Back Attack System

Back Attack System is a intermediate difficulty Attack System system. Integrates 4 components.

System ID: System Type: Attack System Difficulty Level: Intermediate

What is Back Attack System?

The Back Attack System represents one of the highest-value positions in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, combining superior control with multiple high-percentage finishing opportunities. This systematic approach emphasizes securing dominant back control through various entries, maintaining that control against escape attempts, and methodically advancing to submissions. The system prioritizes positional dominance over rushed submission attempts, recognizing that the back position offers such overwhelming advantages that patience and systematic progression yield the highest success rates. Key elements include establishing hooks and harness control, managing opponent defensive reactions, and creating submission opportunities through deliberate sequences rather than isolated attacks. The framework integrates seamlessly with other attacking systems, particularly front headlock series and turtle attacks, creating a comprehensive offensive game that forces opponents into defensive dilemmas. Understanding back attack mechanics transforms practitioners from opportunistic finishers into systematic hunters who can reliably take and maintain the most dominant position in grappling.

Core Principles

• Position before submission - secure control before attacking
• Harness control creates submission opportunity - seatbelt grip is foundational
• Hook management determines control quality - inside hooks superior to body triangle
• Chin protection prevents most choke finishes - hand fighting is essential
• Create submission dilemmas through systematic attacks - never single-threat sequences
• Back control maintenance requires constant adjustment to opponent movement
• Entry diversity ensures back takes from all positions and situations

Key Components

Harness Control (Seatbelt) (Establish foundational control that enables all subsequent attacks while preventing escape) The fundamental control mechanism for back attacks, utilizing the seatbelt grip configuration with one arm over the shoulder and one under the armpit. This asymmetric grip creates powerful control while maintaining the ability to transition between submissions. The top arm controls the far shoulder and limits upper body movement, while the bottom arm provides structural stability and prevents hip escapes. Proper harness tension requires constant adjustment as opponents shift weight and attempt escapes. The grip itself becomes a submission setup tool, as defensive reactions to the choke create armbar and crucifix opportunities.

Hook Management System (Control lower body to prevent shrimping escapes while maintaining offensive mobility) Strategic use of inside hooks, outside hooks, and body triangle to control opponent’s hips and prevent escape sequences. Inside hooks provide superior mobility and allow quick transitions, while body triangle offers maximum compression at the cost of reduced flexibility. The system emphasizes active hook placement rather than passive maintenance, using hooks to steer opponent movement and create off-balancing opportunities. Understanding when to transition between hook configurations based on opponent defensive strategies separates elite back attackers from basic practitioners. Hook depth and angle directly correlate with control quality and submission success rates.

Submission Sequence Framework (Create multiple attack paths that respond systematically to all defensive reactions) Systematic progression through rear naked choke, armbar from back, bow and arrow variations, and crucifix attacks based on opponent defensive responses. Rather than attacking submissions in isolation, this framework treats each attempt as creating the next opportunity. Choke defense exposes arms for armbars, armbar defense creates collar grip opportunities for bow and arrow, and persistent escape attempts open crucifix entries. The sequence operates as a continuous loop where every defensive action generates a new offensive opportunity, creating the grinding pressure that characterizes high-level back attacks. Understanding transition mechanics between submissions is more valuable than perfecting any single finish.

Entry Diversity Protocol (Ensure reliable access to back position from all common grappling scenarios) Comprehensive collection of back take entries from standing, turtle, guard, and transitional positions ensures practitioners can access back control from any scenario. Each entry requires specific technical elements but shares common principles of angle creation, inside control establishment, and progressive advancement to full back mount. The protocol includes arm drag series, chair sit mechanics, rolling back takes, and opportunistic captures during scrambles. Mastering multiple entry pathways prevents opponents from defending specific sequences and allows practitioners to thread back attacks throughout their entire game rather than treating back control as an isolated position.

