
3 positions and techniques to reverse and counter the underhook in BJJ
The hook is an aspect of grappling in BJJ. It is a hold that offers a strategic advantage by allowing strong control over the opponent and, at the same time, a good point for offensive and defensive transitions. However, knowing that many practitioners often target the hook in various positions creates opportunities for counterattacks. Understanding how to exploit these opportunities effectively can improve your game tremendously. In today’s article we explore different ways to attack and counter the underhook from 3 common positions.
1) Upper revolution counter for upper side control
In top-side control, when your opponent secures an underhook, a solid and effective counter is the top spin. To do this, first secure control of your hips or far shoulder to stabilize the movement. As they try to use the hook to bridge or escape, they quickly spin around their head, rotating 180 degrees above their body. This motion not only breaks the hook, but also shifts you to the other side of your body, maintaining maximum control and potentially catching him off guard.
Based on the top spin counter, you can move directly into a back kick while moving to the opposite side of the body. After completing the rotation, focus on establishing a chest-back connection as soon as you see an opening. As you get into position, make sure you stay attached to your opponent’s back and proceed with the neck attack. This technique follows smoothly from the initial technique and is a recommended alternative when the opportunity presents itself.
2) Underhook Repummel and Kimura from the top half of the guard
If your opponent lands a hook in half guard, immediately work on striking your inside arm. This move involves sliding the arm with the hook deeper and turning it inside, turning the hook into a hook for them. This will regain your control in the clinch and prevent them from using the hook to unbalance you (Kuzushi) or sweep you. Once the hook is established, you can use it to press the shoulder down, flattening it into the mat, which is beneficial for getting past the guard.
From half guard, another effective counter to the opponent’s underhook is the transition to a kimura on the underhooked arm. As they secure the hook, use your free arm to control their wrist and slide the arm with the hook over their shoulder to grab your wrist, locking the kimura hold. This not only counters the hook, but also puts significant pressure on their shoulder, leading them into a potential submission or forcing them to abandon the hook to defend against the kimura.
3) Engage Uchi Mata and Sumi Gaeshi from standing position
When you are both standing and your opponent lands a hook, counter it by securing a hook on the same side. With the hook in place, bring your outside leg across his body to align your hips closely with his. This positioning prepares you for the uchi mata, a classic throw typically seen in Judo. Swing your inside leg against their thigh, lifting it up and using the momentum to turn it. This technique uses the hook against them, using the hook for the throw.
Alternatively, you can use sumi gaeshi to counter the hook. Start from the same entry as the last technique. To set the sumi gaeshi, hold the hook and place your free hand behind your thigh or waist. Let your hips drop lower than theirs as you pull them forward past your center of gravity. Perform the throw by lifting your hands behind your thigh and tilting them over your hips, using the hook to maintain control and continue to the ground. This technique effectively uses the leverage of the hook to counter the hook, throwing your opponent backwards and allowing you to transition into a dominant position on the ground.
The importance of drilling
Drilling is a fundamental aspect of grappling (and martial arts in general) that cannot be overstated. It is through repetitive practice that muscle memory develops, allowing techniques to be performed fluidly and instinctively during sparring or live competition. Piercing counter techniques on the hook ensure you can react quickly and effectively when an opponent attempts to gain an advantage using this common grappling position.
Consistent drilling helps you recognize the position and feel more comfortable and confident in your response. Each repetition should focus on the nuances of the movement, such as hand placement, hip movement and the like, making sure every detail is taken into account. This attention to detail makes the difference between a poorly functional technique and a highly effective one.
To truly integrate these counters into your skills, practice in different scenarios that mimic live match conditions. This includes drilling with partners of different sizes and skill levels, under fatigue and with different levels of resistance. Scenario-based drill helps adapt your responses to real-world situations, improving your ability to use these techniques fluidly and effectively in a match.
Integration into your existing game
Understanding how to counter the hook is crucial in BJJ, as it is a very effective clinch hold used both offensively and defensively.
The ultimate goal of learning new techniques is to seamlessly incorporate them into your existing game. This requires not only understanding and practicing the movements themselves, but also knowing when and how to apply them during live situations. Evaluate your current fighting style and strategies to identify where these counters can best complement your strengths and support your weaknesses. This way, you can find scenarios where you can include these techniques effectively.
Understanding and practicing these countertechniques improves your defensive BJJ skills in many ways. Learning how to effectively counter an opponent’s hook is a skill that will stay with you even up to the black belt level. Each technique shown not only counters the underhook, but also creates opportunities to transition into offensive positions or submissions. Training these meters under the supervision of experts in a controlled environment is critical to ensure correct execution and optimize safety. We hope you enjoyed today’s article and keep training!
You might also like:
The Turtle Fortress and the Turtleplata in BJJ
Evolve Mixed Martial ArtsĀ® is Asia’s leading martial arts championship brand. It has authentic world champions in Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, mixed martial arts, boxing, wrestling and No-Gi Grappling. Named the #1 martial arts organization in Asia by CNN, Yahoo! Sports, FOX Sports, ESPN StarSports, Tokyo Times and many other leading authorities, Evolve MMA aims to provide the best martial arts instruction available anywhere on the planet.