Underhook Escape

The Underhook Escape is a fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique used to counter positions like Side Control Bottom, Half Guard Bottom, or Mount Bottom. By creating an underhook (positioning your arm underneath the opponent’s arm or torso), you can leverage their weight, disrupt their control, and create space for an escape or transition to a more advantageous position.

Key Characteristics

Underhook as a Lever

  • The underhook is a pivotal tool that provides leverage to move your opponent or create space for movement.

Goal

  • To escape a disadvantageous position by recovering Guard, transitioning to Turtle Guard, or reversing into a dominant position.

Core Components

Steps to Execute the Underhook Escape

Establish the Underhook

  • From Side Control Bottom:
  • Use your near-side arm to slip under their far-side arm or torso, aiming to grip around their back or waist.
  • From Half Guard Bottom:
  • Dive your arm under their far-side arm or torso, creating a hook that connects your hand to their side or back.

Create Space with Hip Movement

  • Perform a strong shrimp motion to slide your hips away from their Pressure, creating space to move.
  • Combine this with the underhook to start turning toward your knees or regaining alignment.

Use the Underhook to Turn or Sweep

  • Turn onto your side, aiming to get your head and shoulders beneath their body.
  • Use the underhook to lift or off-balance them, transitioning into Turtle Guard, Closed Guard, or reversing into Side Control Top.

Follow Up with Position Recovery

  • If they react defensively, use the space to recover Guard or continue the movement to gain top control.

When to Use the Underhook Escape

From Side Control Bottom

  • When the opponent applies heavy shoulder Pressure, the underhook provides a way to turn into them and escape.

From Half Guard Bottom

  • Use the underhook to off-balance the opponent and sweep them or transition to a stronger guard.

From Mount Bottom

  • Combine the underhook with bridging or shrimping to create angles for recovery or reversal.

Key Details for Success

Secure the Underhook Deeply

  • The deeper your underhook, the more leverage you’ll have to disrupt the opponent’s Weight Distribution.

Combine with Hip Movement

  • Use the underhook to lift or shift the opponent, but rely on your hips to create meaningful space.

Maintain a Strong Frame

  • Use your other arm or legs to frame against the opponent and prevent them from re-establishing control.

Common Mistakes

Shallow Underhook

  • A weak or poorly positioned underhook allows the opponent to flatten you or counter the escape.

Neglecting Hips

  • Attempting the escape without proper Hip Movement often leaves you stuck under their control.

Exposing Your Neck

  • Failing to protect your neck while reaching for the underhook can expose you to chokes.

Advantages of the Underhook Escape

High Versatility

Offensive Opportunities

  • The underhook can lead to sweeps, reversals, or transitions to dominant positions.

Energy Efficient

  • Relies on leverage and technique rather than brute force.

Follow-Up Options After the Underhook Escape

Sweep to Top Control

Recover Guard

Take the Back

  • If the opponent overreacts to the underhook, turn into them and establish Back Control.
Tip

The Underhook Escape is a versatile tool in escaping dominant positions. Focus on timing, deep underhooks, and combining Hip Movement with leverage to make the technique effective and efficient.

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