Understanding the Whizzer in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has several fundamental techniques with unique names, but have you ever heard of the whizzer? It’s a key grappling maneuver, used both defensively and offensively, and carries increased effectiveness in BJJ due to the use of Gi grips.

So, exactly what is a whizzer, and how does it help to defeat opponents? In this article, we break down the details of the move, as well as talk about variations and Jiu-Jitsu training tips to take with you to the mat.

What Is a Whizzer?

Considered one of the most common grappling techniques, a whizzer in BJJ is an applied force to an opponent’s head toward the mat while maintaining control of their upper body via the armpit.

Though many practitioners claim it’s the same movement as an overhook, others say the overhook requires pushing an opponent’s shoulder down before initiating wrist control and/or a leg sweep.

Known as part of the basic mechanics in BJJ wrestling moves, it can be initiated from a standing or sitting position. It’s typically used in single-leg takedown attempts, as it helps the fighter gain a more commanding position over the opponent’s upper body.

Common Variations of the Whizzer in BJJ

There are several whizzer variations, making it versatile to use either as a defensive or offensive maneuver. Once you have the basic movement down, you can adjust as needed to your advantage.

Standing Whizzer

The standing whizzer involves a reversal of the opponent’s move when grabbing your leg. To initiate the whizzer, grab your opponent’s arm and make the head level to your chest to put your opponent off balance. 

With control of your opponent’s shoulder, it makes it easier to escape from the opponent’s grasp and simultaneously move into a single-leg takedown.

Whizzer Knee Slice Pass

By using the knee slice position to pin your opponent’s knee, you must first grip your opponent’s arm while dropping your hips to the mat and pulling on the arm. 

However, this variation only works if your opponent’s leg is behind your back. Otherwise, they’ll be able to reverse the positioning. 

Whizzer T-Step Uchi Mata

Using the whizzer submission moves as a defense against a bent-over posture involves overhooking one of your opponent’s arms and then grabbing their tricep from the inside using your other hand. 

Once you have upper body control of your opponent, rotate your far leg to avoid their grasp and bring the other foot closer to make a T-shaped movement with the legs. Then, with your opponent off balance, you’re set up to swiftly take them down.

Switching Sides Whizzer Sweep

To successfully carry out this variation, set up the whizzer from the ground position. 

Switch your hips and wrap your opponent’s head with your hands to then turn your opponent to “switch sides” using your leg, so you are now on top of your opponent, and they are in the ground position.

Cross Collar Choke with Whizzer from Closed Guard

With this variation, you can both gain control and escape an opponent’s hold. With your back on the mat, sit up and drive your arm underneath to form the whizzer. 

Then, grab your opponent with a cross-collar grip using the hand you're initiating the whizzer. Additionally, to avoid your opponent ducking his head to the other side, place your elbow tightly toward your opponent’s stomach, eventually causing them to tap out.

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Jiu-Jitsu Training Tips for Executing the Whizzer 

1. Overhook Above the Elbow

Overhooking above your opponent’s elbow is essential to secure control so they cannot break free. 

Once you’ve lost arm control, it’s your opponent who gains the dominant position. To do this, once you have overhooked the opponent’s arm, pull upward to tighten.

2. Establish Solid Base and Foot Placement

When executing from a standing position, plant both feet firmly on the ground to prevent your opponent from breaking free. 

It’s crucial to hook your leg between your opponent’s legs, or else it’ll be all too easy for them to take you down instead.

3. Secure a Tight Grip 

The whizzer in BJJ is all about the grip or control you have on your opponent. 

Once you’ve established the overhook, you must break their grasp from your leg before lifting the opponent and ensure your grips are strong. 

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Advance Your BJJ Training with Hayabusa

Wrestlers have relied on the whizzer as part of their regular training routine as part of their BJJ takedown defense and to escape the grasp of their opponents. 

It has been modified into several variations to use in BJJ training and give fighters an extra offensive and defensive technique to add to their repertoire. 

Practice and perfect this fundamental as you refine your skills, and stay suited up for combat with Hayabusa’s BJJ gear and apparel.

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