Implementation Sequence

1. Entry Fundamentals: Master basic back take entries from turtle and guard positions, focusing on mechanical precision and control establishment. Key points:

• Perfect chair sit to back from turtle with inside arm control
• Develop arm drag to back from closed guard with proper angle creation
• Establish harness control immediately upon achieving back position
• Recognize entry opportunities during opponent movement and transitions

2. Control Refinement: Develop sophisticated harness maintenance and hook placement that survives aggressive escape attempts. Key points:

• Maintain seatbelt grip under pressure with proper elbow positioning
• Transition fluidly between inside hooks and body triangle based on context
• Counter common escape sequences through proactive weight distribution
• Develop sensitivity to opponent movement patterns and defensive habits

3. Basic Submission Integration: Add fundamental rear naked choke and armbar mechanics to control platform, understanding setup requirements. Key points:

• Execute rear naked choke with proper choking arm placement and finishing mechanics
• Recognize armbar opportunities when opponent defends neck aggressively
• Understand relationship between choke defense and arm exposure
• Develop timing for submission entries during opponent defensive transitions

4. Sequential Attack Development: Build systematic submission chains that create continuous offensive pressure through defensive reactions. Key points:

• Chain rear naked choke to armbar to bow and arrow in systematic sequence
• Recognize specific defensive patterns that open each submission pathway
• Develop patience to progress through multiple attacks without forcing
• Integrate crucifix entries when opponent persistently defends standard attacks

5. Advanced Entry Diversification: Expand entry repertoire to include standing back takes, rolling variations, and opportunistic captures. Key points:

• Add single leg to back take for standing integration
• Develop rolling back take from failed guard passes or sweeps
• Recognize scramble opportunities for opportunistic back captures
• Thread back attack entries throughout entire positional game

6. System Integration: Connect back attack system with complementary frameworks like front headlock and leg attack systems. Key points:

• Transition from front headlock to back when opponent defends forward
• Use leg entanglement positions as back take entry points
• Develop game flow that consistently funnels opponents toward back exposure
• Recognize when to abandon back attacks for superior positional opportunities

What Challenges Will You Face?

• Unable to finish rear naked choke despite achieving back control with harness: Focus on choking arm placement getting under the chin rather than across the face. Use non-choking hand to clear chin and create pathway. Develop hand fighting skills to strip opponent’s defensive grips. Consider transitioning to armbar when choke defense is strong rather than forcing low-percentage finish.
• Losing back control when opponent executes aggressive hip escape sequences: Anticipate escape direction based on hook configuration and weight distribution. Use hooks actively to steer opponent movement rather than passively maintain position. Transition to body triangle when opponent begins explosive escape attempts. Follow opponent’s movement rather than resisting it, maintaining harness while adjusting hook placement. Develop sensitivity to recognize escape initiation before it gains momentum.
• Difficulty establishing harness control during back take entries: Slow down entry sequence to ensure inside arm control before completing back take. Use collar grips and shoulder pressure to limit opponent upper body movement during transition. Practice entry drills with progressive resistance to develop smooth control establishment. Recognize that rushed entries sacrifice control quality for positional achievement. Break entries into distinct phases: angle creation, inside control, and harness completion.
• Opponent consistently defends all submission attempts through strong chin protection: Develop systematic attack sequences that force opponent to choose between defending choke and protecting arms. Use gift wrap and crucifix variations to isolate limbs before attacking. Integrate collar-based attacks like bow and arrow that bypass chin defense. Practice hand fighting drills specifically focused on removing defensive hand frames. Recognize that persistent attack pressure eventually creates openings even against skilled defenders.

How to Measure Your Progress

Back Take Conversion Rate: Percentage of back take attempts that successfully achieve harness control with at least one hook Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: 40-50% conversion from obvious opportunities like static turtle
• Intermediate: 60-70% conversion including dynamic transitions and scrambles
• Advanced: 75-85% conversion with ability to take back from standing and unconventional positions

Control Maintenance Duration: Average time maintaining back control before submission or opponent escape Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: 30-60 seconds against resistance before losing position
• Intermediate: 90+ seconds with ability to recover from partial escapes
• Advanced: Indefinite maintenance until submission or deliberate position change

Submission Completion Rate from Back: Percentage of achieved back controls that result in submission finish Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: 25-35% finish rate focusing primarily on rear naked choke
• Intermediate: 50-60% finish rate using choke and armbar combinations
• Advanced: 70-80% finish rate with full sequential attack integration

Entry Diversity Index: Number of distinct back take entries successfully used in training and competition Proficiency indicators:

• Beginner: 2-3 reliable entries from limited positions
• Intermediate: 5-7 entries from multiple positions and situations
• Advanced: 10+ entries including standing, guard, turtle, and scramble variations

How to Train This System Effectively

Drilling Approach

Begin with static positional drills establishing harness control and hook placement from already-achieved back position. Progress to entry-focused drilling where partner starts in turtle or guard and offers progressive resistance to back take attempts. Incorporate submission-specific drilling that begins from back control and focuses on single finish mechanics before advancing to flow drilling that chains multiple submissions based on defensive reactions. Use positional sparring starting from back control with asymmetric objectives - top player works submissions while bottom player works escapes. Graduate to full sparring with specific emphasis on recognizing and capitalizing on back take opportunities throughout the roll. Include hand fighting specific training to develop skills for removing defensive frames and establishing choking grips against resistance.

