Clinch Overhook vs Underhook - Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense

Understanding how to fight in the clinch, regardless of the ruleset or lack thereof, is a crucial aspect of fight. There are pros and cons to each type of clinch, and in this video, we look at variations using the underhook and overhook.
I recently did a seminar in Salem, Massachusetts at Forged BJJ & Krav Maga. We covered lots of stuff, and also had some time to make a couple of videos with my friend, Dennis Cregier, head instructor at Forged. He and I both share an appreciation for technical things that can apply to not only sportive conditions, but also work for MMA or self defense. In this video we discuss clinch considerations, over hook vs under hook pros and cons, and some controls and takedowns from each. Hope you enjoy!
Be sure to comment, and let me know what some of your favorite topics are or what you would like to see in future videos on my channel!
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[@staysafemartialarts]

Understanding how to deal and work with both under/over hooks is essential for any sport or training that requires clinch work. Remember, ya never know which one you will end up with

[@KnightJiuJitsu]

Exactly this 👏

[@Alexyrion]

I LOVE the idea of JJ self defense, way more than the sport, learning a technique which is also useful in real fight is super valuable!

[@michaelcantrell4691]

I strongly favor the overhook. Partly because I'm a tall guy, like you mentioned, but even MORE because lots of takedowns from the overhook land directly in a Darce setup, and that's my bread-and-butter submission. (Knee tap, ankle pick, uchi mata, simply pressing their shoulder down, etc. When you land, you've already claimed that armpit space that you need for the Darce.)

[@TheMadison625]

Hikommi Gaeshi / Yoko Wakare is the name of that throw when you grab the wrist.( in the beginning) I absolutely love that throw. Your opponent never suspects it. Brad showed me that throw.

[@jesselowe9374]

I really like this video and the positions. There's so much that you can do with either an overbook or underhook along with head position and arm control on the far side. My favorite things are wrapping the head for a front headlock and snapdown.

[@gw1357]

More great content for the standup game. Thank you. In my experience, your hands are going to snake to wherever they snake to as the clinch starts and its not always realistic to preface your training with the idea that you can choose to get to one or the other as step one. Sometimes in the merge you will get an underhook, sometimes an overhook, sometimes neither (maybe the neck or a wrist or whatever). My philosophy is that I need to be able to work with either once I realize what instinct and circumstance has dealt me, so this video is a perfect evenhanded approach. Again, as a striker (Wing Chun/JKD guy) I really appreciate when you give us this standup content. Thanks.

[@davidtice4972]

Excellent!! I needed this! I have a whole series of takedowns from when you have the over and under hook at the same time. In other words the clinch. They include the techniques just shown.

[@rns7426]

A lateral drop and it’s many variations in Japanese is Uki Waza-floating technique. like many have said here Yoko-side Wakare-separation is probably a good choice for naming that throw.

[@christophervelez1561]

I’ve been playing overhook lately. When I wrestled in college it was a cardinal sin to play overhooks on my team.

[@Zach-lv5qs]

I think that this was a great demonstration of a topic that is essential to consider in MMA and grappling as a sport, as well as self defense. I think that both the under and over hook have strengths and weaknesses in certain scenarios, and I think the only wrong answer is to not practice to be able to utilize both. I personally believe I've been making the mistake of underestimating the efficacy of the under hook. Admittedly, I'm an unseasoned grappler, but I'm learning.

[@yotasnguns]

Love this channel. Top 5 of my go to

[@dreamtobeapolyglot8444]

Fantastic details! I think both are very useful and as you both stated depends on the situation. Great instruction!

[@SwordFighterPKN]

Catch Wrestling and Judo 😉 Good to see BJJ guys starting to look at doing take downs instead of just pulling guard or butt scooting.

[@JukidoAcademy]

Throw is Yoko Wakare. 🥋

[@KnightJiuJitsu]

Second person to get it right 🙌

[@chadslater3521]

I enjoy the double arm throw or the basic headlock side throw, also the Kimura throw as he just demonstrated but also from gaurd. I never actually seen the Kimura throw from standing before but have thought about it, in my own personal repatriate. Thank you for the demonstration.

[@zacharywong483]

Really nice video, Eli!

[@Twobarpsi]

Excellent advice!!

[@jr487]

Under hook/ controlling centerline is easier concept for newer people and less athletic people to understand. Overhook/ using outside line requires better understanding and faster movement. From a Blue belt trying to wrap my head around everything.

[@gutse007]

THX Coach ❤❤❤

[@KnightJiuJitsu]

🙌🙌🙌

[@wyattatkinson4704]

I prefer the underhook of the ability and availability of movement on your side of the fight and lack of movement on their it's a very versatile move in my opinion more so then the overhook however in self defense both have their ups and downs pure bc the moves themselves are very preferential and circumstance oriented

[@abhisheksajwan8877]

Too good sir respect for you from India

[@davidvelardevelasco2471]

thanks for the explication masters now my questions are anserwed :D

[@markgallen564]

The throw is a Sumi Gaeshi variation - sacrifice throw. “Yoko Wakari”

[@eliotquintana9802]

Unde&overhook arm techniques defense skills

[@davidtice4972]

I have techniques I do from the under hook and techniques I do from the over hook so I like both.

[@thedogrunner]

Overhook or get elbowed is a pretty good basic rule.

[@Ortegajuan7950]

So your right hand if you grab their trap. Your left arm pushed forward stiff arming their face. Your right leg steps in right in front of their left leg. Then you turn to your left pushing with your right and having them land face first. Their left arm should be trapped up due to your hand on their trap. Now you can do what ever you need to, whether submit or cuff up.

[@chazcrouse5259]

good to know techniques for both, but i am partial to overhook especially training jiujitsu. everyone fights so hard for unders they just give away the over in the process, then you just need to beat their timing

[@kananisha]

Yoko wakare

[@KnightJiuJitsu]

Nailed it. Well done 👏

[@pedroguerrero3862]

For me i very much prefer overhook manly because im a lot stronger pulling down rather then holding. Also it gives me more control, he not able to move his arm over as seen with an underhook.

[@gmc310]

Underhook provides quicker transition to oil check which is my preferred retention.

[@teorozorozco9202]

Why does your belt have a blue section and not a red one?

[@KnightJiuJitsu]

I’m a black belt under Royce Gracie. He uses the blue sleeve instead of red these days for his black belts.

[@dieselx999]

Why is your blk belt blue thought it was only red for a teacher? Just curious never seen that before

[@RobbieStJean]

I've seen a brown colour belt with the red bar

[@KnightJiuJitsu]

I’m a black belt under Royce Gracie. He uses the blue sleeve for his black belts instead of red. He made the change several years back. I had my red sleeve and prof bars briefly before the transition to blue and then I started accumulating my degrees after the switch.

[@adilbekramadan2038]

🖒👍👌🖒

[@christophershupe5213]

Yoko Guruma

[@urisluss929]

💞 𝖕𝖗𝖔𝖒𝖔𝖘𝖒

[@napata]

Yoko Wakare