Handgrappling

Handgrappling is a term used to describe grappling techniques that rely primarily on hand and forearm control to manage an opponent. It emphasizes grips, clinch work, and upper-body positional control to neutralize an opponent, trap limbs, and apply pins or submissions. The label distinguishes hand-centric grappling from styles that emphasize leg-based throws or propulsion, though most combat grappling arts employ both upper- and lower-body elements.

Techniques and concepts: typical hand-focused tools include controlling the wrists and forearms, securing clinch positions (double underhooks, over-under, collar-and-elbow grips), and using those grips to direct balance, force breaks, and create openings. From these grips athletes may transition into pins such as side control, or apply submissions like chokes and joint locks. Effective handgrappling requires leverage, body positioning, and grip strength, with attention to break-fall safety.

Training and safety: practitioners train with progressive resistance, emphasis on grip endurance, wrist and finger protection, and proper tap etiquette. Coaching stresses alignment, safe execution of joint locks, and avoidance of injury to wrists, shoulders, and neck. Competitions in grappling disciplines often showcase handwork within a broader set of rules; there is no widely recognized sport solely named “handgrappling.”

Context: Handgrappling concepts appear in many martial arts and self-defense systems, notably Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, catch wrestling, judo, and wrestling, where hand control is central to control and submission attempts.

See also: wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, judo, catch wrestling, grappling, clinch fighting, grip fighting.