Pocket Grips

The Pocket Grip is a specific grip in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where you secure your opponent’s gi sleeve by gripping the fabric near the wrist and folding it inward, creating a "pocket" of fabric that you hold tightly. This grip is effective for controlling your opponent’s arm, limiting their ability to defend or attack, and setting up various sweeps, submissions, and positional transitions. The folded fabric increases the friction and strength of the grip, making it harder for the opponent to strip.

Key Features of the Pocket Grip

Grip Placement

Grip the sleeve near the wrist and fold the fabric inward toward your hand, creating a secure "pocket" shape.
The folded fabric is gripped firmly by your fingers, while your thumb stays outside for stability.

Friction and Security

The folded fabric provides additional friction, making it harder for the opponent to break the grip.

Control Focus

The grip isolates and controls the opponent’s arm, restricting their movement and ability to post or attack.

Uses in BJJ

Guard Work

Common in Spider Guard, Lasso Guard, and Closed Guard, where the grip is used to control the opponent’s arm while setting up attacks or sweeps.
Helps prevent the opponent from breaking your guard or posturing up.

Sweeps

Integral to sweeps like the Scissor Sweep, Butterfly Sweep, and Balloon Sweep, where the grip prevents the opponent from posting on the controlled side.

Submissions

Facilitates submissions such as the Triangle Choke, Omoplata, and Armbar by isolating the arm.

Guard Retention

Controls the opponent’s arm during transitions to prevent them from advancing or passing your guard.

Standing Control

In standing exchanges, the Pocket Grip allows you to manage Distance Management and disrupt the opponent’s Base.

Advantages

Provides a secure hold on the sleeve that is difficult for the opponent to strip.
Isolates the opponent’s arm, limiting their ability to counter or defend effectively.
Increases grip strength and friction with the folded fabric for better control.

Tips for Effective Use

Fold Tightly

Ensure the fabric is folded snugly into your grip to maximize control and friction.

Engage Body Mechanics

Use Angles, Hip Movement, and leg positioning to complement the grip and enhance its effectiveness.

Stay Dynamic

Transition between grips or techniques as the situation evolves to maintain control and offensive opportunities.

Pair with Leg Pressure

Combine the grip with leg engagement (e.g., in Spider Guard) to create tension and manipulate the opponent’s posture.

Common Mistakes

Loose Pocket Grip

A poorly folded or slack grip reduces control and allows the opponent to escape or break the grip.

Over-Reliance

Relying solely on the grip without advancing position or combining with other techniques can lead to stalling.

Ignoring Posture and Base

Failing to maintain your own Posture or Base while using the grip can leave you vulnerable to sweeps or attacks.

Grip Fatigue

Over-squeezing the grip unnecessarily can cause hand fatigue in longer matches.

Variations and Combinations

Double Pocket Grips

Use pocket grips on both sleeves to control both of your opponent’s arms, commonly used in Spider Guard or Lasso Guard setups.

Pocket Grip with Pant Grip

Combine the pocket grip with a Pant Grip to control both the upper and lower body for sweeps like the Tripod Sweep or Sickle Sweep.

Pocket Grip to Submission

Use the grip to isolate the arm and transition to submissions such as the Triangle Choke, Armbar, or Omoplata.

Pocket Grip for Guard Retention

Maintain the grip while adjusting your hips and legs to block the opponent’s guard-passing attempts.

The Pocket Grip is a powerful and versatile tool in gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes Control and Leverage. By mastering its application, you can effectively disrupt your opponent’s movement, isolate their arm, and create opportunities for sweeps, submissions, and transitions. It is a valuable grip for both offensive and defensive strategies.