grapple

Grapple is a term with several related meanings. As a verb, it means to seize and hold something firmly or to struggle in close contact with another person. In sports and martial arts, grappling refers to a form of close-quarters combat that emphasizes control, leverage, and positional superiority rather than striking.

As equipment, a grapple is a mechanical device designed to grab, hold, or move objects. A grappling hook is a short hook attached to a rope or line used to catch onto a surface or anchor. In industrial and maritime settings, a grapple often refers to a crane attachment or hydraulic claw that can grasp and lift irregular loads such as logs, debris, or waste. Grapples may have multiple prongs or jaws and are selected for the specific load and task.

Grappling in sport includes several disciplines that focus on clinching, throws, pins, and submissions. Wrestling, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, sambo, and catch wrestling are prominent examples. The objective is typically to gain control, execute takedowns, secure advantageous positions, and apply submission holds or pins, with competitive rules that vary by organization.

Safety and training considerations are important in grappling activities. In sport, proper technique, conditioning, mats, refereeing, and gradual progression help reduce injury risk. In equipment use, following manufacturer guidelines, regular maintenance, and appropriate safety procedures are essential. The term also appears in everyday language as a metaphor for addressing challenging problems.