📍 Positions

What is Dogfight in BJJ?

Quick Definition

A scramble position from half guard where both players are on their knees battling for underhooks.

Full Explanation

The dogfight is a transitional position that occurs when the bottom half guard player comes up to their knees, resulting in both players kneeling and fighting for underhooks. Named for the aggressive battling for position, the dogfight is a critical juncture where the underhook winner typically wins the exchange. From dogfight, you can take the back, complete sweeps, or hit takedowns depending on who wins the grip battle.

Examples in Context

"We ended up in a dogfight from half guard"

"I won the underhook in the dogfight and took the back"

Related Terms

Half Guard

A guard position where you control one of your opponent's legs between yours.

Underhook

A grip where your arm goes under your opponent's armpit, controlling their shoulder.

Back Control

The most dominant position in BJJ, controlling your opponent from behind with hooks in.

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