Sleeve Grips

Sleeve grips are fundamental hand positions used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to control an opponent's arms and manipulate their posture, balance, and movement. By gripping the sleeves of your opponent's gi, you establish a strong point of control that can facilitate attacks, sweeps, and guard retention.

Types of Sleeve Grips

C-Grip Sleeve Grip

Form a "C" shape with your thumb and fingers, grabbing the sleeve near the cuff.
Provides strong control while allowing for quick transitions to other grips.
Commonly used for techniques like Scissor Sweep or breaking posture in Closed Guard.

Four Finger Sleeve Grip

Insert all four fingers into the sleeve, curling them around the fabric.
Offers a secure grip and is harder for the opponent to break.
Effective for Spider Guard Sleeve Grip setups or controlling the arm during sweeps.

Pistol Grip

Grab the sleeve by bunching the fabric into your fist, resembling the grip on a pistol handle.
Provides a sturdy hold, ideal for maintaining control when pulling or off-balancing the opponent.

Spider Guard Sleeve Grip

Specific to Spider Guard, this grip combines sleeve control with foot placement on the opponent's biceps or hips.
Allows precise manipulation of the opponent's posture and base, often setting up sweeps or submissions.

Key Concepts for Using Sleeve Grips

Angles and Leverage

Use sleeve grips to create angles for attacks. Pulling the sleeve diagonally or outward disrupts the opponent's Base.

Distance Management

Sleeve grips help you manage distance in both offensive and defensive scenarios. In Open Guard, they keep the opponent from closing in, while in Closed Guard, they break posture.

Grip Breaking and Retention

Be prepared for your opponent to strip grips. Focus on grip retention and practice techniques to re-establish your hold quickly.

Transitions

Sleeve grips can lead to dynamic transitions to other grips, such as Collar Tie or Cross Collar Grip, for additional control or submissions.

Common Uses of Sleeve Grips in BJJ

Guard Play

In Closed Guard, sleeve grips are used to break posture and set up attacks like the Triangle Choke or Armbar.
In Open Guard variations such as De La Riva or Spider Guard, they enable sweeps like the Sickle Sweep or Tripod Sweep.

Sweeps

Sleeve grips are pivotal in controlling the opponent’s arm during sweeps like the Scissor Sweep, Hip Bump Sweep, or Flower Sweep.

Guard Retention

Using sleeve grips can keep your opponent from initiating passes, maintaining your Frames and Connections.

Takedowns

Sleeve grips assist in standing techniques, like pulling the sleeve to disrupt balance during Collar Drag or Single-Leg Takedown setups.

Common Mistakes

Overcommitting to a Grip

Staying attached to a grip that's not effective can leave you vulnerable to counterattacks.

Poor Grip Placement

Gripping too close to the opponent’s elbow or mid-sleeve reduces control.

Grip Fatigue

Over-relying on sleeve grips without proper technique can exhaust your hands. Use your body mechanics and Leverage to enhance grip efficiency.

Mastering sleeve grips is essential for both control and offense in gi-based BJJ, as they allow you to dominate exchanges and execute techniques with precision.