced opponent / Head position too high, allowing them to crossface and turn / Not blocking the far foot, letting them step out of the rotation / Grip breaking because you didn't squeeze tight before initiating.
What are other names for the Standard Side Body Lock Takedown?
The Standard Side Body Lock Takedown is also known as Yoko Bodi Rokku, Lateral Bear Hug, Side Clinch Takedown, Yoko Body Lock.