Overhook
An overhook is when your arm goes over and around your partner's arm to trap, control, or redirect that side of their body.
Quick definition
An overhook is when your arm goes over and around your partner's arm to trap, control, or redirect that side of their body.
Beginner translation
Your arm wraps over theirs so you can keep that arm from moving freely.
Why it matters
An overhook is one of the main upper-body control ideas in BJJ. By wrapping over and around the other person's arm, you can control posture, slow their movement, and turn their reach into a connection you can use.
What beginners should know
A common mistake with overhook is using it passively instead of with structure and timing.
Common class phrases
- You see overhooks in closed guard
- standing clinches
- half guard
- and many upper-body connection battles
Beginner Safety Cue
Safety cue: Move with control and communicate early while training overhook.
FAQ
Is an overhook the same as a whizzer?
Not exactly. A whizzer is usually a stronger overhook-based control with more downward and rotational pressure, especially in takedown defense.
Where do beginners usually learn overhooks first?
Often in guard work, pummeling drills, and standing clinch exchanges where arm position matters a lot.
Does an overhook only work from standing?
No. It shows up standing and on the ground, especially in guard and half-guard style upper-body battles.
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