Wrestling Ties for BJJ: Collar Tie, Underhook, Overhook

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Beginner–Intermediate · Gi & No-Gi · Standing Control

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Wrestling tie-ups are the control positions used in the standing phase of BJJ. They determine who has the dominant position before a takedown or guard pull. Mastering tie-ups means controlling the standing game and choosing your preferred entry.

Contents

The Collar Tie

The collar tie is a hand on the back of their neck (the nape). It allows head control and creates setups for takedowns and arm drags.

Cup the back of their neck with your palm
Elbow points down (not out)
Use it to create level changes in their posture
Sets up: arm drag, duck under, snap down, underhook

💡 Pro Tip: The collar tie must be active — constantly adjusting pressure, not static. Static collar ties are easy to remove. Active collar ties create constant setups.

The Underhook

The underhook is an arm under their arm on one side, getting your shoulder under their armpit. It's the most important position in wrestling tie-ups.

Drive your shoulder into their armpit
Keep your elbow in tight to protect against their overhook
Use to set up: duck under, double leg, hip throw, back take
The fighter with the underhook controls the tie-up

The Overhook (Whizzer)

The overhook goes over their arm. Used defensively to counter underhooks, and offensively as a throw entry.

Used to counter their underhook (trap their arm)
Creates hip throw entries (koshi guruma)
Counter to duck under attempts

The Body Lock

Both arms around their body (one underhook, one overhook). The most powerful tie-up — allows trips, lifts, and suplex-style takedowns.

Tie-Up Battles

The standing game is a constant battle for tie-up position. Fight for underhooks, break their collar tie, and use level changes to create openings.

Gi vs No-Gi Tie-Ups

In gi, collar and sleeve grips supplement the tie-ups. In no-gi, you rely purely on body contact (underhooks, collar ties, wrist control) without fabric grips.

Related Techniques

More Questions

What is a collar tie in BJJ and why is it important?

A collar tie is a fundamental control position where you grab your opponent's collar, usually with one or both hands. It's crucial for controlling distance, disrupting their posture, and setting up takedowns or sweeps.

How do underhooks and overhooks differ and when should I use them?

An underhook is when your arm goes *under* your opponent's arm, while an overhook is when your arm goes *over* their arm. Underhooks are excellent for controlling their torso and creating angles for takedowns, while overhooks are great for preventing them from establishing their own grips and controlling their head.

Can I use these wrestling ties in my BJJ guard?

Absolutely! While often associated with standing, these ties are invaluable from guard. You can use collar ties and underhooks to break down your opponent's posture, create space for sweeps, or set up submissions from your guard.

Common BJJ Problems & FAQ

Q: Why do my arms get tired so quickly when I try to maintain a collar tie and underhook in BJJ?

Your arms tire quickly because you're likely relying too much on grip strength and bicep tension. Instead, use your shoulder and scapula to drive your elbow into your opponent's neck for the collar tie, and engage your lats and core to pull their arm across your body for the underhook, creating a stable frame with minimal arm fatigue.

Q: How can I effectively use collar ties and overhooks to control a bigger opponent's posture in BJJ?

To control a bigger opponent's posture, use the collar tie to break their head down by driving your forearm into their upper chest and pulling their head towards your shoulder. Simultaneously, use your overhook to drive your shoulder into their shoulder blade, preventing them from posturing up and creating an angle for sweeps.

Q: What's the best way to transition between collar ties, underhooks, and overhooks without losing my base in BJJ?

When transitioning, maintain a strong base by keeping your hips low and your weight distributed. For example, when moving from a collar tie to an underhook, use your collar tie arm to push their head away slightly, creating space to drive your shoulder under their armpit while simultaneously shifting your hips to maintain balance.