🤜 grip strength Difficulty 2/5

Thick Rope Row for BJJ

★★☆☆☆
Sets: 3-4 sets
Reps: 10-12 reps
Rest: 60-90 seconds
grippullingropecompound

Using a thick climbing rope attachment on a cable machine for rows combines pulling strength with significant grip demand. The thick rope forces the hands open wider than standard handles, building open-hand grip strength. This exercise efficiently trains both back and grip simultaneously.

Sets
3-4 sets
Reps
10-12 reps
Rest
60-90 seconds

✓ Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1 Attach a thick rope to a cable machine at chest height.
  2. 2 Grip the rope with both hands.
  3. 3 Step back to create tension.
  4. 4 Pull the rope toward your chest driving elbows back.
  5. 5 Squeeze back and grip at the peak contraction.
  6. 6 Return to start under control.

💪 Muscles Worked

Primary Muscles

forearmslatsrhomboids

Secondary Muscles

bicepsrear deltoidscore

🥊 BJJ Application

Builds pulling strength with a grip demand that mimics gripping thick gi material or controlling wrists. The combination of pulling and gripping replicates the simultaneous demands of maintaining grips while executing techniques.

🔧 Equipment Needed

cable machinethick rope

✗ Common Mistakes

  • ⚠ Using too much weight and losing grip
  • ⚠ Not separating the rope at the end of the pull
  • ⚠ Leaning back excessively
  • ⚠ Letting the grip be the limiter instead of the back

🔄 Variations

  • → Seated thick rope row
  • → Single-arm thick rope row
  • → Thick rope face pull
  • → Thick rope pulldown

Track Your Thick Rope Row Progress

Log your grip strength sessions alongside your BJJ training. Track your training with MatTime for a complete picture of your athletic development.

Download on the
App Store

Related Exercises

More Grip Strength

View all →

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Thick Rope Row help my BJJ game? ▼

Builds pulling strength with a grip demand that mimics gripping thick gi material or controlling wrists. The combination of pulling and gripping replicates the simultaneous demands of maintaining grips while executing techniques.

What equipment do I need for the Thick Rope Row? ▼

You will need: cable machine, thick rope. Make sure all equipment is properly set up before beginning the exercise.

How difficult is the Thick Rope Row? ▼

The Thick Rope Row is rated 2 out of 5 in difficulty. This is a beginner-friendly exercise suitable for athletes at any training level. Focus on proper form before adding intensity.