### BJJ Technique: Grip Strategy A crucial aspect of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is developing effective grip strategies. Being able to hold, shift, and control grips can facilitate guards, transitions, and submissions. In this overview, we'll discuss grip strategies from both the **closed guard** and **open guard** positions. #### Position: Closed Guard This grip strategy focuses on controlling your opponent while they're in your closed guard. 1. **Establish the Double Sleeve Grip:** - Reach up and secure a grip on your opponent's sleeves, thumbs facing you, at or near the cuffs. - Ensure your wrists lock into place for added friction and control. 2. **Break their Posture:** - Use your legs to pull your opponent towards you while simultaneously pushing your grips downward to break their posture. - Keep your elbows tight to avoid them sneaking a hand through. 3. **Cross-Lapel Grip:** - With your dominant hand, reach over to your opponent's opposite lapel. - Secure the grip as deeply as possible, aiming for the collarbone. 4. **Prepare for Attack:** - With your free hand, work on unlocking submissions or sweeps, like the cross-collar choke or scissor sweep. - Maintain tight core and hip movement for efficiency. #### Position: Open Guard This grip strategy provides control and offensive options from an open guard posture. 1. **Establish Sleeve and Achilles Grips (Lasso):** - Use one hand to grip your opponent’s sleeve while the other captures their Achilles heel. - Move your body in opposite directions to create defensive space and control. 2. **Foot Placement:** - Use a lasso guard by wrapping the same-side leg over and under your opponent's arm, circling your foot around their shoulder or back. 3. **Transitioning Grips (Spider Guard):** - Use a spider guard grip by placing both feet on your opponent's biceps. - Straighten one leg while bending the other to create tension. 4. **Maintain Control or Seek Sweep and Submission:** - Use your legs and grips to destabilize your opponent. - Look to set up triangles, omoplatas, or transition to other open guard variations. ### Tips for Effective Gripping - Always maintain tension: Aim to control your opponent's movement. - Mind your grip strength: Over-gripping can fatigue your hands quickly. - Adapt and switch grips when necessary: Be fluid to counter your opponent's movements. ### Drills to Enhance Grip Strategy - **Grip Fighting Drill:** Practice exchanging grips with a partner to improve grip placement and reaction. - **BJJ Circuit Drills:** Pull-ups, gi chokes on a dummy, or gi pull drills to build grip endurance. Cultivating an effective grip strategy across these different positions will adapt your game, enhancing both your defensive and offensive arsenal, while maintaining efficient control over your opponent. Always refine grip positioning to ensure your BJJ techniques remain grounded in balance and flow.