Thumb In - Thumb Out

The Thumb In / Thumb Out Grip in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu describes two variations of hand positioning when gripping an opponent’s gi, typically on the lapel. These grips are foundational for controlling posture, setting up chokes, and creating leverage for sweeps and transitions. The terms "thumb in" and "thumb out" refer to the orientation of your thumb relative to the fabric you are gripping.

Thumb In Grip

Hand Placement

  • Your thumb is inserted inside the opponent’s gi lapel, with your fingers wrapping around the outside of the fabric.
  • The grip is commonly deep, often aiming to reach near the opponent’s neck or shoulder.

Purpose

Applications

Chokes:

  • Deep thumb-in grips are critical for setting up submissions such as the Cross Collar Choke.
    Posture Control:
  • From Closed Guard, the thumb-in grip helps pull the opponent’s posture forward, breaking their base and opening opportunities for sweeps or submissions.
    Guard Passing:
  • The thumb-in grip can be used in Guard Passing to control the opponent’s upper body and limit their mobility.

Advantages

  • Provides excellent leverage for pulling motions and choke setups.
  • Makes it harder for the opponent to posture up or regain control.

Tips

  • Aim for a deep grip, particularly for chokes, to maximize pressure on the opponent’s neck.
  • Combine the grip with Angles and body movement for increased effectiveness.

Thumb Out Grip

Hand Placement

  • Your thumb remains outside the opponent’s gi lapel, while your fingers hook inside the fabric.
  • This grip is often used lower on the lapel or closer to the opponent’s chest or shoulder.

Purpose

  • Provides control without requiring a deep grip, making it useful for guard play, sweeps, or transitioning to other positions.
  • It is less focused on chokes and more on posture control or movement restriction.

Applications

Control:

  • Used in Guard to manage posture and distance without committing to a deep choke grip.
    Sweeps:
  • Helps redirect the opponent’s upper body during sweeps like the Flower Sweep or Scissor Sweep.
    Guard Retention:
  • Prevents the opponent from posturing or advancing during Guard Passing attempts.

Advantages

  • Easier to establish and release compared to thumb-in grips.
  • Versatile for setups and transitions.

Tips

  • Use the thumb-out grip for quick transitions or when you need control without committing to a deep choke attempt.
  • Maintain tension on the lapel to prevent the opponent from stripping the grip.

Comparison: Thumb In vs. Thumb Out

Aspect Thumb In Grip Thumb Out Grip
Hand Orientation Thumb inside the lapel, fingers outside. Thumb outside the lapel, fingers inside.
Primary Use Chokes, posture breaking. Posture control, sweeps, and transitions.
Grip Depth Usually deep, closer to the neck. Can be shallow, closer to the chest.
Applications Submissions like chokes, posture control. Sweeps, transitions, and guard retention.
Leverage Strong for pulling and choking motions. Versatile for dynamic movement and control.

Key Points for Effective Use

Choose Grip Based on Intent

  • Use thumb in for strong choke setups or posture-breaking from a controlled position.
  • Use thumb out for more versatile, dynamic control during sweeps or transitions.

Maintain Tension

  • Keep the lapel tight to prevent the opponent from stripping your grip or escaping.

Combine with Body Mechanics

Transition Fluidly

  • Be ready to switch between thumb-in and thumb-out grips depending on the situation.

Both the Thumb In and Thumb Out Grips are essential tools in gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, each serving distinct purposes. Mastery of these grips allows you to control posture, execute chokes, and maintain dynamic offensive and defensive strategies.