The Complete Underhook System
The underhook represents a fundamental grappling system proven effective across international wrestling. This instructional covers three primary setups for achieving the underhook position and three high-percentage takedowns that follow, providing practitioners with a comprehensive offensive framework regardless of opponent response.
Setup 1: The Shoulder Slip from Collar Tie
When the opponent establishes a collar tie, the shoulder slip provides the most efficient entry into an underhook. The practitioner slips their shoulder inside the opponent's arm, steps in, and secures the underhook with the elbow high and hand clamped down to prevent escape.
Solidifying the Underhook Grip
Proper underhook mechanics require the elbow pointed toward the ceiling with the hand clamping down on the opponent's shoulder. A loose or lazy underhook allows the opponent to circle their bicep to their ear and escape; collapsing onto the shoulder eliminates this defense and maintains control.
Setup 2: The Horizontal Punch Against Thumb Block
When the opponent posts with a thumb block preventing the shoulder slip, a horizontal C-clamp punch at the elbow clears the posting arm. After clearing the elbow, the practitioner steps in directly to the underhook position.
Setup 3: Inside Wrist Grip to Underhook
Against a quick opponent who retracts their elbow before the punch can clear it, the practitioner secures an inside wrist grip by reaching up and diving the knuckles over the opponent's wrist. By pulling the head to the side while lifting the wrist, sufficient space opens for transitioning directly into the underhook.
Takedown 1: Snatch Single Leg
From the underhook position, the practitioner's control naturally removes the opponent's down block on the near-side leg. Step foot-to-foot and drive upward like a shot put, transferring the opponent's weight to their far leg and free leg, allowing the near leg to be snatched into a high-percentage single-leg takedown.
Takedown 2: Knee Pick
When the opponent anticipates the snatch single and keeps their near leg far back, the practitioner adjusts by stepping to the far leg and executing a knee pick. This demonstrates the adaptive nature of the underhook system when opponents make positional reads.
Takedown 3: Snap Down to Front Headlock
If the opponent keeps both legs far back and retreats their hips to deny leg access, the snap down becomes available. From the front headlock position that follows, the practitioner can hunt for guillotines, rotate to the back, or proceed to the finishing sequence.
The Cow Catcher Finish: Setup and Mechanics
From the front headlock, the practitioner lifts their underhook arm toward the opponent's far hip, collecting the chin with their palm. This deep underhook on the far hip acts as a pin, preventing the opponent's elbow from retracting and setting up the finishing mechanics.
The Cow Catcher Finish: Execution to Side Control
After securing the underhook on the far hip and pinning the opponent's head with the free hand, the practitioner drives their underhook hand diagonally across the opponent's far-side shoulder while peeling their head toward themselves. This motion transitions the practitioner directly into a dominant side control position from standing.
Learn to Underhook Like a Wrestler | Wrestling for BJJ
Key Takeaways
- •The Complete Underhook System
- •Setup 1: The Shoulder Slip from Collar Tie
- •Solidifying the Underhook Grip
- •Setup 2: The Horizontal Punch Against Thumb Block
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does this video teach about beat down position?
This video covers the complete underhook system, setup 1: the shoulder slip from collar tie, solidifying the underhook grip. It provides detailed instruction from Wrestling University - Takedowns for Jiu Jitsu.
How long does it take to learn beat down position?
The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 10-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.
What are the key details for finishing beat down position?
From the front headlock, the practitioner lifts their underhook arm toward the opponent's far hip, collecting the chin with their palm. This deep underhook on the far hip acts as a pin, preventing the opponent's elbow from retracting and setting up the finishing mechanics.
