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.
Get started
Intro Class
Want to try our programs? Like to try an intro class? Get started with your intro class today and experience all that RMK has to offer!
Visit Us
Hours of Operation
Monday through Thursday: 4-8:30PM
Friday: 4:30-6:00PM
Saturday: 9:00AM to 12:00PM
Sunday: Closed
© Copyright 2024 | Zen Planner