Body Lock Grip Fundamentals

The body lock grip is a guard-passing technique that requires proper hand positioning to maximize effectiveness. Common mistakes occur when practitioners fail to execute the grip correctly, reducing their chances of successfully passing the opponent's legs.

Hip Control and Hand Placement

Effective body lock execution requires keeping the opponent's hips tight and close to prevent escape. The hands must be positioned below the opponent's waistline to control the hips while avoiding placement too high, which would allow the opponent to elevate their knee.

Leg Pressure and Hand Position

Applying downward pressure on the opponent's leg requires positioning the hands low on the hips. The deeper the grip placement on the hip, the greater the control over the opponent's leg position and the harder it becomes for them to create separation.

S-Grip Configuration and Palm Orientation

An S-grip with palms facing upward provides maximum range for pulling the elbows backward and creates a tighter lock than alternative grip configurations like the gable grip. Palm-up positioning on the hand near the leg enables increased pressure application and prevents the opponent from escaping their hips.

Tricep and Armpit Positioning

The tricep and armpit should attach as high as possible on the opponent's leg to maximize control when the practitioner sags their weight backward. This positioning creates a pulling effect on the leg that prevents the opponent from moving their hips away from the body lock.

Summary of Body Lock Setup

A proper body lock grip involves positioning hands low on the hips across the hip bone and lower back, connecting the fingers with palms up, and applying weight distribution through the tricep and arm rather than directly through the hands. This configuration creates a tight connection that prevents the opponent from creating space or escaping.

High Body Lock Variation

A high body lock variation exists for practitioners who prefer positioning the grip higher on the torso. This advanced variation is distinct from the standard waist-level body lock but follows similar principles of grip security and weight distribution.

Post-Knee-Line Grip Adjustments

After beating the knee line, the grip may transition to an underhook-style connection while maintaining body lock principles. In this advanced phase, a tighter overall grip becomes more important than maintaining the S-grip configuration, and forearm positioning under the opponent's back creates arch pressure.

The Body Lock Grip

Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne

Side Body Lock

2 min read·8 key moments·PT5M56S video

Key Takeaways

•Body Lock Grip Fundamentals
•Hip Control and Hand Placement
•Leg Pressure and Hand Position
•S-Grip Configuration and Palm Orientation

The most common error I see in people using the body lock is incorrect grip placement. This video gives a rationale for what I consider the best way to approach the body lock grip. Check out the full Low Body Lock Pass course at https://submeta.io/@lachlangiles/courses

Related Techniques

Front Body Lock Rear Body Lock

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about side body lock?

This video covers body lock grip fundamentals, hip control and hand placement, leg pressure and hand position. It provides detailed instruction from Absolute MMA St Kilda - Melbourne.

How long does it take to learn side body lock?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 8-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.