Overview

The inside trip is a clinch-range takedown that works from strong upper-body connection. Rather than shooting or dropping levels, you off-balance your opponent with pressure and movement, then block their leg as they step.

What makes the inside trip high-percentage is that:

  • You’re already connected
  • Your posture stays upright
  • You can land directly in dominant top positions

The key idea is simple: move them before you trip them. The inside trip works on a moving, off-balanced opponent — not a stationary one.

Core Principles

  • Chest-to-chest connection — no space
  • Use lateral movement to shift their weight
  • The trip blocks a stepping leg; it doesn’t kick
  • Drive diagonally through their frame, not straight back
  • Stay connected all the way to the mat

If you try to trip before they’re off-balance, they’ll step over or counter.

Primary Variations

Body Lock Inside Trip (Primary Tool)

The most reliable and transferable version, especially for BJJ.

Why it works:

  • Strong connection limits scrambles
  • Easy to keep hips tight
  • High likelihood of landing in side control or chest-to-chest top position

This is the inside trip most people should build around first.

Over-Under Inside Trip

A natural option when you can’t fully lock your hands.

Why it works:

  • The overhook helps turn and load their weight
  • The underhook controls posture and direction
  • Excellent for setting up trips in either direction

Often appears during pummeling battles.

Collar Tie + Underhook Inside Trip

A transitional version when you’re upright but not fully locked.

Why it works:

  • Allows entry into the trip without committing to a body lock
  • Pairs well with snap-down threats
  • Useful against opponents who resist closing the distance

Less secure than a body lock, but still effective with timing.

Common Mistakes

  • Tripping a balanced opponent
  • Treating the trip like a kick instead of a block
  • Driving straight backward instead of diagonally
  • Allowing space between chests
  • Disconnecting during the finish and losing position

Most failed inside trips fail due to poor movement, not poor technique.

Transitions & Chains

The inside trip lives inside the clinch system.

Common chains:

  • Inside trip defended → switch to outside trip
  • Inside trip stalled → threaten lift or mat return
  • Opponent resists trip → snap-down
  • Trip attempt → land in side control → immediate pressure

Even when it doesn’t finish, the inside trip forces reactions that open other attacks.

Video Study

Watch the primary breakdown first. The examples below show how the same principles appear in different contexts.

Primary Breakdown (Start Here)

Your video embed
(Shows movement, off-balancing, and finishes clearly)

Additional Examples

2–3 complementary videos

  • Different body types
  • Different rule sets
  • Different clinch scenarios