Study Guide: Grips in Jiu-Jitsu (Gi & No-Gi)

1. The Importance of Grips in Jiu-Jitsu

Grips serve as a primary mechanism for controlling an opponent's alignment, which includes:

• Base (stability and balance)

• Posture (spinal alignment and positioning)

• Structure (limb positioning and resistance to force)

By applying proper grips, you can:

• Off-balance your opponent.

• Dictate movement and limit their options.

• Break their posture and structure to set up attacks (sweeps, submissions, positional advancements).

2. Gi Gripping Strategies & Techniques

A. Gripping Mechanics

• Collar Grip:
  
  

  • Roll & twist the fabric for stronger control.

  • A grip that simply holds the collar like a rope is weak and easily broken.

  • A rolled & twisted grip prevents sliding and strengthens control over the opponent’s posture.

• Sleeve Grip:
  
  

  • Rolling and curling the sleeve locks the grip in place.

  • If the opponent forcefully yanks their arm, it is safer to release than risk injury.

• Pant & Leg Grips:
  
  

  • Grabbing near the ankle or knee joint provides better control than holding the middle of the leg.

  • Inside knee grips offer more leverage for leg manipulation.

  • Many competitors wear capri-length spats to prevent easy pant grips.

• Breaking Grips:
  
  

  • Releasing and resetting is often a better strategy than stubbornly holding onto a breaking grip.

  • Breaking grips effectively without compromising position is essential.

B. Optimal Grip Placement for Control

• Torso Control:
  
  

  • Control the four corners of the body (shoulders & hips).

  • High collar grips disrupt the upper body’s posture.

  • Sleeve and elbow grips limit arm movement and prevent framing or posting.

• Limb Control:
  
  

  • Gripping close to the joints (wrist, elbow, knee, ankle) maximizes leverage.

  • Grabbing mid-limb (forearm, thigh) is inefficient due to lack of leverage.

• Spinal Manipulation:
  
  

  • The spine acts as a lever—pulling from the top of the collar is far more effective at breaking balance than pulling lower.

  • A proper lapel grip can off-balance an opponent without excessive force.

• Advanced Gi Grip Strategies:
  
  

  • Lapel wrapping: Using the opponent's own Gi to trap their arm or leg.

  • Belt & pant grips: Preventing hip escapes and reinforcing positional control.

  • Looping grips: Passing the Gi material through itself to create unbreakable handles.

3. No-Gi Gripping Strategies & Techniques

A. No-Gi Grip Fundamentals

• Without fabric grips, control is based on hooks, hand placement, and joint manipulation.

• Grips must be dynamic, as they are easier to break.

• Friction-based control is replaced by constant adjustments in positioning.

B. Effective No-Gi Grips

1. Collar Tie – Controls the head, breaking posture and setting up attacks.

2. Wrist Control – Prevents framing, posting, and escaping grips.

3. Two-on-One Grip (Russian Tie) – Highly effective for arm control.

4. Underhooks & Overhooks – Essential for clinching and setting up takedowns.

5. Body Locks – Controls the entire torso, especially for takedown sequences.

6. C-Grip (Thumb & Fingers Around Limb) – Effective for wrist, elbow, and knee control.

7. Gable Grip & S-Grip – Used in body locks and guillotine setups.

C. No-Gi Grip Breaking & Retention

• Hand fighting is key in No-Gi to maintain control.

• Re-gripping and grip chaining ensures continued dominance.

• Constant movement and readjustment prevent the opponent from stripping grips.

4. Applying Grips for Control & Offense

A. The Gripping Battle

• Jiu-Jitsu is a constant battle for superior grips.

• Dominant grips lead to positional control, sweeps, and submissions.

• The grip-fighting phase often dictates the outcome of a match.

B. Grip-Based Offensive Cycles

1. Secure grip → Break opponent’s posture or base

2. Use grips to advance position or create openings

3. Maintain grip while initiating sweeps, passes, or submissions

4. Opponent defends grip → Adjust or switch to a better grip

C. Defensive Grip Strategies

• Deny dominant grips early – Fighting grips before they are fully established is easier than breaking them later.

• Grip breaks must be precise – Breaking a grip incorrectly can expose you to attacks.

• Retaining structure is key – If breaking a grip causes a loss of balance or posture, it may not be worth it.

5. Summary & Key Takeaways

Gi vs. No-Gi Grips

• Gi grips provide stronger control and immobilization but require more grip strength.

• No-Gi grips rely on underhooks, clinches, and joint control, requiring constant grip adjustment.

Grip Placement Principles

• Always grip close to joints for maximum leverage.

• Control the four corners (shoulders & hips) to disrupt balance.

• Collar grips affect posture, while sleeve and pant grips control limbs.

Grip Fighting Strategy

• Winning the grip battle sets the pace of the match.

• Breaking grips correctly prevents exposure to sweeps or submissions.

• Grip chaining and readjustments are essential, especially in No-Gi.

Final Thought

Mastering grips is fundamental to high-level Jiu-Jitsu. Whether in Gi or No-Gi, grip control dictates positional dominance, offensive potential, and overall effectiveness in rolling or competition.