Dominate from the Back: Tom Halpin's Back Attack System
In the world of grappling, controlling the back is the ultimate position of dominance. Whether you're rolling in BJJ, competing in MMA, or training for submission wrestling, mastering back attacks can turn you into a submission machine. Coach Tom Halpin, a seasoned black belt and grappling wizard, shares his slick system for maintaining back control and chaining attacks relentlessly. This isn't just theory—it's battle-tested on the mats, helping fighters finish fights from the most dangerous spot in grappling.
Halpin's approach emphasizes tight control, constant pressure, and fluid transitions between threats. You'll learn how to isolate limbs, force reactions, and capitalize on every mistake your opponent makes. Ideal for gi and no-gi alike, these techniques blend seamlessly into MMA scenarios where back exposure often leads to taps or knockouts. Let's break it down step by step, with tips to make it your own.
Step 1: Securing and Maintaining Back Control
Start with rock-solid back mount. Halpin stresses the 'seatbelt grip'—one arm over the shoulder, the other under the armpit, hands clasped tightly at the sternum. This grip is your foundation, preventing escapes while setting up attacks.
- Body Positioning: Hook both feet inside the thighs for deep control. Keep your chest glued to their back, weight distributed to block hip escapes.
- Head Control: Chin on the shoulder, eyes on the target limbs.
- Pro Tip for MMA: In a live fight, this position drains energy fast. Use it to soften them up for ground-and-pound before submissions.
If they posture up or turn, swim the bottom arm to a two-on-one grip on their far wrist. Block their elbow with your knee to flatten them instantly.
Step 2: Isolating the Arm for the Armbar Chain
From seatbelt, break their posture by pulling down hard. Release the top arm grip and circle it under their near arm, grabbing their far wrist with both hands.
- Elbow Pressure: Drive your shoulder into their tricep while pulling the arm across their body. Your knee slides up to pin their elbow.
- Defensive Counter: If they defend with their free hand, attack it next—Halpin's system flows endlessly.
Armbar Execution: Lift hips explosively, swing your legs over their head, and squeeze. Common mistake? Rushing without full isolation—patience pays off.
BJJ vs. No-Gi Adaptation: In gi, use collar grips for extra control; no-gi fighters, rely on underhooks and rash guards like Scramble's Athlete Series for slick grips.
Step 3: Transition to the Triangle When They Posture
Opponent posts their hand to defend the armbar? Boom—triangle time. Halpin flips the script seamlessly.
- Setup: As they push off the mat, release wrist control and feed your leg over their shoulder.
- Lock It In: Opposite leg locks shin-to-shin behind the neck. Pull head down, squeeze quads.
- Finishing Torque: Posture up, elbows in, and arch—tap city.
Wrestling Integration: Wrestlers love this from back rides; chain it after a failed takedown defense.
!Back control isolation
Image shows precise arm isolation from back mount—key for chaining attacks.
Step 4: The Bow and Arrow Choke Threat
Can't get the armbar or triangle? Threaten the bow and arrow to open doors.
- Grip Switch: From seatbelt, grab collar (gi) or trap the arm (no-gi). Reel them back.
- Leg Leverage: One hook out, other deep. Pull head sideways while extending the arm.
This forces frantic defenses, looping right back to arm attacks. Halpin drills this chain relentlessly—drill it 50x per side weekly.
Step 5: Handling Defenses and Escapes
Smart opponents will shrimp or roll. Counter like this:
- Shrimping Defense: Switch to reverse seatbelt, block hips with your knee.
- Rolling Escape: Ride the roll, maintain hooks, and end up attacking again.
- Advanced Chain: If they peel a hook, belly down immediately for body triangle and restart.
Real-World Application: In MMA, pair with elbows to the head during control phases. Think Khabib's back dominance—unrelenting pressure.
Bonus: Twisting Armbar Variation
Halpin's signature twist: From arm isolation, instead of standard armbar, twist the arm palm-up and attack from the side.
- Why It Works: Bypasses strong shoulder defenses.
- Execution: Shoulder of shame to break posture, then hip lift with a wrist flick.
Perfect for stocky opponents in Kickboxing or Muay Thai clinch transitions to ground.
!Armbar finish
Demonstrates the explosive armbar finish from back isolation.
Training Drills to Internalize the System
1. Positional Sparring: Start back mount, only attack—build chains.
2. Flow Rolling: 5-min rounds flowing attacks without finishing.
3. Resistance Drills: Partner defends maximally; adapt on the fly.
4. Gear Tip: Train in durable rash guards and shorts from brands like Scramble to mimic no-gi sweat and grip.
Progression for Beginners: Shadow drill grips first, then partner static, live rolling last.
Elite Tip: Film yourself—Halpin reviews footage obsessively.
Why Back Attacks Win Championships
Stats show: Over 40% of BJJ tournament subs come from back. In UFC, back control precedes 25% of finishes. Halpin's system maximizes this edge with zero wasted motion.
Gear up at Apollo MMA with top-tier grappling rashies, gis, and mats to perfect these. Whether stacking Hayabusa gloves for sparring or Venum shorts for no-gi, quality kit elevates your game.
Ready to hunt backs? Hit the mats, chain these attacks, and watch subs stack up across BJJ, MMA, Wrestling, and beyond. Train hard, fight smart!
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