Kumi kata (grips)

In judo/jiujitsu, grips are projections of not only power and dominance but also intentions. They are the first physical part of any techniques. They access and facilitate leverage. They can be defensive or offensive in nature. They are also receptors, sensing the opponent’s movements and intentions. 

Grips are the roots of the technique.

Just as a tree cannot grow without roots, techniques cannot be executed without grips. Randori starts with grip fighting - gripping is where technique is rooted.

Grips access and facilitate leverage.

Getting the right grip leads to better technique initiation, which leads to better leverage and execution. In sparring, whomever gets the best grips usually has advantageous leverage. The vector (force and direction/angle) of a grip facilitates the execution of the technique.

Grips have offensive and defensive roles.

Countering an attack can be accomplished not only by proper positioning but also by grips. Our hands can sense not only movement but also directions of these movements. They can also sense also how much resistance or leverage an opponent has in a certain position. Thus, proper gripping and pointed reaction can disarm the opponent from the very beginning of his/her attack. Getting better grips annihilates the opponent’s leverage. 

Grips are used on all spectrums of grappling, from takedowns, passing the guard, transitions, and submissions. Success in this chain of events depends on how one accesses leverage via grips. 

Lede art by George Bridgman