zijheersing

Zijheersing is a Dutch term that literally means “side domination” or “control from the side.” It is used in specialized contexts to describe the act or state of exerting influence or control from a lateral position rather than from a direct, frontal approach. The term combines zij (side) with heersing (domination or mastery).

In martial arts and grappling, zijheersing can refer to a position or strategy in which a practitioner gains control by occupying a dominant side and controlling the opponent’s hips, torso, and balance. This type of control enables transitions, pins, or submissions and is distinguished from more frontal or top-down control.

In organizational, political, or strategic contexts, zijheersing describes influence exerted through allied actors, peripheral networks, or secondary channels. It denotes steering outcomes from the side—often through coalition-building, negotiation, or indirect pressure—rather than through direct confrontation or central authority. The concept captures how power can be exercised by leveraging relationships and leverage on the periphery.

Etymology-wise, the term is a composite of zij (side) and heersing (dominance or mastery). Its usage is not ubiquitous across all Dutch-language sources and may be more common in certain subfields or discussions of strategy, sports, and governance. Related terms include heersing (dominance) and invloed (influence).

See also: heersing, macht, invloed, zijwaartse controle.