Why the Body Lock is a High-Percentage Takedown
The body lock gives you control over the hips, limits your opponent’s options, and creates takedown entries that don’t rely on lightning-fast shots. It’s the grappler’s version of saying, “I’m driving this bus now.”
Why Use the Body Lock?
- It neutralizes athleticism.
Once you wrap the waist and glue your chest to their back or torso, you’ve taken away their speed game. They can’t run, jump, or scramble without carrying your weight. - It’s low risk for your joints.
Especially for grapplers over 30, body locks spare you from the knee-pounding of constant shots. No smashing your patella into the mat—just pressure, posture, and angles. - It builds from kazushi (off-balancing).
The best body lock takedowns aren’t brute force. They’re about timing, misdirections, and disrupting your opponents base.
How to Set Up the Body Lock
- Close the distance smart. Use arm drags, Russian ties, underhooks, or even a fake shot to get your opponent to raise their level. Slide your chest in, connect your hands behind their back, and lock your grip.
- Glue your chest to theirs (or their back). Space is your enemy. The more you close the gap, the less they can wiggle free. Think “Velcro.”
- Head position wins the battle. Drive your head into their chin, temple, or chest. If their posture breaks, their hips are yours.
Bonus: Ambidexterity Pays Off
Most grapplers only have a “good side” body lock. Be different. Drill both directions. If you can finish trips left and right, your opponent can’t “gatekeep” one side. You become a puzzle with no easy solution.
Grapple Smarter, Not Harder
The body lock is about patience and pressure, not spazzing out. You don’t need to be a powerhouse—just disciplined with grip and head position. So next time you’re thinking about diving for a double, remember: there’s a smarter (safer) way to put someone on the mat. Body lock, off-balance, trip, and enjoy the ride
Other helpful resources on finishing the body lock takedown:
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