Double Underhooks

The Double Underhook is a powerful and dominant grappling position where you secure both of your arms under your opponent's arms, wrapping around their torso or back. This grip gives you significant control over their posture, Center of Gravity, and movement, making it a key tool for setting up takedowns, transitions, and positional dominance in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other grappling arts.

Key Features of the Double Underhook

Arm Position

  • Both arms are threaded under your opponent’s arms, reaching deep around their torso or back.

Grip Options

  • Use a Gable Grip or S-Grip for tight control.
  • Alternatively, clasp your hands or grip their hips or belt (in gi scenarios) for added stability.

Chest-to-Chest Contact

  • Maintain close contact with your opponent’s torso to eliminate space and prevent escapes.

Head Position

  • Your head should be positioned under their chin or against their chest, keeping your posture strong and your opponent’s posture compromised.

Uses in BJJ

Control

  • The Double Underhook provides immense control over your opponent, limiting their ability to defend or counter.

Takedown Setups

Guard Passing

  • Used in the Over-Under Pass to flatten your opponent and advance position.
  • Essential for controlling their legs and torso when breaking down their Guard.

Back Takes

  • The grip can transition to a back control setup by circling around or forcing your opponent to turn.

Submission Opportunities

  • Opens pathways for guillotines or transitioning into Underhook Control for arm-based submissions.

Advantages

  • Provides exceptional control over posture and Base.
  • Limits your opponent’s ability to counter with grips or offensive moves.
  • Allows you to dictate movement and apply Pressure effectively.
  • Can transition seamlessly into takedowns, positional advances, or submissions.

Tips for Effective Use

Stay Tight

  • Maintain close chest-to-chest contact to eliminate space and keep control.

Head Position

  • Keep your head under their chin or against their chest to disrupt their posture and prevent counters.

Drive with Your Legs

  • Use your lower body and Base to create Leverage for takedowns or positional control.

Control Their Hips

  • Focus on controlling their Center of Gravity to minimize their mobility and ability to escape.

Common Mistakes

Loose Grip

  • A weak grip or lack of tightness allows the opponent to escape or pummel for Underhooks.

High Posture

  • Keeping your head too high makes you vulnerable to counters like guillotines or arm drags.

Overcommitting

  • Driving too far forward without maintaining a strong Base can lead to sweeps or counters.

Neglecting Angles

  • Failing to adjust angles limits your ability to apply takedowns or break their balance effectively.

Variations and Combinations

Double Underhook to Trip

  • Use the grip to off-balance your opponent and execute a simple inside or outside trip.

Double Underhook to Back Take

  • Transition to their back by stepping to the side and breaking their posture.

Double Underhook in Guard Passing

The Double Underhook is a dominant position that exemplifies strong Connections and Pressure, allowing you to control the match and transition to a variety of offensive opportunities. By mastering this grip, you gain a versatile tool to disrupt your opponent’s posture and dictate the flow of engagements.