aliases:
  - Stapleing
  - Stapling
  - Staple

Staples

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, staples refer to specific pressure control techniques where you use your leg, knee, or foot to pin down your opponent's limbs (usually their legs or arms) to the mat. Staples are powerful tools for immobilizing your opponent, breaking their Frames, and advancing your position. They play a significant role in maintaining dominance and controlling the opponent’s movement.

How Staples Work

Concept

A staple is created by pressing a part of your leg (knee, shin, or foot) against your opponent’s limb, pinning it to the mat or limiting its movement.

Goal

Staples prevent the opponent from effectively using their limbs for Frames, Hip Movement, or escapes, giving you the opportunity to progress in the Positional Hierarchy.

Common Applications of Staples

During Guard Passing

Staples are frequently used to neutralize the opponent's legs during guard passes.

Example

In the Knee Cut pass, your shin or knee staples the opponent's bottom leg to the mat, preventing them from recovering Guard.

Pinning an Arm

When attacking an arm, you can use a knee or shin to staple it to the mat.

Example

When setting up a Kimura or Armbar, pinning the opponent's wrist or forearm with your knee can isolate the limb.

From Side Control

Use a staple to control the opponent’s arm or hip while maintaining heavy Pressure.

Example

Pinning the opponent’s far arm with your knee can prevent them from framing or escaping, allowing you to transition to Mount or North South.

In Mount or Technical Mount

Staples help isolate the opponent's arms for submission setups like the Americana or Arm Triangle.

Example

Driving your knee over the opponent’s arm can open up opportunities for High Mount control.

Leg Stapling in Half Guard Passing

Stapling the opponent’s top leg with your shin or foot in Half Guard Passing prevents them from trapping your leg or recovering Z Guard.

Countering Escapes

Staples can shut down common escapes by pinning limbs and limiting mobility.

Example

When an opponent attempts an Elbow Escape from Mount, stapling their thigh can prevent them from freeing their leg.

Key Principles of Staples

Weight Distribution

Combine the staple with proper weight application to make it difficult for your opponent to move.

Leverage

Use your body mechanics, not just strength, to apply effective staples.

Pressure and Commitment

Staples work best when you maintain consistent downward pressure, immobilizing the limb completely.

Transitions

Staples are not an end in themselves; they are tools to advance your position, whether passing the guard, isolating a limb, or setting up submissions.

Drills to Improve Stapling

Knee Cut with Stapling Drill

Practice stapling the opponent’s bottom leg during a Knee Cut pass.

Arm Isolation Drills

From Side Control or Mount, practice pinning the opponent's arms with your knees to isolate them.

Half Guard Stapling Drill

Work on using your shin to staple the opponent's top leg when passing Half Guard.

Common Mistakes

Lack of Pressure

A weak staple allows the opponent to wiggle free and recover.

Poor Placement

Misaligning your shin or knee reduces control and effectiveness.

Ignoring Transitions

Staples should lead to advancing your position, not stalling.

Staples are versatile, fundamental tools that enhance control and set up transitions or submissions. Mastering them is essential for a dominant, pressure-oriented game in both gi and no-gi.