One-Sided Belt Grip

The One-Sided Belt Grip is a control technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where you use one hand to grip your opponent’s belt on a single side of their hips. This grip provides localized control over their Center of Gravity and Base while keeping your other hand free for additional actions like framing, gripping, or attacking. It is a versatile grip used in both standing and ground positions to manipulate your opponent's movement and posture.

Key Features of the One-Sided Belt Grip

Hand Placement

  • Grip the belt with one hand on one side of your opponent’s hips.
  • The fingers wrap under the belt, while the thumb rests on top, creating a strong hold.

Focus on Hips

  • The grip anchors to their hip on one side, controlling their ability to rotate or move freely.

Free Hand Utility

  • Your other hand is free to grip, frame, or attack, giving this grip great versatility.

Uses in BJJ

Takedown Control

  • The One-Sided Belt Grip is effective for off-balancing your opponent during takedowns like Osoto Gari, Uchi Mata, or other throws.
  • Helps direct their hips and Base for sweeps or trips.

Guard Passing

  • While passing Guard, the grip can control their hips to prevent guard recovery or set up passes like the Smash Pass or Stack Pass.

Back Takes

  • The grip allows you to guide their hips while transitioning to Back Control.

Guard Retention and Sweeps

  • From positions like Butterfly Guard or De La Riva, the grip helps manipulate their balance and posture to execute sweeps or attacks.

Scramble Control

  • Useful during scrambles to maintain connection and limit their ability to recover position.

Advantages

  • Provides control over one side of the opponent's body, disrupting their ability to rotate or regain balance.
  • Keeps one hand free for attacking, gripping, or transitioning.
  • Versatile in both standing and ground exchanges.

Tips for Effective Use

Anchor to the Hip

  • Keep your grip tight to their hip for maximum control over their Center of Gravity.

Use the Free Hand Strategically

  • Your free hand should actively engage in other grips, frames, or attacks to complement the belt grip.

Combine with Angles

  • Use the grip to create Angles by pulling or turning their hips to off-balance them or expose openings.

Engage Your Whole Body

  • Use your hips, legs, and shoulders to enhance the grip’s effectiveness rather than relying solely on arm strength.

Common Mistakes

Weak Grip

  • A loose or shallow grip on the belt can allow the opponent to break free or adjust their position.

Over-Reliance

  • Holding the grip too long without advancing position can lead to stalling or missed opportunities.

Ignoring Opponent's Base

  • Focusing solely on the grip without addressing their legs or balance can limit its effectiveness.

Poor Free Hand Utilization

  • Not using the free hand to complement the grip reduces your ability to create offensive or defensive actions.

Variations and Combinations

One-Sided Belt Grip with Sleeve Control

  • Combine the belt grip with a C-Grip Sleeve Grip to control their upper and lower body simultaneously.

One-Sided Belt Grip to Trip

  • Use the grip to pull their hips while sweeping their leg for a takedown or sweep.

One-Sided Belt Grip to Back Take

  • Guide their hips with the grip while circling to their back for Back Control.

Guard Work with One-Sided Belt Grip

  • In De La Riva or Open Guard, use the grip to control their hips while setting up sweeps or submissions.

The One-Sided Belt Grip is a versatile and effective tool for controlling Hips, disrupting Base, and creating opportunities for transitions and attacks. By mastering its application, you can maintain superior positional control and strategically employ your free hand for offensive or defensive actions.