The underhook and getting to your knees: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu guide

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · Half guard · 10 minute lesson Pro

Fighting for the underhook, then using it to come up or sweep.

Watch it on YouTubeSearch: Bjj half guard underhook dogfight tutorial. Videos by other coaches.

The underhook is the key to half guard. With it, you can come up to your knees, take the back or sweep. Without it, you are stuck defending.

Work slowly and with a partner who gives controlled resistance. Do not twist against a locked leg. If your knee feels pinched, stop.

Key points

Slide the underhook past their armpit, with your hand flat on their shoulder blade.
Keep your head tight against their chest so that they cannot crossface you.
Get your hips under theirs and come up to your inside knee.
Push into them. Do not push away, or you lose the position.
If they base out wide, sweep them with the underhook and a pull on the near leg.

Common mistakes and how to fix them

Letting go of the head position. Keep your head tight under their chin so they cannot crossface you.
Pushing away. Drive into their body. Space gives them the chance to recover.
Twisting the knee. Keep the lock leg stable and turn with your hips, not the knee.

The rest is in the app

The step-by-step breakdown, the timed drill with the coach calling the shots and the quiz are part of Become Fighter Pro, where this lesson sits in the Half guard module of Jiu-jitsu foundations.

Get it on Google Play. Coming soon to the App Store.

More from Half guard

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Combat sports training is hard on the body. Warm up, stay within your limits and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition. Practise in a clear space and stop if you feel pain or dizziness. Learn partner work only under a qualified coach.