Double Collar Grip

The Double Collar Grip is a control grip in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where you use both hands to grab and control the collars of your opponent’s gi. This grip is versatile and provides excellent control over your opponent’s Posture, Center of Gravity, and movement. It is commonly used in both offensive and defensive scenarios to manipulate the opponent and set up attacks, sweeps, and positional transitions.

Key Features of the Double Collar Grip

Hand Placement

Each hand grips the lapel near the opponent’s collarbone or neck.
The fingers go inside the lapel with the thumbs outside for a secure hold.

Control Focus

The grip allows you to manage your opponent’s posture by pulling, pushing, or twisting their upper body.
Enables you to maintain distance or close the gap depending on your strategy.

Symmetry

Using both hands on the lapels provides balanced control over the opponent’s upper body.

Uses in BJJ

Posture Control

Breaks the opponent’s posture by pulling them forward, particularly effective from Closed Guard or Butterfly Guard.
Limits their ability to sit upright or regain Posture.

Sweeps

Combines well with sweeps like the Scissor Sweep or Balloon Sweep by pulling their weight forward or to the side.

Submissions

Creates opportunities for gi chokes, such as the Cross Collar Choke or Loop Choke.
Keeps their posture controlled for transitions into arm-based submissions.

Guard Retention and Passing Defense

From Open Guard, the Double Collar Grip can control their upper body to prevent guard passes or maintain Distance Management.

Standing Control

In standing exchanges, the grip is used to manage distance, off-balance the opponent, and set up takedowns or trips.

Advantages

Provides strong control over the opponent’s upper body and center line.
Limits their ability to attack or advance position.
Opens up a wide range of offensive and defensive options.
Useful in both gi and no-gi scenarios (with adjustments for grip style).

Tips for Effective Use

Grip Deeply

The deeper your hands grip the lapels, the more control you have, especially for submissions.
For general control, aim to grip near the collarbones.

Apply Pressure Wisely

Use pulling or pushing motions to manipulate their posture and Base.
Combine with leg and hip movements for maximum effect.

Transition When Necessary

Be ready to let go of one collar to transition into other grips, like an Underhook or C-Grip on Wrist.

Create Angles

Use the grip to control their head and upper body, creating Angles to set up attacks or off-balance them.

Common Mistakes

Weak or Loose Grip

A weak grip allows the opponent to posture up or strip your control easily.

Overcommitting to the Grip

Holding the grip too long without advancing position can lead to stalling or counters.

Poor Body Positioning

Failing to combine the grip with proper Base or Angles reduces its effectiveness.

Grip Fatigue

Over-squeezing the grip unnecessarily can lead to hand fatigue in prolonged exchanges.

Variations and Combinations

Double Collar Grip to Cross Collar Choke

Transition to the Cross Collar Choke by feeding one hand deeper into the lapel and securing the choke.

Double Collar Grip with Sleeve Control

Combine the grip with a Spider Guard Sleeve Grip or C-Grip Sleeve Grip to control both the upper and lower body.

Double Collar Grip to Sweep

Use the grip to off-balance the opponent while executing a Balloon Sweep or Butterfly Sweep.

Double Collar Grip in Guard Passing

When passing guard, the grip can help control their posture and prevent guard recovery.

The Double Collar Grip is a fundamental tool that emphasizes control, Pressure, and Leverage, making it a cornerstone grip in gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Mastery of this grip allows you to dictate the pace of the match, control your opponent’s posture, and seamlessly transition into sweeps, submissions, and positional advancements.