Alter the center, not the periphery

The half work of altering grips and hooks

Dealing with a difficult guard tends to be tedious as the peripheries of the opponent, their hooks and grips, may feel like barbed-wire. If we focus on removing these peripheries, we may detach a grip or leg hook, but the opponent can easily replace them if their base is strong and adaptable. 

Alter the center, alter the base

Grips and positioning should aim at altering the base, center, and equilibrium of the opponent. A power-lifter lifting a large weight needs to have certain alignment to the weight to be efficient. Otherwise, they will not be able to lift the maximum weight. In judo and jiu-jitsu, altering the center or the base of the opponent makes it difficult for them to exert leverage and efficiently apply techniques. When the opponent’s base is altered, they need to reestablish base before properly launching an attack or defense. 

Alter the center not the periphery; alter the base not the grips. Grips have no use without the base.