The grip..

by Joshua Perales
(Houston,Tx)

Hey coach,

Do you think grip strength is the most important factor to winning on the ground? I was wondering, because it seems to me, my weak grip is causing me to lose a lot of good positions (and the fact that my guard is weak also, but that's another topic) I noticed that when you as well as a lot of other high belts get a good grip on me, it's pretty much a given that you're going to finish your attack. What can I do to improve my strength. I don't have much equipment to work with, so what simple everyday things can I do to become stronger and able to control my opponent more? Thanks for your time.




Coach Travis -

Hi Josh. Great question. First off, grip strength is NOT the single most important factor in winning a match since there are several other factors equally or more important to winning.

However, stronger grips WILL improve your game immensely and if you're having trouble controlling your grip, specifically with the gi, you should invest some time in improving that.

As you continue to train your grip strength will improve just from training with the gi and having to grip all the time. If you want to see faster results though, supplement your training with grip strength training.

A great way to mimic the grip of the gi is to use a small towel. Try tying the towel to a weight and doing exercises like arm curls, upright rows, lateral raises...etc. You can also hold the weight in the air, drop it and catch it before it hits the floor (do this on a padded surface and not your kitchen floor). Forearm and reverse forearm curls with a towel and weight are also great for improving you grip strength and endurance. In short, you should mimic the type of grip that you will encounter in the real match. A towel or old gi makes a great training tool. Try this and you will see great results. Best of luck Josh and let me know how it goes.

Professor Travis Tooke