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Winning from the Underhook & Knees – BJJ Guide

Master the underhook transition from your knees. Learn the Neck Twist, Shoulder Crunch, and Bear Hug finishes with Coach Matt Dyer’s wrestling-based BJJ system.

The Dog Fight System: Winning from the Underhook & Knees

This system focuses on the “Dog Fight” position, which is the critical transition point when you have secured an underhook from the bottom and moved to your knees. The guide outlines four primary offensive pillars based on the opponent’s reaction: the Neck Twist if they look toward you, the Limp Arm if they look away, the Shoulder Crunch to force them to their side, and the Bear Hug for a high-pressure finish. It also includes a “Rolling Sweep” as a counter for when an opponent attempts to lean back into your drive.

Watch Knee to Knee Series

The Transition: From Half Guard to Your Knees

When you are on the bottom in half guard, your primary goal is to shoot a deep underhook around the opponent’s waist or belt.

  • The Movement: Instead of staying flat, you must “turn to your knees,” placing the opponent slightly in front of you while they likely attempt to “whizzer” your underhook arm to stop your progress.
  • The Objective: From this hip-to-hip position, your offense is determined entirely by the opponent’s head and arm position.

The 4 Offensive Pillars

1. The Neck Twist (When they look into you)

If the opponent is looking toward you, their head is a target.

  • The Entry: Step your far leg up and take a second step around toward their head.
  • The Grip: Reach over the top with your opposite arm and grab the opponent’s chin.
  • The Finish: Use your hips to drive them back while cranking the neck to force a roll or a submission.

2. The Limp Arm & Rotate (When they look away)

If the opponent is looking away, their head is too far to attack.

  • The Setup: Step up with your far leg.
  • The Mechanics: Turn your underhook palm toward the ceiling and look away from the opponent.
  • The Finish: Bump the opponent with your hip and “limp arm” rotate your underhook out, coming around the back to secure a rear mount or a T-top position.

3. The Shoulder Crunch

This is a powerful option when you have a high underhook and can lock your hands.

  • The Grip: Use your underhook arm in a Gable grip with your opposite arm over their shoulder.
  • The Finish: Pull the opponent into your chest while simultaneously shoving their shoulder toward the ground, forcing them onto their side or face for a sweep into side control.

4. The “Big Guy” Bear Hug

When other attempts are being resisted, focus on the floating ribs.

  • The Setup: Step your legs super wide to create a massive base.
  • The Grip: Secure a tight Gable grip around the opponent’s floating ribs.
  • The Finish: Drive them directly to the ground using pure forward pressure and weight.

Bonus: The Rolling Sweep (Hip-to-Hip)

When you find yourself perfectly hip-to-hip and the opponent leans back into you to stop your drive, use their momentum.

  • The Trigger: Wait for the moment they press back into you.
  • The Execution: Shoot your body between their legs and roll, using the momentum to bump them over into side control.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Learning how to win from the Underhook and Knees will help your BJJ game. If you are looking for more information or to join, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates:

Winning from the Underhook & Knees – BJJ Guide

Master the underhook transition from your knees. Learn the Neck Twist, Shoulder Crunch, and Bear Hug finishes with Coach Matt Dyer’s wrestling-based BJJ system.

The Dog Fight System: Winning from the Underhook & Knees

This system focuses on the “Dog Fight” position, which is the critical transition point when you have secured an underhook from the bottom and moved to your knees. The guide outlines four primary offensive pillars based on the opponent’s reaction: the Neck Twist if they look toward you, the Limp Arm if they look away, the Shoulder Crunch to force them to their side, and the Bear Hug for a high-pressure finish. It also includes a “Rolling Sweep” as a counter for when an opponent attempts to lean back into your drive.

Watch Knee to Knee Series

The Transition: From Half Guard to Your Knees

When you are on the bottom in half guard, your primary goal is to shoot a deep underhook around the opponent’s waist or belt.

  • The Movement: Instead of staying flat, you must “turn to your knees,” placing the opponent slightly in front of you while they likely attempt to “whizzer” your underhook arm to stop your progress.
  • The Objective: From this hip-to-hip position, your offense is determined entirely by the opponent’s head and arm position.

The 4 Offensive Pillars

1. The Neck Twist (When they look into you)

If the opponent is looking toward you, their head is a target.

  • The Entry: Step your far leg up and take a second step around toward their head.
  • The Grip: Reach over the top with your opposite arm and grab the opponent’s chin.
  • The Finish: Use your hips to drive them back while cranking the neck to force a roll or a submission.

2. The Limp Arm & Rotate (When they look away)

If the opponent is looking away, their head is too far to attack.

  • The Setup: Step up with your far leg.
  • The Mechanics: Turn your underhook palm toward the ceiling and look away from the opponent.
  • The Finish: Bump the opponent with your hip and “limp arm” rotate your underhook out, coming around the back to secure a rear mount or a T-top position.

3. The Shoulder Crunch

This is a powerful option when you have a high underhook and can lock your hands.

  • The Grip: Use your underhook arm in a Gable grip with your opposite arm over their shoulder.
  • The Finish: Pull the opponent into your chest while simultaneously shoving their shoulder toward the ground, forcing them onto their side or face for a sweep into side control.

4. The “Big Guy” Bear Hug

When other attempts are being resisted, focus on the floating ribs.

  • The Setup: Step your legs super wide to create a massive base.
  • The Grip: Secure a tight Gable grip around the opponent’s floating ribs.
  • The Finish: Drive them directly to the ground using pure forward pressure and weight.

Bonus: The Rolling Sweep (Hip-to-Hip)

When you find yourself perfectly hip-to-hip and the opponent leans back into you to stop your drive, use their momentum.

  • The Trigger: Wait for the moment they press back into you.
  • The Execution: Shoot your body between their legs and roll, using the momentum to bump them over into side control.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

Learning how to win from the Underhook and Knees will help your BJJ game. If you are looking for more information or to join, follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates: