Engaging in the grip fight is an important and often overlooked skill in Jiu Jitsu. In judo and wrestling this topic is a key part of training and development. In many ways, Jiu Jitsu grip fighting is more complicated. It’s not always hands for hands. It’s hands for feet for hands. Even in a hands for hands environment, building a conceptual framework and grip fighting sequencing can be challenging to do, and even more challenging to communicate. Trust me, I’ve been trying for over a decade. There are important concepts behind this game that can be conveyed, and these concepts should be implemented early in your development.
As a white belt, you have a lot to learn. Adding this topic to your to do list isn’t meant to complicate your focus. In fact, it should be integral to your current study. Every technique, position, and exchange should include an understanding of the gripping battle and why it’s important. There is a lot to be discussed, but first we must lay down some basic concepts to start building a grip fighting strategy into your day.
Give and Take
Get a grip, give a grip. Give a grip, get a grip. Seuss would be proud of my framework. Whenever someone establishes a grip, they are also exposing their hands and sleeve (or pants). This gives you an opportunity to establish a grip of your own, and vis versa. As we engage in a gripping exchange this idea is fundamental to working towards your preferred Standition.
A simple example of this concept in action is breaking a lapel or collar tie, and then owning that arm with your own grip. They got a grip, then you used that to get a grip. It’s a common mistake for new students to break grips and then let go of them. You see this mistake in action as new students dance around each other in avoidance. The gripping battle is an exchange you must walk into. You may not start with your preferred grip, but that’s ok. That’s the gripping game.
A more strategic example of this concept in action is a simple wrist exchange. This is one of my favorite ways to establish wrist control. Stiff arm your opponents forehead. They will reach up and grab your wrist to peel your stiff arm away. Then use your other hand to break their grip and control their wrists. Here, you intentionally get a grip, knowing it will be broken, for the purpose of owning your opponents wrist afterward. Give a grip, get a grip.
Grips, Frames, and Hooks
There is some conceptual overlap between grips, frames, and hooks. You could define all these separately, but within the overlap is a strategic advantage. Grips that support frames and hooks, and vis versa, are significantly stronger. Your overall connection to your opponent will improve, and grips will begin to define positions.
As an example, if you establish an underhook and then grab the belt. Or rest your knee shield on your cross lapel grip. Here you are gripping and hooking, or gripping and framing. Anytime you can make these connections your gripping game will be stronger.
2on1 Advantages
This is likely the easiest gripping concept to implement as soon as you’re done reading this. Anytime both of your hands can control one of your opponents limbs, you will dominate the gripping exchange. 2on1 an arm. 2on1 a leg. Your opponent won’t be able to do much with one grip in play, and will have a hard time breaking free a limb while being dominated by two grips. In fact, start every single exchange by getting two on one control of your opponent’s wrist. You will be significantly better immediately. It sounds too simple. Just go do it. It really is that simple.
Pushing and Pulling
Some grips push. Some grips pull. Some grips do both. These grips are the most valuable. If one connection can create movement in multiple directions it will lead to more control and offensive threats. This is one of the great things about the gi. You can create more pushing and pulling grips, and is why the lapel is such a common grip in Jiu Jitsu. It has very strong pushing (framing) and pulling capacity (and choking capacity).
No-gi aficionados can also implement pushing and pulling connections. The collar tie is known for the pulling/snap down motion, but the elbow in the chest also creates a strong frame to push with. With the Russian grip you can push the wrist into your opponent, or snap down at the elbow. There is a reason why these are some of the primary upper body connections in wrestling.
Gripping in Action
That’s the game. Go play with these ideas and your rolls will improve. There is much more to the art of gripping, but these are foundational concepts you must know and incorporate into your Jiu Jitsu. Let me know how it goes!