Initial Position: Defending Side Control

The defender begins in bottom side control with the opponent's hands linked and body facing toward them. The first defensive action involves using the biceps and shoulder to strike the opponent's head while bridging, then placing the elbow inside to create space and establish a frame against the opponent's chest.

Underhook Entry When Opponent Is Strong

When the opponent is too heavy to push away with the frame alone, the defender threads their bottom-side hand (right hand) between their own chest and the opponent's chest, then bridges to sink the underhook deep. This hand placement is crucial when the opponent maintains strong shoulder pressure over the defender's neck.

Creating Separation with Leg and Arm Drive

The defender uses simultaneous pressure from the thigh and the underhook forearm against the opponent's belly to force separation. Maintaining the elbow close to the body initially prevents the opponent from controlling the defender's head, and the combined leg-arm pressure naturally pulls the opponent's elbow away from their body, creating vulnerability.

Trap the Leg and Enter the Position

After creating space with the underhook, the defender hugs the opponent's lower back and immediately traps their leg by securing the foot in a figure-four grip. This leg trap prevents the opponent from mounting during the escape and provides control as the defender transitions to their knees and lifts their chest off the mat.

Managing the Limp Arm Pass When Opponent Stands

If the opponent stands and moves their leg away, the defender quickly executes the limp arm by threading their arm between the opponent's buttocks and hips while maintaining chest-to-chest contact. This rapid transition into a body lock prevents the opponent from establishing control and prepares the defender to attack the back.

Responding to the Underhook Sweep Attempt

When the opponent attempts a wizard escape or underhook sweep, the defender can counter by opening their elbow and standing up with control, or by catching the momentum of the opponent's movement. The defender uses the opponent's own forward pressure to execute a sweep by keeping the figure-four leg trap and rolling through to top position.

Alternative: Guard Recovery When Opponent Pushes Out

If the opponent successfully pushes the defender's underhook arm away and creates space, the defender can transition directly to guard by moving away from the opponent's hips. This option prevents being pinned flat and maintains offensive positioning from the bottom.

Advanced Counter to Ushirata When Opponent Stands

When the opponent aggressively stands and attempts the Ushirata (also called wizard), the defender uses the opponent's upward momentum against them by pulling the hips and sweeping rather than getting dragged to their back. This momentum-based counter is preferable to resisting the sweep statically, as it prevents the opponent from maintaining top control or transitioning to mount.

Underhook Escape by Andre Galvao

BJJ Fanatics

Underhook To Single Leg

3 min read·8 key moments·PT8M48S video

Key Takeaways

•Initial Position: Defending Side Control
•Underhook Entry When Opponent Is Strong
•Creating Separation with Leg and Arm Drive
•Trap the Leg and Enter the Position

THE UNDERHOOK ESCAPE https://bjjfanatics.com In this Jiu Jitsu training video, Andre Galvao teaches the Underhook Escape. This clip is from Andre's ANDRE GALVAO SIDE CONTROL ESCAPES Jiu Jitsu Training video. - For all your BJJ Gear and Apparel Needs Visit - https://store.bjjfanatics.com/ - Are you a BJJ Fanatics Insider? If not, you are missing out! Join now at: https://bjjfanatics.com/products/insiders-club - To learn more great Jiu Jitsu Techniques, visit https://www.bjjfanatics.com Andre Galvao is one of the most decorated black belt competitors and instructors on the planet. He also heads up the highly successful Atos Jiu Jitsu Association. This is an excerpt from his new instructional SIDE CONTROL ESCAPES available exclusively from BJJFanatics.com. BJJ Fanatics was started by a pair of black belts (Bernardo Faria & Michael Zenga) who feel that nothing is more important than improving your BJJ skills as much as possible in the least amount of time. Their aim was to create a shop for BJJ Students who don’t look at BJJ as a sport – but as a lifestyle. Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAqme-CE-yLm01BV5nUjPPA Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/733553463659020/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjj.fanatics/?hl=en 15% OFF On All Of Our BJJ Instructional Videos - Just Use The Coupon Code: FANATICSYOUTUBE Website: https://bjjfanatics.com

Related Techniques

Standard Underhook Escape

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about underhook to single leg?

This video covers initial position: defending side control, underhook entry when opponent is strong, creating separation with leg and arm drive. It provides detailed instruction from BJJ Fanatics.

How long does it take to learn underhook to single leg?

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.