Establishing the Body Lock Foundation

The body lock begins from the pommel exchange. After pummeling with the opponent, the instructor adds a second pommel, then drops level through the opponent's chest to establish the lock at the hip crease—a vulnerable point between the floating ribs and hip socket.

Targeting the Weak Point

The hip crease is the optimal target because the opponent's strong erector muscles protect the center back, while higher positions present more muscular resistance. This specific point allows the body to kink effectively with minimal strength application, relying instead on chest pressure and hand positioning.

Re-underhook Grip Technique

To secure the body lock, the instructor uses a re-underhook method: pump underneath, establish the grip at the hip crease, then clasp the hands together with chest-to-back pressure. The grip should feel tight and connected at the target point.

The Takedown Entry

Once the body lock is established, the instructor walks forward with the opponent while pulling them down using the right knee. This creates momentum for the takedown, which can transition into a knee trip if the opponent begins to backstep.

Knee Trip Alternative

If the opponent backsteps to defend the initial takedown, immediately hook and kink at the hip simultaneously. Both the walking takedown and knee trip work in conjunction—the instructor should practice both variations to understand their application.

Transition to Back Control

If the takedown fails, maintain the body lock grip and level change to circle behind the opponent and take the back. The transition requires only a slight position adjustment without releasing the grip or changing hand placement.

Setting Up the Kimura Submission

From the body lock, transition to a seatbelt grip by moving one arm around the opponent's head while keeping them close with head pressure. This grip placement allows the free arm to establish a Kimura grip by underhooking the opponent's far arm.

Finishing the Kimura

Circle around the opponent's head to gain angle, then punch their hand down to the ground to complete the Kimura setup. Apply the finish by working the legs together, laying back, and using a scissor motion for the submission.

The Front Choke Finish

If the Kimura attempt fails, catch underneath the opponent's chin with the top leg over their body. Apply pressure by crushing down with the legs while maintaining upper body control for the front choke submission.

The 'Secret' To Body Lock Takedowns + 2 Submissions (Kimura + Choke)

TRITAC Martial Arts

Low Front Body Lock

2 min read·9 key moments·PT5M44S video

Key Takeaways

•Establishing the Body Lock Foundation
•Targeting the Weak Point
•Re-underhook Grip Technique
•The Takedown Entry

Your body is unique—your training should be too. Take our survey to get a FREE 14-day Jiu-Jitsu plan custom-tailored to you: https://tritacmartialarts.com/survey?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=desc&utm_campaign=ttj The real secret to the body lock takedowns is all in the clinch and how you attack the hip socket with your body lock... In this TRITAC-Jitsu lesson, you will learn how to pummel and them establish the body lock control to 2 takedowns from Kobukai Jujitsu (Japanese Jujitsu) and 2 submission finishes - a kimura and leg scissor choke. This TRITAC Flow is a great way to develop confidence in how to attack a body lock takedown and have the submissions skills to finish your opponent. Learn the major skills in this lesson and more with a FREE CUSTOM TRITAC Intro Course here: https://tritacmartialarts.com/course The body lock is one of the most powerful controls in all of the grappling arts. You see it all in applications of grappling from Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo and all wrestling variations. It is also one of the most powerful takedown controls in MMA as well. Wrestlers have been dominating in the UFC with the body lock (especially against the cage) since the days or Mark Coleman, Dan Severn and other MMA wrestling / takedown legends. It provides supreme control and gives you many opportunities to take your opponent down and then dominate on the ground. If you are interested learning more about the body lock, jiu jitsu takedowns and other TRITAC Martial Arts Skills, start off with our survey https://tritacmartialarts.com/survey?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=desc&utm_campaign=ttj

Related Techniques

High Front Body Lock

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about low front body lock?

This video covers establishing the body lock foundation, targeting the weak point, re-underhook grip technique. It provides detailed instruction from TRITAC Martial Arts.

How long does it take to learn low front body lock?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 9-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.