Back Take

A back take in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu refers to the process of transitioning to and controlling the opponent’s back, one of the most dominant positions in grappling. From the back, you have the opportunity to control and submit your opponent with minimal risk of counterattacks. Achieving back control requires effective use of Angles, Leverage, and Connections to bypass the opponent’s defenses and secure the position.

Key Elements

Control Points

Hooks

  • Insert your legs around the opponent’s hips or thighs, securing with your feet inside or across their legs.

Seatbelt Grip

  • Wrap one arm across their chest and the other under their armpit, locking your hands together for control.

Chest-to-Back Connection

  • Maintain tight contact with your chest glued to their upper back to limit their movement.

Purpose

  • Establish a dominant position where you control their posture and restrict their ability to defend effectively.
  • Set up submissions such as the Rear Naked Choke or Bow and Arrow.

Principles

  • Control both the upper and lower body to prevent escapes.
  • Use Positional Layering by transitioning to stronger grips or Hooks as the opponent attempts to escape.

Methods to Take the Back

From Guard

De La Riva Sweep to Back Take

  • Use the hook to off-balance the opponent and transition to their back as they recover.

Arm Drag

  • Drag their arm across your centerline to expose their back, then pivot to establish back control.

Butterfly Guard Back Take

From Turtle

Sit-Out

  • Roll with the opponent as they defend, using your hooks to secure back control.

Seatbelt Grip Pull

  • Establish the grip and drag them backward while inserting hooks for control.

From Mount

High Mount to Back Take

  • Slide your knees up toward their armpits, force them to turn, and transition to Back Control.

S-Mount Back Take

  • As they defend an Armbar or Americana, move to their back when they expose it.

During Scrambles

Spin Around to the Back

  • If the opponent turtles or turns to escape a Guard Pass, spin quickly around their hips to take their back.

Front Headlock to Back Take

  • From a Front Headlock, pivot around their body as they attempt to recover position.

Key Details for Maintaining Back Control

Hooks

  • Keep your feet active to adjust your hooks if they try to escape or remove them.

Seatbelt Grip

  • The top hand (across their chest) should always be hidden under your chin to avoid grip breaks.

Control Hips

  • Use your Hooks to manipulate their hips and prevent them from turning into you.

Common Submissions from Back Control

Rear Naked Choke

  • Apply the choke by wrapping your arm around their neck and locking your hands.

Bow and Arrow

  • Use a Lapel Grip and leg control to apply a choke and control their body.

Armbar

  • Transition to the armbar when they over-defend the neck.

Importance of the Back Take

Taking the back is the culmination of effective Problem Solving in grappling: capitalizing on openings, maintaining positional dominance, and creating high-percentage finishing opportunities. It highlights the use of Angles, Pressure, and Positional Hierarchy to achieve and control one of the strongest positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

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