Same-side Collar Grip

The Same-Side Collar Grip is a fundamental grip in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu where you use one hand to grip your opponent’s lapel on the same side as your gripping hand. This grip provides localized control of their upper body, helping you manage their Posture, Distance, and movement. It is versatile in both offensive and defensive scenarios and works well in combination with other grips and attacks.

Key Features of the Same-Side Collar Grip

Grip Placement

  • The fingers grip the inside of the lapel, with the thumb resting outside.
  • The grip is placed near the collarbone or slightly lower, depending on the situation.

Localized Control

  • The grip primarily controls one side of the opponent's upper body, limiting their movement on that side.

Connection

  • Keeps you connected to their upper body, enabling you to maintain control or initiate attacks.

Uses in BJJ

Posture Control

  • From Closed Guard, the Same-Side Collar Grip can help break or manage your opponent’s posture by pulling their upper body forward.
  • Effective for controlling their head and shoulders during guard play.

Guard Retention

  • From Open Guard, it helps control their upper body while preventing them from posturing up or passing.

Sweeps

  • Combines well with sweeps like the Scissor Sweep or Push Sweep by using the grip to pull or redirect their weight.

Submissions

Standing Control

  • In standing exchanges, the grip can control their posture, manage Distance, and set up takedowns or trips.

Advantages

  • Provides quick and easy access to the lapel, making it a versatile grip in various positions.
  • Limits the opponent's ability to posture or escape to the gripped side.
  • Sets up offensive and defensive options with minimal adjustment.

Tips for Effective Use

Grip with Purpose

  • Keep the grip tight and secure, avoiding slack in the lapel.
  • Adjust the placement of the grip depending on your objective (posture control, submission setup, etc.).

Use Complementary Grips

Combine with Body Mechanics

  • Use your legs, hips, and Angles to maximize the effectiveness of the grip, especially when setting up sweeps or submissions.

Control the Center Line

  • Use the grip to keep their head and shoulders aligned or off-balance to one side.

Common Mistakes

Weak Grip

  • A loose grip allows your opponent to break free or regain posture.

Over-Reliance

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

Ignoring Base and Posture

  • Focusing only on the grip without maintaining a strong Base or Posture can expose you to sweeps or takedowns.

Grip Fatigue

  • Over-squeezing or gripping unnecessarily tight can lead to hand fatigue in long exchanges.

Variations and Combinations

Same-Side Collar Grip to Cross Collar Grip

Same-Side Collar Grip with Sleeve Control

Same-Side Collar Grip for Takedowns

  • Use the grip to control posture and off-balance the opponent while executing trips or throws like Osoto Gari.

Same-Side Collar Grip in Guard

  • Combine with leg placement to sweep or off-balance your opponent while maintaining posture control.

The Same-Side Collar Grip is a fundamental tool in gi-based grappling that emphasizes Control, Distance Management, and Angles. Mastering this grip allows you to manage your opponent’s posture, set up attacks, and maintain a strong connection, making it a key element of any grappler’s repertoire.