Zombie Bottom is a highly specialized defensive posture within the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system, representing a unique variation of half guard combined with lockdown mechanics. Named for its distinctive appearance where the bottom practitioner appears to be rising from the ground while maintaining protective frames, the Zombie serves as both an escape mechanism and a transition hub to more advantageous positions.
The Zombie is characterized by the bottom practitioner being on their side with one leg locked around the opponent’s leg (similar to lockdown mechanics), while using frames and grips to prevent the opponent from establishing dominant control. The top player is typically attempting to pass to side control or take the back, while the bottom player works to recover guard or sweep.
Unlike traditional turtle positions where the practitioner curls into a ball, the Zombie position involves active movement, constant reframing, and strategic use of the lockdown to off-balance the opponent. The position’s effectiveness lies in its ability to frustrate passing attempts while creating opportunities for guard recovery, sweeps, or even back takes. Understanding the Zombie position is essential for modern no-gi practitioners, particularly those training in the 10th Planet system or facing opponents who utilize deep half guard and lockdown-based games.
Position Definition
- Bottom practitioner positioned on their side with hip facing opponent, creating a defensive shell while maintaining mobility through shoulder and hip positioning that allows constant micro-adjustments
- One leg (typically the bottom leg) entangled with opponent’s leg using lockdown-style grip with foot hooking behind opponent’s calf and thigh squeeze active, creating fulcrum point for sweeps
- Near-side arm creating a defensive frame against opponent’s chest or shoulder, preventing forward pressure and maintaining space for hip movement and guard recovery attempts
- Head and shoulders protected from opponent’s crossface attempts through active head positioning and far-side arm control, maintaining ability to see and react to passing attempts
Prerequisites
- Guard has been partially compromised but full pass not yet achieved
- Bottom practitioner able to establish lockdown on one of opponent’s legs
- Opponent attempting to consolidate passing position or establish side control
- Bottom practitioner has maintained frames preventing complete flattening
- Sufficient space exists for hip movement and guard recovery attempts
Key Defensive Principles
- Maintain active lockdown tension to restrict opponent’s base and prevent them from completing the pass
- Use near-side frame to create distance and prevent opponent from driving chest pressure into your upper body
- Keep constant hip movement to prevent being flattened - staying on your side is crucial for escape options
- Protect your back and neck from opponent’s crossface attempts through active head positioning and grip fighting
- Create off-balancing opportunities through lockdown stretching and hip pressure to set up sweeps or guard recovery
- Time your escape attempts with opponent’s weight shifts and base adjustments for maximum effectiveness
Available Escapes
Old School Sweep → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Electric Chair Submission → Electric Chair
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Lockdown Sweeps → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 40%
- Intermediate: 55%
- Advanced: 70%
Re-Guard → Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 45%
- Intermediate: 60%
- Advanced: 75%
Granby Roll → Closed Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 30%
- Intermediate: 45%
- Advanced: 60%
Rolling Back Take → Back Control
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 20%
- Intermediate: 35%
- Advanced: 50%
Transition to Truck → Truck
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 25%
- Intermediate: 40%
- Advanced: 55%
Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard
Success Rates:
- Beginner: 35%
- Intermediate: 50%
- Advanced: 65%
Decision Making from This Position
If opponent is heavy on your upper body with strong crossface pressure:
- Execute Granby Roll → Closed Guard (Probability: 55%)
- Execute Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard (Probability: 45%)
If opponent is attempting to free their leg from lockdown by posting or pulling:
- Execute Old School Sweep → Half Guard (Probability: 60%)
- Execute Electric Chair Submission → Electric Chair (Probability: 50%)
If opponent establishes strong chest-to-chest pressure attempting to flatten you:
- Execute Transition to Truck → Truck (Probability: 45%)
- Execute Rolling Back Take → Back Control (Probability: 40%)
If opponent creates distance trying to clear lockdown and establish passing grips:
- Execute Re-Guard → Half Guard (Probability: 65%)
