Overview

The body lock is a control-first takedown position. Rather than relying on speed or level changes, you secure tight upper-body control and use pressure, movement, and posture breaking to create finishes.

This makes the body lock especially effective in jiu jitsu contexts:

  • Less reliance on explosive penetration
  • Strong control that limits scrambles and submissions
  • Natural pathways to side control and back exposure

The body lock is not a single takedown — it’s a hub position. Once secured, multiple finishes become available depending on how the opponent reacts.

This page focuses on how to use the body lock as a system, not a one-off move.

Core Principles

  • Hips in, chest connected — space kills the position
  • Hands locked low around the waist or hips, elbows pinched
  • Break balance before attempting a finish
  • Move the opponent’s feet to expose their base
  • If one finish is defended, transition immediately

Body lock takedowns fail when wrestlers rush the finish instead of first breaking posture and balance.

Primary Variations

Inside Trip (Primary Tool)

The highest-percentage finish from a tight body lock.

When it works best:

  • The opponent is squared or narrow in stance
  • You’ve created lateral movement
  • Their weight is committed to one leg

Why it works:

  • The body lock prevents disengagement
  • Lateral movement loads their weight
  • The trip complements forward and diagonal pressure

Common outcome:

  • You land chest-to-chest, often directly in side control

Outside Trip

Often appears when the opponent defends the inside trip by widening or stepping.

When it works best:

  • Inside trip attempts force a wider base
  • You’ve created an angle instead of staying square
  • The opponent is reacting rather than initiating

Why it works:

  • Defensive widening exposes the outside leg
  • The body lock keeps their hips close and controlled

Common outcome:

  • Side control or strong top position with pressure

Lift and Return

A powerful option when the opponent resists by dropping weight or stalling.

When it works best:

  • You have a tight lock around the hips
  • The opponent is overcommitted to staying upright
  • You can get your hips underneath theirs

Why it works:

  • Their resistance creates lift opportunity
  • Elevation removes their base entirely

Tradeoff:

  • Higher energy and commitment
  • Requires immediate control on the return

Back Take

Often available when the opponent focuses on hand fighting or turning out.

When it works best:

  • Opponent prioritizes peeling the lock
  • They turn their shoulders to escape
  • You maintain chest connection while circling

Why it works:

  • Escaping the lock often exposes the back
  • Body lock pressure limits defensive turning

Common outcome:

  • Rear standing position or direct back exposure

Common Mistakes

  • Locking too high — chest-level locks are easier to break
  • Standing still — balance is broken through movement, not squeezing
  • Trying to muscle finishes — legs and hips create the takedown
  • Forcing one finish — body lock success comes from chaining
  • Allowing space — once hips separate, the position degrades

Transitions & Chains

The body lock thrives on reaction.

Common chains:

  • Inside trip defended → outside trip
  • Trips stalled → lift and return
  • Opponent turns out → back take
  • Lock breaking → transition to single leg or go-behind

The body lock is also a high-value recovery position after:

  • Failed shots
  • Scramble resets
  • Go-behinds when the opponent starts standing

If you stay connected, the position continues to offer scoring options.

Video Study

Watch the primary breakdown first. The examples below show how body lock principles apply across styles and reactions.

Primary Breakdown (Start Here)

Your video embed

  • 8–12 minutes
  • Mirrors the principles on this page exactly

Additional Examples

2–3 complementary videos:

  • Different body types
  • Different reactions and defenses
  • Different finishes from the same position