Mixed Martial Arts Training – Grappling Techniques

Mixed Martial Arts employ several techniques from various martial art styles, but the most common element that a practitioner needs to master in order to be successful in this combative sport is the grappling techniques. MMA grappling is a physical engagement between two persons where the goal of each is to take control of the opponent by executing various physical moves such as clinching, holding, locking and pinning. The most common grappling techniques are derived from wrestling, Judo, Sambo and of course Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Knowing how to maneuver yourself strategically in a fighting match will put you a step ahead of your opponent and conquering him regardless of his position.

Grappling is not really practiced in all martial arts and combat sports and the degree to which it is utilized in different combat systems also vary. Jiu Jitsu, Judo and Sumo are examples of “grappling arts” where the focus is to throw the opponent off balance and subdued the person by a lock or a choke. While other martial arts style like Boxing, Tae Kwon Do and Kkickboxing focuses on strikes, blows and kicks and does not allow grappling during a competitive match. However, if you want to succeed in Mixed Martial Arts, you need to learn the element of grappling to stand a chance in the arena. With continuous training for MMA grappling methods, you will learn the different tactics to pin down your opponent as well as escape from his grasp.

Here are some of the common grappling techniques that are useful in Mixed Martial Arts:

Clinching – this is an important stand-up technique that aims to throw down an opponent with the use of various body movements such as hip and body control, head control, pushing and pulling in order to force him into submission. Common clinch hold methods in MMA include bear hug, collar tie, over hook, pinch grip tie and under hook.

Takedowns – this is a technique used to put down an opponent from initially being in a standing position and taking control over him in the ground. The most commonly used style is the double-leg takedown where you control your opponent’s legs and hips to quickly and efficiently take him down.

Pinning hold – this is a grappling technique commonly used in ground fighting which is to pin down an opponent to the ground. Usually, in some combat sports like wrestling and Judo, once both the opponents’ shoulders are pinned to the ground it will already result to a winning condition. In Mixed Martial Arts, pinning can be used to prevent the opponent from escaping or to control him while striking, a strategy known as “ground and pound”.

Submission hold – This is a powerful grappling technique that is used to force an opponent to submit from either extreme pain or fear of injury. This fighting move is popular in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and is used primarily in ground fighting by executing choke holds, compression locks and joint locks.

Escapes – This is one of the most essential techniques that an MMA fighter has to learn in order to successfully maneuver himself from his inferior position and get away from being submitted by the opponent. Common escape defenses during a mount position are the elbow and upa escapes.

There are several other grappling techniques and strategies that you can successfully use for both combat sports and Self Defense. If you want to emphasize “grappling” as the meat of your martial arts training, you can study Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Judo as they are known to be effective in the fighting arena for Mixed Martial Arts.