Poignees

Poignees, also known as "poignées" in French, are a type of hand grip used in various martial arts and combat sports. The term originates from the French word "poignée," which means "grip." Poignees are fundamental techniques that involve gripping an opponent's clothing, hair, or other body parts to gain leverage, control, or to initiate a throw or takedown. They are commonly used in disciplines such as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Sambo, and various forms of wrestling.

The primary purpose of poignees is to disrupt an opponent's balance, create space, or to set up a more advantageous position. They can be executed from various stances and angles, and often involve a combination of grip strength, body mechanics, and timing. Effective poignees require practice and understanding of the opponent's movements to be executed successfully.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, for example, poignees are used to control an opponent's limbs, often leading to submissions or sweeps. In Judo, poignees are integral to throws and takedowns, allowing for the application of joint locks or chokes. In Sambo, poignees are used to gain control and initiate ground fighting.

Mastery of poignees is essential for practitioners of these martial arts, as they provide a foundation for more advanced techniques and strategies. They are typically taught early in the training process, as they are fundamental to the development of a well-rounded skill set.