Underhook Escape

Escape from Knee-on-Belly: Underhook Technique

Key Steps

Step-by-step

• Step 1: From bottom in knee-on-belly, slide an arm under the opponent's near armpit to establish a tight underhook; secure control of their back or torso.
• Step 2: Create space by framing across their chest with your opposite forearm and posting the free hand to the mat to base.
• Step 3: Turn your hips away, shrimp out, and drive the underhook side shoulder toward the opponent's shin to peel their knee off your torso.
• Step 4: Re-establish guard by bringing your legs back in front and closing or opening guard as space allows; transition to half guard if guard is not yet possible.
• Step 5: Reset posture and base, then recompose for the next sequence.

Application

This technique helps convert a pressure-heavy knee-on-belly position into a recoverable guard in gi or no-gi, a common solution in jiu jitsu moves and bjj techniques. It’s approachable for beginners when practiced step-by-step and with a cooperative partner.

Mistakes

• Failing to secure the underhook tight enough.
• letting the top leg pin the trapped arm.
• Not posting with the free hand or failing to base.
• Not turning the hips or collapsing back into guard.

Tips

• Keep the underhook tight and chest angled; use your frames to create continuous space.
• Move your hips first, then slide the guard back in.
• Drill the sequence slowly, then speed up as efficiency improves.
• Works in both Gi and No-Gi contexts; great for developing fundamentals in jiu jitsu moves.