Underhooks, Grappling Close Quarter Combat Control

I may have already mentioned this before but I've decided to write a post about it as i feel it is the most important factor to be considered when grappling (standing grappling) and gaining control of an opponent. Most advanced grapplers from styles where gi's are used (Judo, Brazilian jiu jitsu) tend to use the gi jacket for control and that is fine, but without the jacket, gaining control of an opponent is a whole new different world. This is where non gi grapplers (Catch wrestlers, Submission fighters) mostly dominate. If your not wearing a jacket the best and most efficient way to gain control of an opponent is by taking double underhooks (having both of your arms underneath your opponents armpits). As soon as you get this position your opponent will feel threatened and you can easily take down or throw from this position. If you are caught with this technique, use a front crawl (swimming method) style to slide your arms underneath again, as you will most likely find yourself on the floor in a awkward position pretty soon. You may sometimes find yourself in a one arm underhook with the other arm over your opponents arm (and your opponent in the same position). This then becomes a chess like situation as you will both probably try and get double underhooks, so tread carefully! This can not be stressed enough. Double underhooks is the most dominating standing grappling position. PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE so when clinched you instinctively go for this dominating technique!