Progression Path

Foundation Building (Focus: Master basic harness control, inside hook placement, and rear naked choke mechanics from static back control) - 2-3 months with 3+ sessions weekly Entry Development (Focus: Add chair sit from turtle and arm drag to back from guard with smooth control establishment) - 3-4 months incorporating entries into regular drilling Submission Expansion (Focus: Integrate armbar from back and understand basic choke-to-armbar connection) - 2-3 months with submission-specific training Sequential Attacks (Focus: Develop systematic submission chains and recognize defensive patterns that create opportunities) - 4-6 months with flow drilling emphasis Advanced Integration (Focus: Add advanced entries, crucifix variations, and connect back attacks with broader game) - 6+ months of refinement and competition testing System Mastery (Focus: Achieve high-level back attack game that consistently generates finishes in competitive scenarios) - 12+ months of dedicated systematic development

Common Mistakes

• Rushing submission attempts before establishing secure control, resulting in lost position
• Over-relying on body triangle without developing inside hook dexterity and mobility
• Attacking rear naked choke exclusively without integrating armbar and collar-based options
• Failing to address chin protection systematically, leading to stalled attacks
• Neglecting entry diversity, making back attacks predictable and defendable
• Using excessive tension in harness grip causing premature fatigue
• Ignoring hand fighting development, struggling against skilled defensive grapplers

Which Positions, Transitions, and Principles Connect to This System?

• Back Control (Position) - Primary position this system operates from and seeks to achieve
• Seat Belt Control Back (Position) - Fundamental control configuration that enables all back attacks
• Body Triangle (Position) - Alternative lower body control option for maximum compression
• Turtle (Position) - Common starting position for back take entries and attacks
• Crucifix (Position) - Advanced control variation accessed from persistent back defense
• Gift Wrap (Position) - Arm isolation position that sets up back attacks and submissions
• Rear Triangle (Position) - Submission control position accessible from back mount
• Rear Naked Choke (Submission) - Primary submission finish and foundational attack from back control
• Armbar from Back (Submission) - Secondary submission that capitalizes on choke defense reactions
• Bow and Arrow Choke (Submission) - Gi-specific submission using collar control from back position
• Choke from Crucifix (Submission) - Advanced finish from arm isolation variations
• Chair Sit to Back (Transition) - Fundamental entry from turtle position to back control
• Arm Drag to Back (Transition) - Common entry from guard and standing positions
• Turtle to Back Take (Transition) - Multiple entry options from opponent’s defensive turtle position
• Kimura to Back Take (Transition) - Back entry when opponent defends kimura submission attempts
• Triangle to Back (Transition) - Transition pathway when triangle attempt is defended or incomplete
• Rolling Back Take (Transition) - Dynamic entry from various scramble and transition situations
• Single Leg to Back Take (Transition) - Standing entry when opponent defends single leg takedown
• Control Maintenance (Principle) - Core principle emphasizing positional security before submission
• Submission Chains (Principle) - Sequential attack methodology that creates continuous pressure
• Position-Over-Submission Approach (Principle) - Strategic framework prioritizing dominant position establishment
• Hand Fighting from Back (Principle) - Essential skill for removing defensive frames and creating submission access
• Chin Protection (Principle) - Understanding opponent’s primary defense helps create attack sequences
• Back Escape Series (Principle) - Understanding escape mechanics improves attack and control strategies
• Danaher Straight Jacket System (System) - Complementary system focusing on front bodylock to back control sequences
• Garry Tonon Leg Lock to Back System (System) - Integration approach connecting leg attacks with back take opportunities
• Roger Gracie Fundamental System (System) - Traditional approach emphasizing position-based back attacks and basic submissions
• Defensive Prioritization Framework (System) - Understanding defensive hierarchies informs systematic attack sequences