Grip fighting, kumi kata, is the exchange before a throw or pass where both players fight for a grip that lets them attack and denies the other theirs. Judoinfo.com lists the judo word, kumikata, as "gripping methods".
- Japanese name: kumi kata (kumikata), "gripping methods". Related words on judoinfo.com: hikite, the pulling hand that usually grips a sleeve; tsurite, the lifting hand; eri, the collar; sode, the sleeve.
- Ai-yotsu and kenka-yotsu: judoinfo.com defines ai-yotsu as the same grip used by both players, right or left, and kenka yotsu as opposite grips, one right and one left.
- In BJJ: the same fight happens in the gi, and in no-gi the hands fight for wrist, collar-tie and body grips. Read Grip Fighting for BJJ for a BJJ-first version.
Why do grips decide the exchange?
BJJ Heroes puts it directly: grip control is a key component of any grappling exchange, because a dominant grip lets you control the distance, secure a position or finish the match. In judo the throw begins with the hands, and whoever has their preferred grips first gets to attack first.
The gi gives you collar, belt, pant and sleeve controls. For no-gi, BJJ Heroes describes a smaller set borrowed from wrestling: the ball and socket grip, the gable grip, the S grip, the pretzel grip and the butterfly grip. These work with the gi too, and the gable grip in particular finishes arm triangles and body locks in both arts.
How do you grip fight well?
- Know your throw or pass first, then know the two grips it needs. Everything in the exchange serves those grips.
- Take the sleeve before the collar. The pulling hand on the sleeve controls your partner's posting arm and blocks their best grip at the same time.
- Strip grips you do not want immediately. A grip that sits for three seconds becomes a throw.
- Move your feet during the exchange. Static grip fighting becomes a strength contest; moving changes angles and makes grips easier to take.
- Attack as soon as you have your grips. Waiting gives your partner time to break them.
The most common mistake is gripping to hold on rather than to attack. A grip with no plan behind it is just a handle for your partner to use.
Grip strength is trainable. Our judo training gear is rash guards made for people who train; wear one under the gi on drilling days.
What are the gripping rules in judo and BJJ?
The IJF Sport and Organisation Rules allow collar and lapel, one-side, cross, belt, pocket and pistol grips when the athlete attacks, and penalise with shido a grip used only to block, avoiding grips, and holding the sleeve end defensively.
The IBJJF Rules Book makes gripping inside the opening of the sleeve or trouser leg with the fingers a serious foul.
Sources
- Judoinfo.com lists the judo word, JudoInfo
- BJJ Heroes puts it directly, BJJ Heroes
- IJF Sport and Organisation Rules, International Judo Federation
- IBJJF Rules Book, IBJJF
Related terms
Pulling hand and lifting hand (hikite / tsurite), Off-balancing (kuzushi), Finger tape, Gi, Entry and execution (tsukuri / kake).