Mastering the Berimbolo to Spaghetti Hook to Twister Hook Back Take in BJJ
In the dynamic world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), chaining techniques fluidly can turn a defensive position into a game-changing offensive opportunity. This advanced sequence—starting with the berimbolo, transitioning through the spaghetti hook and twister hook—culminates in a textbook back take. Whether you're competing in BJJ tournaments, training for MMA, or sharpening your no-gi grappling for wrestling crossovers, this combo demands precision, flexibility, and timing.
At Apollo MMA, we know that executing these moves requires the right gear: a snug rash guard for mobility, durable grappling shorts, or a high-quality gi from brands like Scramble to prevent slips. Let's break it down step by step, adding practical tips to make it actionable for your next roll.
Why This Sequence Rocks for Your Game
The berimbolo is a staple invert for leg entanglements, but linking it to hooks and a back take creates relentless pressure on your opponent. It's especially potent against wrestlers or MMA fighters who posture up aggressively. In no-gi scenarios, it shines for transitioning to leg locks or back controls, while in the gi, collar grips amplify control.
Pro Tip: Film your drills to check hip mobility—key for inversions. Wear flexible Apollo MMA compression gear to enhance movement without restrictions.
Step 1: Setting Up the Berimbolo
Begin in a strong closed guard or half guard against an opponent pressuring your hips. As they stand to pass, shrimp your hips away and plant your outside foot on the mat for leverage.
- Rotate your hips explosively toward the trapped leg.
- Thread your far leg over their shoulder (the berimbolo invert), gripping their belt or pants at the knee.
- Your free leg swings under to hook behind their far leg, inverting fully to expose their back.
This entry off-balances them immediately. In MMA training, practice against sprawls to mimic takedown defenses.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't rush the invert—keep your elbow tight to their body to block the pass.
Step 2: Transition to the Spaghetti Hook
From the berimbolo position, with your body inverted and legs entangled, you're now in prime position for the spaghetti hook. This sneaky leg control mimics pasta draping—hence the name.
- Extend your bottom leg straight across their hips (like a shin across the beltline).
- Your top leg (the one that swung under) hooks deeply inside their thigh, toes pointed out for grip.
- Pull their trapped knee toward you while pushing their hip away with your shin.
This breaks their posture, forcing them to sit back or expose the back. For Muay Thai or kickboxing cross-trainers, this mirrors low-kick setups but on the ground.
Gear Insight: Opt for Scramble grappling tights or Sanabul shorts—their grippy fabric helps maintain these leg locks without sliding.
Step 3: Flow into the Twister Hook
As they react to the spaghetti hook by basing out or spinning, seamlessly shift to the twister hook. This is where the sequence gets vicious, targeting their upper body.
- Release the spaghetti hook slightly and swing your leg up to hook under their armpit (twister side).
- Your other foot drives into their hip or ribs, twisting their torso.
- Grip their wrist or sleeve to control the arm, preventing them from posting.
The twister hook creates a fulcrum, spinning them toward you. In BJJ competitions like IBJJF or ADCC, this has scored big points for elite guard players.
Training Drill: Partner up and chain 10 reps from berimbolo entry. Add resistance gradually to build speed.
Step 4: Securing the Back Take
The money move: With their back exposed from the twister, capitalize ruthlessly.
- Hip escape to follow their spin, keeping chest-to-back pressure.
- Insert both hooks immediately—one deep under the thighs, the other higher.
- Collar grip (gi) or underhook (no-gi) their neck, flattening them out.
- Swim the arm across for the seatbelt grip, sealing the deal.
From here, attack the rear-naked choke or armbars. In MMA, this back take sets up ground-and-pound dominance.
Safety Note: Always tap early in training— these positions stress knees and necks.
Real-World Applications Across Combat Sports
- BJJ: Chain to berimbolo leg entanglements like K-guard or ashigarami.
- MMA: Use against strikers dropping for takedowns; transitions to top control.
- Wrestling/No-Gi: Emphasize leg hooks for ride control.
- Kickboxing/Muay Thai: Builds hip flexibility for clinch escapes.
- Rash guards from Venum or Hayabusa for skin protection during inversions.
- BJJ gis from Scramble or Tatami for grip-dependent control.
- Mouthguards and headgear to protect during live rolls.
Troubleshooting and Progressions
| Issue | Fix |
|-------|-----|
| Opponent postures early | Bait with fake hip movement, then invert faster. |
| Can't hook deeply | Stretch daily; use yoga for hip openers. |
| Back take fails | Drill seatbelt entries from knee-on-belly first. |
| Fatigue in legs | Build endurance with 5-min invert holds. |
Progress by starting slow, no resistance, then add speed. Integrate into sparring: From bottom guard, hit berimbolo 3x per round.
Final Thoughts: Level Up Your Grappling
This berimbolo-to-spaghetti-to-twister sequence isn't just flashy—it's a high-percentage path to the back against resisting opponents. Consistent drilling turns it into instinct. Head to your local gym or mat space, gear up with premium Apollo MMA apparel and equipment, and watch your submission game explode.
Browse our collection of BJJ gis, no-gi shorts, and training accessories to support your journey. Stay scrappy, fighters!
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