Underhooks vs Overhooks: Exploring the Art of Modern Self Defence
Let’s face it, the art of self-defense is timeless. Techniques may evolve, but the core principles remain, unaltered, and unchanging. Recently, a new debate has sparked in the martial arts community: Are underhooks better for self-defense or should overhooks also have equal consideration? This discussion began with a recent video by the YouTube channel Hard2Hurt, hosted by Icy Mike and featuring Aaron from Endeavor Defense and Fitness. The focal point of discussion: Underhooks vs Overhooks for self-defense. The Art of Underhooks and Overhooks Let’s break it down: What are underhooks and overhooks? In layman terms, an underhook is when you position your arm under your opponent’s arm, while overhooks denote that your arm is over your opponent’s. Sounds simple? Well, the application can be complex, especially when both tactics have their unique advantages in a self-defense scenario. The Age-Old Debate All martial art practitioners know the age-old debate over underhooks and overhooks. Some prefer underhooks for controlling their opponent and maintaining a desirable position, while others prefer overhooks for a broader range of moves, such as throws and submissions. Some prefer playing the game of ‘take what your opponent gives you,’ exploiting the openings provided. Underhooks and Overhooks in Self Defense In a self-defense scenario, the application of underhooks and overhooks becomes interesting. The movement and flow within a grappling exchange can considerably change, especially when one defensive tactic could lead to an offensive opening for your opponent. Aaron pointed out that grappling isn’t just about securing an underhook or an overhook but rather about controlling your opponent’s posture and base. The winner in a self-defense scenario isn’t necessarily the one who gets the underhook or overhook; it’s the one controlling the position more effectively. Facing The Unknown In a self-defense scenario, other elements come into play, such as the potential for weapons. When dealing with an unknown opponent, you must consider which position will give you quicker access to a weapon (if you have one) or which position would put you in a less compromised situation if the opponent has a weapon. Here, faster access to a weapon can be achieved from an underhook. Overhook Advantage Overhooks, on the other hand, allow the transfer of weight into the opponent’s arm easier than with an underhook. Thus, in a self-defense scenario, having a dominant overhook could facilitate breaking your opponent’s posture and gaining better control. Conclusion Ultimately, no martial art tactic is inherently ‘better; instead, it depends on the circumstance, personal preference, and your skill set. The important takeaway here is to understand the potential positioning, control, and implications of both underhooks and overhooks in a self-defense scenario and adjust your strategy accordingly. So, keep evolving, keep learning, and remember, sometimes the best offense is a strong defense. Whether you fancy underhooks or overhooks, having both up your sleeve might just save the day.Blablabla
Hard2Hurt is a YouTube channel run by Icy Mike, where he shares principles of self-defense, fitness, and resilience. Mike is a seasoned self-defense trainer specializing in practical, street-ready techniques. His unique approach to fitness and self-protection draws from his experience in various martial arts, making his content valuable and engaging.
Self-Defence Block
Question for Viewers: Overhooks or Underhooks?
"What is better" is a stupid question 99% of the time. The best is to have skill with what you need in the moment. "What is better" is the pointless type of question newbs ask thinking they they have a clue. The answer is "stop trying to impress everyone by sounding smart and train and you won't ask goofy questions."
I'm just sick of beards. Carry on.
Over hooks are the shit. Especially when you want to be fucking cool as hell.
lol like you said, the internet is a weird place.
Great video guys
Basically, if I can manhandle another man like a child, consider wrestling/grappling.
Greco-Roman (upper body only form of wrestling) wrestlers practice that.
Basically, in summary… grappling is super necessary and is king
My opinion is what limits opponent options or at least the options that cause the most damage
Hmm I need to do more overhook stuff.
the best fighter is the one who understands his strengths and weaknesses and then trains to make them both strengths. We should know how to strike, how to grapple and how to flow from one to the other seamlessly regardless of which one you are more natural at.
Comment
I'm glad i'm one of the two people this video is for.
As a judo player, once I get those grips… it’s time to hit someone with a planet
I didn’t realize the knife was fake until the end lmfao
2:34 WIZZER
I think the underhook and overbook are equal. I like an IN AND OUT VERSION BEST.
I think it all depends on where you wind up. I mean it’s always chaotic.
Is there actually any reasonably reliable data on how often it happens that an attacker draws a weapon DURING a clinch/wrestle/grapple fight? There are channels like Active Self Protection that show tons of security film footage of violent encounters and I can't remember a single instance where that happened. If there were weapons involved, they were basically always drawn before any hand-to-hand infight.
Clown show
I personally prefer overhooks and think they're better.
I constantly think "Give me a hug brother!" when they go into those kinds of grapples
Icy mike = Kirstin Dunst twin brother 🙂
Since I am taller than most opponents I prefer one overhook and grab the neck. For me overhooks are very easy to get and the uchi Mata/whizzer throw is there, and that is the easiest throw as a tall guy.
I’ve decided to find a good wrestling club to improve my boxing and now to help me in self defence. I think what a lot of boxers don’t realise is that if you hit somebody bare fisted with the technique we are taught then you will almost definitely break your hand or wrist. Leaving you practically defenceless
I’d simply just go to the body
wow, americans talk nonstop, they get turned on by their own voice….haha
I have been brainwashed to fight for underhooks but I feel like overhooks are much more natural to me for some reason
I really like your content! Good job!
Lol, wrestled and coached it love over and underhooks.
Is grappling really better for self defense compared to striking?
I like a 1 over 1 under. Trap 1 arm
My position on overhook vs underhook is that its a useless argument. First, they both have advantages and disadvantages. Second, I'm not good enough to choose. In the split second of the merge my hands are going to end up wherever they end up, so I need to train viable options for both.
And I agree, a ton of these principles and some of the techniques are seen in various kinds of kung fu and tai chi.
c-c-c-cocaiiiine