Learn to execute the powerful BJJ Back Take transition with our step-by-step guide. Discover key details, common variations, and essential tips for...
Transition
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Intermediate
The Back Take is one of the most powerful and sought-after positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, often considered the most dominant position for finishing submissions. It allows you to control your opponent's movement, limit their defense, and open up numerous chokes and joint locks. Mastering this transition is crucial for any BJJ practitioner aiming to elevate their game and increase their submission rate.
How to Execute
1
Establish an Angle and Grip: From a top position (e.g., side control, turtle), create an angle by moving to your opponent's side or slightly behind them. Secure a strong seatbelt grip: one arm over their shoulder, one arm under their armpit, clasping your hands together.
2
Off-Balance and Threaten: Use your body weight and the seatbelt grip to off-balance your opponent, making them uncomfortable and forcing them to react. Look for opportunities to threaten their neck or initiate a roll.
3
Insert the Hooks: As your opponent reacts or rolls, actively insert your far-side hook (the leg on the same side as your arm over their shoulder) deep into their inner thigh. Use this hook to create leverage and prevent them from turning away.
4
Transition to Back Control: Maintain your seatbelt grip and use your first hook to pull your opponent towards you. As they turn, quickly insert your second hook (the leg on the same side as your arm under their armpit) to fully establish back control.
5
Secure the Position: Once both hooks are in, adjust your body to be tight against your opponent's back, keeping your chest glued to theirs. Ensure your feet are crossed in a figure-four or your hooks are active to prevent them from escaping.
Key Details & Tips
1
The Seatbelt Grip is Paramount: This grip is your primary control point; never let it go, and ensure your hands are clasped tightly for maximum leverage and safety.
2
Active Hooks: Don't just place your hooks; actively use them to stretch, lift, or pull your opponent, constantly disrupting their base and preventing escapes.
3
Stay Glued and Heavy: Maintain constant pressure by keeping your chest tight against your opponent's back, limiting their movement and making it difficult for them to create space.
4
Threaten Submissions Early: Even before fully securing the back, threatening a choke can force your opponent to defend, creating openings for easier hook insertion or a more dominant control.
Variations
1
Back Take from Turtle: Capitalizing on an opponent who is turtling up, often involving a roll or direct transition to the seatbelt and hooks.
2
Back Take from Guard Pass: As an opponent attempts to recover guard during a pass, you can transition directly to their back, especially from knee-cut or leg drag positions.
3
Standing Body Lock Back Take: From a standing position, securing a body lock and using a controlled throw or sweep to land directly into back control.
When to Use
The Back Take works best when your opponent turtles up to defend a pass or escape a submission, during scrambles where you can gain an advantageous angle on their back, immediately after a successful Guard Pass as they try to recover, or when an opponent is attempting to escape mount or side control by turning away from you.
Counters & Defenses
1
Preventing Hook Insertion: Actively defending with your hands and legs to block the opponent's feet from establishing hooks.
2
Hand Fighting the Seatbelt: Attacking the opponent's grip, breaking their clasp, or turning into the arm that is over your shoulder.
3
Turning In or Rolling Out: Swiftly turning your body towards the opponent (turning into them) or executing a powerful roll to shake them off and escape.
βοΈ Training Safety & Performance
Q: Why is the Back Take considered the most dominant position in BJJ?
The Back Take is highly dominant because it allows you to attack with numerous chokes and submissions without your opponent being able to see or effectively use their arms to defend, giving you a significant positional and offensive advantage.
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