aliases:
  - Sleeve Pry
  - Fabric Grip
  - Tension Grip

Pry Grips

The Pry Grip is a control grip in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where you grab the opponent’s gi fabric with your fingers curled under the material, creating a leverage point for pulling or pushing movements. The grip allows you to exert control over your opponent's posture, Base, and movement by applying tension in specific directions. Pry grips are versatile and can be used in sweeps, guard retention, submissions, and guard passing scenarios.

Key Features of the Pry Grip

Grip Placement

The fingers curl under the fabric, such as the lapel, sleeve, or pant leg, creating a "prying" action.
The thumb remains on top, providing stability and grip strength.

Leverage and Tension

The grip is designed to apply leverage, enabling you to manipulate the opponent's balance, posture, or limb movement.

Connection

Maintains a strong connection between you and your opponent, ensuring control and responsiveness.

Uses in BJJ

Guard Retention

Prevents your opponent from advancing or stabilizing their position during Guard Pass Overview by manipulating their arms or legs.

Sweeps

Effective in sweeps like the Scissor Sweep, Butterfly Sweep, and Sickle Sweep, where the pry grip aids in controlling their posture or base.

Guard Work

Used in Spider Guard, De La Riva, and Open Guard to control your opponent’s movement while setting up attacks or sweeps.

Submissions

Facilitates setups for submissions such as the Triangle Choke, Omoplata, and Armbar by isolating the opponent’s arm or posture.

Guard Passing

Helps control the opponent’s hips or legs during Guard Passing scenarios like the Toreando or Over-Under Pass.

Advantages

Provides precise control over specific parts of your opponent’s body.
Creates leverage for pulling, pushing, or redirecting their movement.
Versatile and applicable in both offensive and defensive scenarios.

Tips for Effective Use

Grip Securely

Ensure the fabric is tightly held with your fingers curled under, creating a strong prying effect.

Combine with Body Mechanics

Use Hips, Frames, and Angles to enhance the leverage provided by the grip.

Stay Dynamic

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

Apply Directional Pressure

Use the grip to apply tension in a specific direction (e.g., pulling or pushing) to disrupt their Base or Posture.

Common Mistakes

Loose Pry Grip

A slack grip reduces control and leverage, allowing the opponent to strip the grip or counter.

Over-Reliance

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

Grip Fatigue

Over-squeezing or holding the grip too long can cause hand fatigue during prolonged exchanges.

Ignoring Base

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

Variations and Combinations

Pry Grip with Pant Control

Combine the pry grip with a Pant Grip to control the opponent’s lower body for sweeps like the Sickle Sweep or Tripod Sweep.

Pry Grip in Guard Passing

Use the pry grip on the lapel or pant leg to lift or pin the opponent’s limbs while executing passes like the Stack Pass or Toreando.

Pry Grip to Submission

Use the grip to isolate the arm or neck for submissions such as the Cross Collar Choke or Kimura.

Double Pry Grip

Employ pry grips on both sleeves or pant legs for full-body control in guards like Spider Guard or De La Riva.

The Pry Grip is a powerful and versatile tool in gi-based Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes Leverage and Control. By mastering its use and integrating it into your game, you can effectively manipulate your opponent’s posture, disrupt their Base, and create opportunities for sweeps, submissions, and positional dominance.