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BeginnerTake the Back
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About This Technique
Description
"Take the Back" is a fundamental Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique where the practitioner maneuvers to secure their opponent's back, gaining one of the most dominant positions in grappling. This technique can often lead to a submission, most commonly via a rear-naked choke.
Japanese Name
Kaeshi (commonly used for reversals or takedowns)
Possible Position(s)
- Side Control
- Mount
- Turtle
- Butterfly Guard
Instructions for Side Control to Back Take
-
Base Establishment
- Start in side control with your torso across your opponent's chest, controlling their near-side arm with your knee or hip.
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Isolation of Arm
- Use your dominant hand to secure a grip on their far-side lapel or under their shoulder (underhook).
-
Transition to Knee on Belly
- Maintain heavy pressure with your shoulder on their chest as you step your far leg over their torso to establish knee-on-belly.
- With this pressure, encourage your opponent to turn slightly towards you.
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Creating Space and Hooks
- Slide your opposite knee behind their back to begin establishing control.
- As they create space by turning, use your top hand to reach over their far shoulder, assisting with their turn.
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Climbing to the Back
- Your lower knee becomes your first hook. Push off your other foot to pivot smoothly.
- With both knees securely positioned, slide in your second hook to establish seatbelt control.
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Securing the Position
- Lock in good chest-to-back contact.
- Use the side your opponent turns into to determine the depth of your controls—always aiming to stay tight to keep them from escaping.
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Transition to Submission
- From back control, distract and manipulate their arms, creating openings for a submission attempt like the rear-naked choke.
Tips for Success
- Emphasize maintaining constant pressure throughout the transition to prevent your opponent from escaping the back take.
- Be prepared to adapt to your opponent's movements; maintain responsiveness to their reactions.
- Practice maintaining both the seatbelt grip and the hooks to perfect controlling the back position before attempting submissions.
How to Execute
# Take the Back from Side Control
## Setup
- **Initial Position Details**: Begin in side control with your body perpendicular to your opponent. Your chest should be on their chest, with your knees on the ground, one positioned near their hip and the other near their head.
- **Grips and Controls Needed**: Establish a cross-face with your arm nearest their head, using your shoulder to apply pressure. Use your other arm to control their far-side hip or underhook their far arm.
## Steps
1. **Control and Isolate**: Maintain strong pressure with your shoulder on their face. Use your far arm to underhook their far arm, securing control and preventing them from turning towards you.
2. **Create Space**: Shift your weight slightly towards their head and use your knee closest to their hip to elbow-knee escape. This creates space for you to move.
3. **Switch Base**: With your weight shifted, switch your base by bringing your hip closest to their head to the ground. This transition allows you to face the same direction as your opponent.
4. **Insert Hooks**: With your base switched, use your top leg to step over their body and insert your first hook (your foot hooking inside their thigh). Follow by bringing your other leg over and inserting the second hook as you pull your opponent onto your lap.
5. **Secure Seatbelt Grip**: Once both hooks are in, establish a seatbelt grip by wrapping one arm over their shoulder and the other under their armpit. Connect your hands, ensuring your head is close to theirs for tight control.
## Key Points
- **Important Details to Remember**:
- Maintain pressure with your shoulder during the initial setup to control their head and prevent their escape.
- Keep your hooks tight and close to their body to prevent them from easily escaping your back control.
- Use your seatbelt grip to control their upper body and keep them close.
- **Common Mistakes to Avoid**:
- Avoid leaving too much space between you and your opponent; this can allow them to escape or counter your movements.
- Do not rush the insertion of your hooks—proper control and positioning are crucial before moving to back control.
- Ensure your grips are secure and your head is close to theirs to avoid losing control during the transition.
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