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Judo Grips for BJJ Beginners

Learn the essentials of Judo grip fighting (Kumikata) for BJJ beginners with Professor Matt Davis. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, every standing exchange begins with a battle for connection. In Judo, this is called Kumikata (grip fighting). Professor Matt Davis emphasizes that grips are not just for holding on—they are the steering wheel for the entire encounter.

If you don’t win the grip fight, you cannot achieve the first stage of any Judo throw: Kuzushi (off-balancing).

Watch: Professor Matt Davis Explains Judo Grips

The Standard Grip: Power and Direction

1. Stance: The Lead Hand

Unlike boxing or wrestling, where the dominant hand is often kept back, Judo traditionally places the dominant hand and foot forward.

  • Right-Handed Players: Your right foot is forward, and your right hand is your primary “Lifting Hand”.
  • Left-Handed Players: Your left foot is forward, and your left hand leads the attack.

2. The Two Pillars of Control

  • The Lifting Grip (Collar): Your dominant hand reaches for the opponent’s collar, specifically aiming for the area right at the collarbone. This hand controls the opponent’s posture and creates the upward “lift” needed for throws.
  • The Pulling Grip (Sleeve): Your second hand secures the opponent’s sleeve just below the elbow. This is your “pulling” hand, used to draw the opponent toward you and rotate their upper body.

Grip Fighting Strategy: The Initial Exchange

Your opponent knows the power of a dominant grip and will fight to prevent it. Use these strategies to win the exchange:

  • The Defensive Posture: Start with a lower center of gravity. Keep your hands and elbows tucked in to minimize the targets your opponent can grab.
  • The Cross-Sleeve Setup: If an opponent blocks your lead hand, reach across to grab their sleeve. Pull it across your body—similar to an arm drag—to clear a path for your lifting hand to reach their collar.
  • Defending Your Sleeves: To prevent the opponent from established their own pulling grip, fold your arm across your body or use “circle” movements with your wrists to shed their hands.

The Three Parts of a Throw

Professor Davis teaches that every successful throw consists of three distinct phases:

  1. Kuzushi (Off-Balancing): Using your grips to break the opponent’s center of gravity.
  2. Tsukuri (Positioning): Moving your body into the optimal spot to execute the technique.
  3. Kake (Execution): The final application of the throw.

Your grips are the primary tool for Phase 1. Without a dominant grip, Phase 2 and 3 are nearly impossible to achieve against a skilled opponent.

White Belt Testing Tips

  • Don’t Reach: Reaching with a straight arm makes you vulnerable to armdrags and takedowns. Keep a slight bend in your elbow.
  • Knuckle Pressure: When holding the collar, try to keep your knuckles turned slightly inward toward the opponent’s chest for better structural integrity.
  • Active Pulling: A sleeve grip is useless if it’s passive. You must use it to constantly threaten the opponent’s balance.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

If you’re interested in Judo or BJJ, we have you covered. Simply follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates:

Judo Grips for BJJ Beginners

Learn the essentials of Judo grip fighting (Kumikata) for BJJ beginners with Professor Matt Davis. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, every standing exchange begins with a battle for connection. In Judo, this is called Kumikata (grip fighting). Professor Matt Davis emphasizes that grips are not just for holding on—they are the steering wheel for the entire encounter.

If you don’t win the grip fight, you cannot achieve the first stage of any Judo throw: Kuzushi (off-balancing).

Watch: Professor Matt Davis Explains Judo Grips

The Standard Grip: Power and Direction

1. Stance: The Lead Hand

Unlike boxing or wrestling, where the dominant hand is often kept back, Judo traditionally places the dominant hand and foot forward.

  • Right-Handed Players: Your right foot is forward, and your right hand is your primary “Lifting Hand”.
  • Left-Handed Players: Your left foot is forward, and your left hand leads the attack.

2. The Two Pillars of Control

  • The Lifting Grip (Collar): Your dominant hand reaches for the opponent’s collar, specifically aiming for the area right at the collarbone. This hand controls the opponent’s posture and creates the upward “lift” needed for throws.
  • The Pulling Grip (Sleeve): Your second hand secures the opponent’s sleeve just below the elbow. This is your “pulling” hand, used to draw the opponent toward you and rotate their upper body.

Grip Fighting Strategy: The Initial Exchange

Your opponent knows the power of a dominant grip and will fight to prevent it. Use these strategies to win the exchange:

  • The Defensive Posture: Start with a lower center of gravity. Keep your hands and elbows tucked in to minimize the targets your opponent can grab.
  • The Cross-Sleeve Setup: If an opponent blocks your lead hand, reach across to grab their sleeve. Pull it across your body—similar to an arm drag—to clear a path for your lifting hand to reach their collar.
  • Defending Your Sleeves: To prevent the opponent from established their own pulling grip, fold your arm across your body or use “circle” movements with your wrists to shed their hands.

The Three Parts of a Throw

Professor Davis teaches that every successful throw consists of three distinct phases:

  1. Kuzushi (Off-Balancing): Using your grips to break the opponent’s center of gravity.
  2. Tsukuri (Positioning): Moving your body into the optimal spot to execute the technique.
  3. Kake (Execution): The final application of the throw.

Your grips are the primary tool for Phase 1. Without a dominant grip, Phase 2 and 3 are nearly impossible to achieve against a skilled opponent.

White Belt Testing Tips

  • Don’t Reach: Reaching with a straight arm makes you vulnerable to armdrags and takedowns. Keep a slight bend in your elbow.
  • Knuckle Pressure: When holding the collar, try to keep your knuckles turned slightly inward toward the opponent’s chest for better structural integrity.
  • Active Pulling: A sleeve grip is useless if it’s passive. You must use it to constantly threaten the opponent’s balance.

Ready to Test Your Skills?

If you’re interested in Judo or BJJ, we have you covered. Simply follow the steps below:

Your 3-Step Action Plan:

  • Sign the Waiver: New to the mats? Complete our Digital Waiver before your first class.
  • Check the Schedule: View our Official Class Schedule to join our next Fundamentals session.
  • Visit the Gym: Bring your clean white Gi and get ready to train with the best community in Omaha.

📧 Email Us: matt@legacybjjomaha.com

📞 Call/Text: (402) 651-7721

Join the Community Online:

Follow us for daily technique clips, student highlights, and gym updates: