Knee Grip

The Knee Grip, when wearing gi pants, is a versatile grip used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to control your opponent’s leg by gripping the fabric around their knee. This grip is particularly effective for managing their Base and mobility, making it an essential tool for sweeps, guard retention, takedowns, and positional control. The gi fabric provides friction and security, allowing you to maintain a strong connection to their leg.

Key Features of the Knee Grip with Gi Pants

Grip Placement

Your fingers grip the fabric around the opponent’s knee, typically near the top or sides of the knee.
The thumb remains outside, securing the grip by pulling the fabric taut.

Localized Control

The grip isolates the knee, limiting their ability to pivot, step, or adjust their Center of Gravity effectively.

Strong Connection

Maintains a secure link between you and your opponent’s lower body, essential for Distance Management and Angles.

Uses in BJJ

Guard Work

Frequently used in De La Riva, Spider Guard, or Open Guard to control your opponent’s leg and prevent them from breaking your guard or advancing position.
Helps set up transitions and attacks while keeping their movement in check.

Sweeps

Pivotal in sweeps like the Sickle Sweep, Balloon Sweep, and Scissor Sweep, where the grip helps redirect their balance and movement.

Takedowns

In standing exchanges, the knee grip allows you to manipulate their Base and Center of Gravity for takedown setups such as trips or throws.

Guard Passing Defense

The grip can block the opponent's leg from advancing, limiting their ability to pass your Guard effectively.

Scramble Control

During transitions or scrambles, the knee grip can help you maintain control over their movement and recover dominant positions.

Advantages

Provides excellent control over the opponent’s lower body, disrupting their balance and movement.
Opens up opportunities for sweeps, submissions, and takedowns.
Limits their ability to stabilize or advance position.

Tips for Effective Use

Grip Tight

Pull the fabric snug around the knee to prevent the grip from slipping or being stripped.

Use Angles

Combine the grip with body positioning and movement to off-balance your opponent and create leverage.

Engage with Body Mechanics

Use your legs, hips, and Frames to complement the grip and maximize its effectiveness.

Combine with Other Grips

Pair the knee grip with a C-Grip Sleeve Grip, Lapel Grip, or Ankle Grip to enhance control and set up attacks.

Common Mistakes

Weak or Loose Grip

A loose grip on the fabric allows the opponent to strip it or adjust their position easily.

Overcommitting

Holding the grip too long without advancing can result in stalling or counters.

Ignoring Angles

Failing to create effective Angles or move dynamically reduces the control the grip provides.

Grip Fatigue

Over-squeezing or relying on the grip for extended periods can lead to hand fatigue.

Variations and Combinations

Knee Grip with Ankle Control

Combine the knee grip with an Ankle Grip to control both ends of the leg for sweeps like the Tripod Sweep or Sickle Sweep.

Knee Grip to Sweep

Use the grip to redirect their knee and off-balance them during sweeps like the Scissor Sweep.

Knee Grip in Guard Passing

Hold the knee to manipulate their leg placement and facilitate guard passes like the Toreando or Over-Under Pass.

Knee Grip for Takedowns

In standing exchanges, use the grip to disrupt their Base and execute trips or foot sweeps.

The Knee Grip while wearing gi pants is a powerful tool for managing your opponent’s lower body, controlling their Base, and setting up a variety of offensive and defensive techniques. By mastering its application and integrating it into your game, you can enhance your ability to dictate the pace and flow of a match in both standing and ground situations.