Boston Women’s Self Defense

What is Grappling?

Grappling refers to many techniques that are employed in a wide variety of disciplines that fall under the umbrella of ‘the martial arts.’ Grappling, by definition, does not involve striking or the use of weapons. The goal of grappling is to gain a physical advantage, improve your relative position, escape your opponent, or force your opponent to submit.

Types of Grappling Techniques

Below, we will go over some of the most common techniques in grappling. This info will give you an overview of grappling, just one part of fighting and martial arts.

Takedowns

Takedowns are used to force your opponent to the ground from a standing position. This technique is all about getting your opponent off balance so you can bring them down to the ground or mat. When done quickly, a takedown is often called a “shoot.” Here are some common takedowns:

  • Double-Leg Takedown

  • Single-Leg Takedown

  • Outside Foot Sweep

  • Ankle Pick Single

Sprawls

Sprawling is a defensive maneuver that is performed as a way to counteract an opponent’s attempt at a takedown. When an opponent tries to “shoot” on you, a sprawl will keep you on your feet. To do a sprawl, pop your legs out behind you – safely away from your opponent’s reach – then land your upper body on their back. If done right, your weight will force them down, giving you control of them.

Throws

A throw is a technique designed to ‘throw’ your opponent off balance and, in some instances, forcefully maneuver him or her through the air. Most of these techniques involve a rotation with your opponent on the ground while you are still standing. This ending is different from a takedown which ends with both you and the opponent on the ground. Some common throws are:

  • Shoulder and Back Throws

  • Hip Throws

  • Pick Ups

  • Sacrificial Throws

Clinches

Clinching is a way of setting up or defending against a throw or takedown that involves primarily the upper body. A clinch is a close hold of your opponent’s arms or head while they hold your arm or head. Both of you try to gain a more advantageous hold while preventing your opponent from gaining an advantage. From this grappling position, you can execute strikes or takedowns. Some common takedowns from the clinch include:

  • Forearm Slide to the Back

  • Angle and Inside Block Takedown

Submission Holds

Submission holds are positions that would allow you to potentially strangle or suffocate your opponent. In sport grappling, the opponent is forced to admit defeat once placed in a submission hold. In some sports, you submit to your opponent by tapping their leg or body or the ground to end the match. This is called “tapping out.” Some of the most common submission holds include:

  • Arm Bar

  • Guillotine Choke

  • Triangle Choke

  • Rear Naked Choked

  • Arm Triangle Choke

Sprawls

Sprawling is a defensive maneuver that is performed as a way to counteract an opponent’s attempt at a takedown. When an opponent tries to “shoot” on you, a sprawl will keep you on your feet. To do a sprawl, pop your legs out behind you – safely away from your opponent’s reach – then land your upper body on their back. If done right, your weight will force them down, giving you control of them.

Escapes

Escapes are, generally, maneuvers that allow you to escape a dangerous inferior position. Some dangerous positions can include the full-mount (when your opponent is on top of you with their knees on either side of your chest), from the clinch, or from a chokehold. Some common escapes include:

  • Shrimping Away

  • The Buck and Roll

  • Cross the Face

Securing Techniques

Securing techniques involve ‘pins’ which, depending on the style of martial art, can mean instant victory. This technique can also be used as a prelude to a submission hold. These could include:

  • Full-Nelson

  • Half-Nelson

  • Full-Mount

  • Half-Mount

Reversals

A reversal is when a grappler maneuvers from underneath his or her opponent to gain a top position. Countering an opponent’s move to take the dominant position is all about seizing an opportunity to turn your opponent’s mistake into your win.

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