What does 'Grip Fighting' refer to in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

'Grip Fighting' in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu primarily refers to the technique of establishing control over the opponent's sleeves, collar, or waist in order to set up various attacks. This aspect of grappling is crucial for successful engagement; having the right grips can significantly enhance a practitioner's ability to execute submissions, sweeps, or transitions.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grip control can dictate the flow of the match. For instance, controlling an opponent's sleeve can prevent them from effectively defending against an armbar or a sweep. Similarly, gripping the collar can allow for chokes or affect their posture, which is essential for executing techniques. Mastery of grip fighting not only enhances offensive capabilities but also imparts a defensive advantage by hindering the opponent's movements.

Other options present different concepts that are not aligned with the essence of grip fighting. Engaging in strikes or maintaining a purely defensive stance does not contribute to grip control. Similarly, grappling techniques that are limited to the ground miss the broader implications of grip fighting, which often starts in a standing position or during transitions and seeks to establish the optimal grips before these techniques are applied.