Butterfly Grip

The Butterfly Grip is a versatile and powerful hand configuration commonly used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to secure control over the opponent. It involves interlocking your fingers with both palms facing inward, creating a strong, stable connection that allows you to apply Pressure, maintain control, or execute transitions and submissions effectively.
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Key Characteristics

Interlocking Fingers

  • Your fingers from both hands are intertwined, palms facing inward, creating a tight and unified grip.

Strong Connection

  • The grip provides excellent leverage, making it difficult for the opponent to break your hold.

Application Flexibility

When to Use the Butterfly Grip

During Submissions

Arm Triangle Choke

  • Use the butterfly grip to connect your hands and apply steady Pressure to the opponent's neck and shoulder.

Guillotine Variations

  • Enhance your control and Leverage during the choke by securing the grip tightly.

For Control

Back Control

  • Combine the butterfly grip with a body triangle or Hooks to secure the opponent and limit their escape options.

North South Position

  • Use the grip to stabilize your control while preparing for submissions like the North South Choke.

Transitions

  • In scrambles or positional adjustments, the butterfly grip helps maintain a strong connection with the opponent, preventing them from escaping while you advance.

Advantages of the Butterfly Grip

Unified Strength

  • By combining both hands, the grip allows you to apply force from both arms simultaneously.

Versatility

  • Effective in a variety of positions, from offensive attacks to defensive controls.

Control and Stability

  • Difficult for opponents to break, providing a secure foundation for attacks or transitions.

How to Execute the Butterfly Grip

Position the Hands

  • Place your hands so your palms face inward toward each other.
  • Interlock your fingers tightly, ensuring there are no gaps.

Engage the Grip

  • Squeeze your hands together to secure the grip firmly.
  • Engage your forearms and shoulders to reinforce the connection.

Maintain Tightness

  • Keep the grip close to your body for maximum Leverage and control.
  • Adjust as needed based on the opponent's movements or resistance.

Common Mistakes

Loose Fingers

  • A weak interlock can lead to the opponent breaking your grip easily.

Overcommitting Strength

  • Relying solely on the grip without using proper Frames or Hip Movement may lead to inefficiency or exhaustion.

Improper Alignment

  • Misaligned hands or excessive gaps between your fingers reduce the grip's effectiveness.

Training the Butterfly Grip

Drill Positional Scenarios

  • Practice using the grip in key positions like Back Control or during submission setups.

Grip Strength Exercises

  • Train your grip strength using tools like grip trainers or resistance bands to enhance durability and endurance.

Positional Sparring

  • Focus on maintaining the butterfly grip during live rolling to improve control and adaptability.
Tip

The Butterfly Grip is a fundamental tool for securing control and submissions. Focus on precise finger interlocking, tight hand positioning, and pairing it with effective Pressure and Leverage for maximum impact.