- Execute Lockdown Sweeps → Half Guard (Probability: 55%)
Escape and Survival Paths
Shortest back attack path
Zombie → Electric Chair Submission → Back Control → Rear Naked Choke
High-percentage sweep to submission path
Zombie → Old School Sweep → Half Guard → Knee Slice Pass → Side Control → Kimura from Side Control
Leg lock specialization path
Zombie → Transition to Truck → Truck → Twister Finish → Twister
Guard recovery to triangle path
Zombie → Re-Guard → Half Guard → Deep Half Entry → Deep Half Guard → Mount → Triangle from Mount
Creative back take path
Zombie → Rolling Back Take → Back Control → Armbar from Back with Legs
Success Rates and Statistics
| Skill Level | Retention Rate | Advancement Probability | Submission Probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 40% | 35% | 5% |
| Intermediate | 55% | 50% | 12% |
| Advanced | 70% | 65% | 20% |
Average Time in Position: 30-90 seconds
Expert Analysis
John Danaher
The Zombie position represents an intelligent application of mechanical leverage principles within a defensive context. The lockdown mechanism creates a structural connection that transforms what would typically be a purely defensive posture into a dynamic offensive platform. By restricting the opponent’s base through the locked leg, the bottom practitioner fundamentally alters the biomechanical equation - the passer must now solve two problems simultaneously: maintaining balance on a compromised base while attempting to advance position. The genius of this position lies in its ability to create what I call ‘defensive offense’ - maintaining frames and structure while continuously threatening sweeps and transitions. The key technical element is understanding that the lockdown creates a fulcrum point around which all movements revolve. When the bottom player extends their locked leg, they create a stretching force that disrupts the opponent’s weight distribution, opening windows for guard recovery or sweep execution. The most sophisticated practitioners understand that the Zombie is not a static defensive shell but rather a transitional hub where timing and feel determine success more than raw strength or athleticism.
Gordon Ryan
In competition, the Zombie position is most effective when you treat it as a temporary stopping point rather than a destination. I’ve used this extensively against guys trying to pressure pass my lockdown game - it gives you just enough control to reset the engagement on your terms. The reality is that at the highest levels, staying in Zombie for extended periods is dangerous because elite passers will eventually find ways to flatten you or take your back. The winning strategy is to immediately start hunting for the Old School Sweep or Electric Chair transition the moment you establish the lockdown. I’ve hit Old School Sweeps on world champions from this exact position because they’re so focused on completing the pass that they don’t properly defend the sweep mechanics. The key competitive insight is recognizing when your opponent is most off-balance - typically when they’re trying to free their trapped leg or when they’re driving forward with crossface pressure. These are your money moments to attack. Also, don’t be afraid to abandon the position if you can’t get the sweep - sometimes re-guarding to half guard is the smart play rather than getting stubborn and eating a pass. The Zombie works best as part of a flowing defensive system, not as a position you’re trying to win from.
Eddie Bravo
The Zombie is one of those positions that perfectly embodies the 10th Planet philosophy of turning bad positions into opportunities. I developed this as an answer to the problem every lockdown player faces: what do you do when someone’s halfway through passing but you’ve still got their leg locked up? Traditional BJJ would tell you to let go of the lockdown and try to escape, but that’s giving up your only control point. The Zombie says, ‘No, keep that leg locked and use it as your weapon.’ The beautiful thing about this position is that it creates these dilemma situations - if they pull back to free their leg, you Old School Sweep them. If they drive forward to smash you, you hit the Electric Chair or roll to the Truck. If they try to go around, you recover to lockdown or deep half. Every direction they move creates an opportunity for you. The name ‘Zombie’ comes from how you look when you’re doing it right - you’re rising up from the bottom position like you’re coming back from the dead. It’s also a mental game position because passers hate dealing with it. They think they’ve got you, they’re halfway through the pass, and then suddenly they’re locked down and defending sweeps. It messes with their confidence and rhythm. The key is being relentless with it - don’t just survive, constantly attack with sweeps and transitions until they make a mistake.