Here’s a simple and effective way of taking the back.
As you see in Picture one, Daniel is in Turtle Position and I have the harness (seatbelt) position.
Here’s a closer look at the harness. Note the following about the harness:
- One arm over, one arm under
- Top hand is palm down, bottom hand is palm up
- My elbows are pinching together – eliminating space
- My chin is on his shoulder. This both protects your teeth and further kills space. If you can’t put your chin on their shoulder put your ear on your back. When you’ve your ear on their back, naturally your hips are lower than theirs, which helps secure the position. (This last point doesn’t apply to this technique, only if you’ve already taken their back or are in a scramble)
Place your top knee in between their elbow and knee (in this case my right knee), and reach back with your bottom hand to catch the far ankle. It’s important that your top hand is in deep. This will keep their focus on the potential choke, and also give you more control over them.
Keeping your body connected to theirs, i.e. as one unit, roll back and pull up on their ankle. Once your bottom leg (in this case my right) is free to do so, shoot your foot out so you can secure your bottom hook. Whenever you’re taking the back, the bottom hook is the most important. The bottom hook is vital, the top hook may not be necessary – depending on how your opponent reacts.
Ideally, you want your top hook to be pressing against the back of his knee (not pictured). By pushing your shin up you make it harder for him to move.