techniques

How do I use grips effectively in gi BJJ?

Grip fighting is essential in gi BJJ. Establish your preferred grips while actively stripping your opponent grips. Collar and sleeve grips control posture and limbs. Pant grips control movement and set up passes. Never let your opponent maintain dominant grips without challenging them. Grip strength develops naturally through training.

Detailed Explanation

In gi BJJ, the match is often won or lost in the grip fighting exchange. Before any technique can be executed, you need the right grips. From guard, collar and sleeve grips give you distance management and attack setups. Cross collar grips control posture and threaten chokes. Pant grips at the knee help manage distance from open guard. When passing, controlling pant legs at the knees neutralizes the guard player legs. Lapel grips can create powerful controls and unexpected attacks. The first principle of grip fighting is to establish your grips. The second is to break grips that your opponent has on you. Use two hands to break one grip if necessary. The third principle is that each grip should have a purpose. Do not just grab randomly. Each grip should either set up an attack, prevent an attack, or maintain control. Develop specific grip sequences for your favorite positions, drilling the grip fighting exchange as thoroughly as you drill techniques.

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