Wrestling Ties for BJJ: Collar Tie, Underhook, Overhook

Beginner–Intermediate · Gi & No-Gi · Standing Control

Wrestling tie-ups are the control positions used in the standing phase of BJJ. They determine who has the dominant position before a takedown or guard pull. Mastering tie-ups means controlling the standing game and choosing your preferred entry.

Contents

The Collar Tie

The collar tie is a hand on the back of their neck (the nape). It allows head control and creates setups for takedowns and arm drags.

Cup the back of their neck with your palm
Elbow points down (not out)
Use it to create level changes in their posture
Sets up: arm drag, duck under, snap down, underhook

💡 Pro Tip: The collar tie must be active — constantly adjusting pressure, not static. Static collar ties are easy to remove. Active collar ties create constant setups.

The Underhook

The underhook is an arm under their arm on one side, getting your shoulder under their armpit. It's the most important position in wrestling tie-ups.

Drive your shoulder into their armpit
Keep your elbow in tight to protect against their overhook
Use to set up: duck under, double leg, hip throw, back take
The fighter with the underhook controls the tie-up

The Overhook (Whizzer)

The overhook goes over their arm. Used defensively to counter underhooks, and offensively as a throw entry.

Used to counter their underhook (trap their arm)
Creates hip throw entries (koshi guruma)
Counter to duck under attempts

The Body Lock

Both arms around their body (one underhook, one overhook). The most powerful tie-up — allows trips, lifts, and suplex-style takedowns.

Tie-Up Battles

The standing game is a constant battle for tie-up position. Fight for underhooks, break their collar tie, and use level changes to create openings.

Gi vs No-Gi Tie-Ups

In gi, collar and sleeve grips supplement the tie-ups. In no-gi, you rely purely on body contact (underhooks, collar ties, wrist control) without fabric grips.