An underhook is a
clinch hold
A grappling hold, commonly referred to simply as a hold that in Japanese is referred to as ''katame-waza'' ( "grappling technique"), is any specific grappling, wrestling, judo, or other martial art grip that is applied to an opponent. Grappli ...
that is used in
grappling
Grappling is a fighting technique based on throws, trips, sweeps, clinch fighting, ground fighting and submission holds.
Grappling contests often involve takedowns and ground control, and may end when a contestant concedes defeat. Shou ...
to control the opponent. It is performed from any direction by putting an arm under the opponent's arm, and holding the opponent's midsection or upper body. Having an underhook with one arm is called a single underhook, while having underhooks with both arms is known as double underhooks. The typical response to an underhook is to try to break it, or to establish an
overhook
In wrestling, an overhook is a clinch hold that is used to control the opponent. It is sometimes incorrectly called a wizard, which is a malapropism of whizzer (when the opponent's armpit and shoulder are lifted with an overhook hold, usually don ...
.
Single underhook
A single underhook can be used as a
takedown maneuver.
The protagonist underhooks one arm of the opponent and extends his underhooking arm partly or mostly across the opponent's back, while using his other hand to pull the opponent's other elbow across the opponent's body, and drives forward into the underhooked side of the opponent.
Double underhooks
The double underhooks are considered one of the most
dominant positions in the
clinch, primarily because they allow for great control of the opponent, and can be used for doing a
takedown or
throwing
Throwing is a physical action that consists of mechanically accelerating a projectile and then releasing it into a ballistic trajectory, usually with the aim of impacting a distant target. ''Throwing'' typically refers to hand-throwing by a ...
the opponent. The double underhooks can be used to advance into a
bear hug
The bear hug is a grappling maneuver often seen in sports, such as wrestling. It also exists outside sports, such as street fighting, martial arts personal defense, military hand-to-hand combat, and even affectionate hugging. Bear hugs can be d ...
by locking the hands behind the back, and holding the opponent close to the chest. The opponent typically responds to double underhooks with
double overhooks, to prevent the opponent from advancing into the bear hug.
See also
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Bear hug
The bear hug is a grappling maneuver often seen in sports, such as wrestling. It also exists outside sports, such as street fighting, martial arts personal defense, military hand-to-hand combat, and even affectionate hugging. Bear hugs can be d ...
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Collar-and-elbow position
A collar-and-elbow hold is a grappling position#Stand-up grappling position, stand-up grappling position where both combatants have a collar tie, and hold the opponent's other arm at the elbow. Generally the opening move in professional wrestlin ...
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Double collar tie
Collar tie is a grappling clinch hold that is used to control the opponent. It is performed from the front of the opponent by grabbing the opponent by the collar, behind the neck, or behind the trapezius muscle. A collar tie using one hand is ca ...
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Pinch grip tie
A pinch grip tie, or an over-under bodylock, is a clinch hold and stand-up grappling position that is an extension of the over-under position, but having both hands locked behind the opponents back. The hands are typically locked with a palm-to- ...
*
Overhook
In wrestling, an overhook is a clinch hold that is used to control the opponent. It is sometimes incorrectly called a wizard, which is a malapropism of whizzer (when the opponent's armpit and shoulder are lifted with an overhook hold, usually don ...
*
Over-under position
References
Grappling positions
Wrestling
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