The Strip Grip from Zombie is a systematic grip-breaking sequence executed from the top position against an opponent utilizing the Zombie lockdown structure from the 10th Planet system. This technique addresses the fundamental challenge of neutralizing the bottom player’s lockdown, underhook, and frame grips that constitute the Zombie’s defensive architecture, transforming a complex and frustrating passing problem into a manageable open guard scenario.
The technique involves methodical breaking of connection points rather than explosive force. The top player systematically addresses each grip in priority order: first neutralizing the underhook through whizzer or crossface pressure, then clearing defensive frames, and finally breaking the lockdown through hip positioning and leg extraction mechanics. The sequence must be executed with constant chest pressure to prevent the bottom player from capitalizing on momentary openings to sweep or recover guard.
Strip Grip from Zombie represents a critical utility technique in the passing toolkit against 10th Planet practitioners. While not flashy, mastering this grip-stripping sequence is the gateway to applying standard passing strategies against an otherwise highly resilient defensive structure. The technique emphasizes patience and positional control over athletic ability, rewarding practitioners who develop sensitivity to grip tension and the discipline to follow a systematic sequence rather than forcing through the position.
From Position: Zombie (Top) Success Rate: 55%
Possible Outcomes
| Result | Position | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| Success | Open Guard | 55% |
| Failure | Zombie | 30% |
| Counter | Half Guard | 15% |
Attacker vs Defender
| Attacker | Defender | |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Execute technique | Prevent or counter |
| Key Principles | Attack grips in priority order: underhook first, then frames… | Prioritize maintaining the underhook above all other grips —… |
| Options | 7 execution steps | 4 defensive options |
Playing as Attacker
Key Principles
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Attack grips in priority order: underhook first, then frames, then lockdown — the underhook is the keystone that supports the entire structure
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Maintain constant chest pressure during grip stripping to prevent the opponent from re-establishing broken connections
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Use skeletal structure and body positioning rather than hand strength to break grips — leverage defeats grip strength
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Control the opponent’s head position throughout to limit their ability to re-angle and rebuild defensive structure
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Transition immediately to passing once grips are stripped — hesitation allows re-establishment of the Zombie structure
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Read which grip is weakest and attack that first when the standard priority order is not clearly available
Execution Steps
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Establish heavy chest pressure: Drive your chest and shoulder weight directly into the opponent’s upper body, pinning their shoulder…
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Neutralize the underhook: Thread your arm over their underhook arm to establish a deep whizzer grip. Squeeze your elbow tight …
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Strip the near-side frame: With the underhook neutralized, use your free hand to pin their framing arm to the mat or push it pa…
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Address the lockdown: With upper body control secured, begin working your trapped leg free from the lockdown. Drive your h…
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Extract the trapped leg: As the lockdown tension breaks, immediately slide your knee toward the mat on the outside of their h…
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Establish open guard top position: Once your leg clears the lockdown, immediately establish passing grips on their knees or ankles. Pus…
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Prevent re-guard establishment: Maintain forward pressure and grip control as you transition to open guard engagement. Control their…
Common Mistakes
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Attempting to strip all grips simultaneously rather than following a sequential priority order
- Consequence: Creates openings in your own structure that the opponent exploits for sweeps or guard recovery, and none of the grips are fully broken
- Correction: Follow the priority sequence: underhook first, then frames, then lockdown — each broken grip makes the next easier to address
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Using explosive pulling force to break the lockdown before neutralizing upper body grips
- Consequence: Opponent uses your backward momentum against you for Old School Sweep, and the explosive motion compromises your base and chest pressure
- Correction: Address upper body grips first, then use steady progressive hip pressure to break lockdown — never yank against entangled legs
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Lifting weight off opponent during grip stripping to gain hand mobility
- Consequence: Bottom player immediately re-frames, creates space, and re-establishes the Zombie structure or initiates sweeps
- Correction: Maintain constant chest and shoulder pressure throughout — use body positioning rather than hand mobility to break grips
Playing as Defender
Key Principles
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Prioritize maintaining the underhook above all other grips — it is the keystone of your Zombie structure and enables all offensive and defensive options
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Re-pump broken grips immediately — the window between a grip being stripped and the opponent advancing is one to two seconds maximum
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Use the opponent’s grip stripping attempts as triggers for sweep and guard recovery opportunities when their base is compromised
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Maintain constant lockdown tension through thigh squeeze rather than relying solely on foot hook — thigh squeeze is biomechanically harder to break
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Keep your hips active and mobile even while defending grip strips — static defense guarantees eventual grip failure
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Monitor the opponent’s base during their grip work — grip stripping often compromises their balance, creating sweep windows
Recognition Cues
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Top player establishes deep whizzer over your underhook arm and begins squeezing elbow tight, signaling the beginning of the grip stripping sequence targeting your underhook
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Top player shifts from general pressure to specifically targeting your framing arm, attempting to pin it to the mat or push it past their head
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Top player begins straightening their trapped leg and driving hip pressure forward against your lockdown, indicating they are moving to the leg extraction phase
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Top player’s weight becomes more committed to one side as they position for grip breaks, potentially creating off-balance opportunities for sweeps
Defensive Options
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Re-pump underhook aggressively when opponent attempts to strip it with whizzer - When: Immediately when you feel the whizzer tightening and your underhook arm being compressed — do not wait for it to be fully neutralized
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Execute Old School Sweep when opponent lifts weight during grip transitions - When: When the top player shifts weight or lifts chest during the transition between stripping different grips — their base is momentarily compromised
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Transition to deep half guard before lockdown is fully extracted - When: When underhook has been neutralized and lockdown is weakening — voluntarily release lockdown and shoot underneath the opponent before they establish passing position
Position Integration
The Strip Grip from Zombie is a critical utility technique within the passing toolkit against 10th Planet and lockdown-based systems. It connects the Zombie top position to standard open guard passing sequences, serving as the bridge between a complex defensive structure and conventional guard engagement. This technique integrates with all subsequent passing chains — once grips are stripped, the passer can flow into toreando, knee slice, leg drag, or any preferred passing system. Understanding this technique also deepens grip fighting principles that apply broadly across all guard passing scenarios, making it a foundational skill rather than a niche technique.