Front Bodylock Fundamentals

The front bodylock is a 50/50 wrestling position that requires maintaining good posture throughout, with shoulders kept above the hips rather than driving past them. The grip should be wrist-to-wrist when possible, with elbows pulled inward to maximize control over the opponent's hips and prevent them from rotating away.

Establishing the Bodylock

The front bodylock is commonly established when an opponent defends against single-leg takedowns by obtaining a wizard grip (overhook). The defender can transition into a bodylock by stepping either between the opponent's legs or behind them, with stepping between the legs being the primary approach for developing strong takedown options.

Level Change and Entry

Successful entry requires hand-fighting to close distance before executing a low level change with the head held high. The practitioner steps between the opponent's legs while maintaining a low squat position and a tight wrist-to-wrist grip, preventing the opponent from immediately initiating throws.

The Ukigoshi Throw

From the bodylock position, the practitioner executes an ukigoshi (power hip throw) by walking in a circular pattern while pulling the elbows inward to control the opponent's hips. This is a low-amplitude throw that allows the opponent to safely post their hands on the floor, unlike higher-velocity throws.

Managing Hand Posts

When the opponent posts their hands to defend against the throw, the practitioner can convert to a long-arm, short-arm bodylock by dropping one shoulder below the opponent's neck and placing their ear on the opponent's back. This adjustment allows continued forward pressure while keeping the hips controlled.

Breakdown to Back Control

Once the opponent is broken down into a prone position, the practitioner transitions from the bodylock to a seatbelt grip to attack the back position. This setup allows the practitioner to slide knees in for hooks or transition to other back-control variations, creating opportunities for sustained positional dominance.

Continuous Pressure Application

The practitioner maintains momentum by walking the opponent in a circular pattern while pulling the hip down, using speed to overcome any repositioning attempts. The sustained circular movement prevents the opponent from successfully escaping by posting, instead pulling them over their own posts.

Front Body Lock Takedowns. Mat Return, Throw By, and more.

Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu & Grappling

Front Body Lock Takedown

2 min read·7 key moments·PT14M55S video

Key Takeaways

•Front Bodylock Fundamentals
•Establishing the Bodylock
•Level Change and Entry
•The Ukigoshi Throw

Front Body Lock Takedowns. The Front Body Lock is a common takedown position where your opponent often has an Overhook (Wizzer). This class will look at entering into the Front Body Lock as well as common takedown finishes and transitions to a Rear Body Lock This class combines well with some of our other lessons: Single Leg Takedowns: https://youtu.be/mm8FNe3InRg?si=G8LdrZZpET-HcNuo Underhook Takedowns: https://youtu.be/km0rjSvldV0?si=xGMa1bK4XRwHtZOP Pinch Headlock Takedowns: https://youtu.be/-fWx4BWcyBk?si=FHLCUuvD5nY0sXiI 1️⃣Part one begins with climbing to the Front Body Lock body with a failed single leg attempt. Attacking the legs is a very common way to open up body locks. 2️⃣Part two is perhaps the lowest risk Front Body Lock takedown: the power twist (or uke goshi). This takedown is also a lifeline to the Rear Body Lock 3️⃣Part three switches to a Rear Body Lock when your opponent posts their hands on the ground to avoid the Power Twist takedown. We will then use a hip drag/crank to bring our opponent to the mat. 4️⃣Part four offers a short version of a throw by when our partner decides not to overhook (wizzer). This commonly can lead to the same results as Part 3. 5️⃣Part five starts a look at a series of takedowns when we step behind our partner in a Front Body Lock. A Knee Sweep takedown will be used to bring our partner down when we are able to off balance via the upper body. 6️⃣Part six concludes with one of the most common Body Lock takedowns: The Mat Return. This option involves loading our partner's weight and lifting them onto our hip. From here a quick drop to the knees will bring them to the mat. Enjoy, and please feel free to comment if you have any questions! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE AND SHARE!!! Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling 1050 Corporate Boulevard. Suite E. Aurora, Illinois. 60505. 150 dollars a month for unlimited training. Relaxed trial periods with no strings attached. No contracts. No drop-in fees if you train somewhere else. Just be kind and train hard!!! 📞Phone: (630) 340-5752 💻Website: picapaujj.com Instagram: @picapaujiujitsu Facebook: Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling 🥋Coach: Aaron Brooks. Head instructor of Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu and Grappling. Instagram: aaronvincentbrooks 🙇‍♂️Thank you to everyone who helped film and demonstrate the moves!! #bjj #brazilianjiujitsu #jiujitsu #grappling #submission #nogi #throwby #slideby #trip #gi #wrestling #judo #hipthrow #underhook #wizzer #rearbodylock #takedown #ukegoshi #wrestling #frontbodylock #bodylock #matreturn #slam

Related Techniques

Rear Body Lock Takedown Side Body Lock Takedown

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about front body lock takedown?

This video covers front bodylock fundamentals, establishing the bodylock, level change and entry. It provides detailed instruction from Pica Pau Jiu Jitsu & Grappling.

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

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 7-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.