Lasso Back Take

Transition Gi only

The lasso back take is a transition from lasso guard where the bottom player uses the lasso hook to off-balance and rotate the opponent, threading underneath to establish back control. It is used when the top player postures up or tries to disengage from the lasso, creating space to spin behind them.

Quick Reference

Key principles

  • · The lasso wrap acts as a steering wheel—use it to pull the opponent's arm across their body and break their posture laterally.
  • · Your hip escape and inversion underneath the opponent create the angle needed to access the back.
  • · Maintaining sleeve grip control throughout the transition prevents the opponent from turning to face you.
  • · When the opponent postures up to escape the lasso, their weight shifts backward, making the spin-under easier.
  • · Securing a seatbelt or collar grip before releasing the lasso ensures you don't lose the position.

Execution

  1. 1 From lasso guard, pull the trapped sleeve across your body while gripping their opposite collar or pants with your free hand.
  2. 2 Hip escape away from the lasso side and begin inverting underneath the opponent, using the lasso hook to rotate them over you.
  3. 3 Thread your head and shoulders underneath their torso, continuing to spin so you emerge behind them on the far side.
  4. 4 As you arrive behind them, release the lasso hook from their arm and immediately secure a seatbelt grip around their torso.
  5. 5 Establish both hooks or a body triangle to solidify back control.

Common mistakes

  • × Releasing the sleeve grip too early during the spin, allowing the opponent to turn into you and re-establish guard passing posture.
  • × Failing to hip escape far enough before inverting, resulting in getting stuck underneath with no angle to complete the rotation.
  • × Neglecting to secure the seatbelt before removing the lasso hook, giving the opponent a window to escape back to a neutral position.

Do it from

Positions and situations where the Lasso Back Take shows up.

Lasso Guard Bottom

Where it lands

The position you end up in.

Back Control Top