Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based Martial Arts that has a high proficiency in ground fighting. The original Gracie family helped to refined Jiu Jitsu and Judo techniques for a street fight. This was highlighted in the beginning stages of Mixed Martial Arts competition in the United States at the start of 1993. The Judo expression or even other systems of Jujutsu were very much different than the Gracie Jiu Jitsu expression from Brazil. It was almost like the Martial Arts community worldwide took notice and changed overnight to add Grappling and Ground fighting techniques into their curriculums. Also, the training methods of fighting were revised as well because the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters were besting everyone.
In late 1995 and early 1996 in the United States, a flood of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructors started to come to spread their Art. Some came intending to focus on fighting while others look to grow the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. There were of course were instructors that did both. This was the start of seeing more BJJ tournaments on the coasts (California, Florida, Tri-State Area). As the students begun to learn about the ruleset of BJJ, the change of curriculums started to be geared at winning matches by submission or by points. Since the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu valued more points in the respected ground grappling points and not much of a value for standing up takedowns and throws, BJJ competitors often used the strategy of bringing the match to the ground by pulling guard or in some situations jumping to the guard.
The guard is primarily used as a defensive position by skilled ground fighters; however, it can be used to create offensives moves such as sweeps, turnovers and submissions. In a real fight, the guard can be successfully used to apply striking techniques as well all from the bottom position with the opponent in between a jiu jitsu fighter’s legs. Today the BJJ community continues to have less of a value in takedowns or throws only giving 2 points if down correctly. In the sport of Judo, one proper and successful throw will win the match. BJJ has a term called “Guard Pullers.” If you are a guard puller, this is or can be seen as a person that has no takedown experience or throwing techniques.
One type of grip that is applied by BJJ competitors in ground grappling situations is where the Jiu Jitsu person will control the bottom part of the opponent’s sleeve with four fingers. It type of grip on the sleeve is illegal in Judo; however, it is one of the most popular controls for a BJJ student on the ground. The key issue that I see is this type of grip is applied by BJJ competitors and students when in the standing position. This is done for a few reasons such as its popularity on the ground, its use to guard pull or receiving a flawed judo education.
The start two examples make a lot of sense. If someone likes doing this type of grip when training on the ground, he or she will apply to standing because of the conditioning of controlling the sleeve this way. This is a relation of doing what you do on the ground and apply it to the standing knowledge. The second example is more of a strategy and tactical use. When the BJJ competitors control with a four-finger grip standing and pulls guard, he will have his best sleeve control to go on the offensive to gain points or even win the match by submission. In these two examples, the grip telegraphs the BJJ intentions for someone that has Judo experience. When you grip a Judoka’s sleeve with a four-finger grip, the control is illegal. It is a red flag. Also, it is an indicator to the Judoka that the person using this grip does not have throwing knowledge and/or he is going to pull guard. Let us look at this sleeve hold in more detail.
Controlling the sleeve in Judo is called Hikite- “Hiki-te.” Sleeve control is very important to establish first in a training situation or a match. With “proper” sleeve control, a Judo player can influence the shape of a throwing technique, guide the throw throughout execution and use this controlling hand for both objective offense or defense. The Hikite control is common in Judo to be at the elbow of the opponent’s sleeve or the end of the sleeve. With either type of grip, the sleeve control can be used to pull the opponent and create off-balance. When you pull someone’s sleeve with the BJJ grip, there is a lot of slack. This is a flawed knowledge or Judo education. Why are you using a four-fingered grip to perform a throwing technique when in a match when it is better to do a normal judo grip that takes out the slack of the sleeve to move the opponent much better?
The goal of this writing is to point out how important sleeve control is in standup Jiu Jitsu, Judo, BJJ and other jacket grappling sports/arts. Even when practicing a simple throwing technique; how you control the sleeve first before controlling the training partner’s lapel (Tsurite) creates good or bad habits. Watch the next time an instructor teaches you a throwing technique. If he or she is not focusing on the important aspects of the sleeve: How to control it, use it and have primary attention to it…they are presenting bad habits to you. Dr. Rhadi Bullard Ferguson (6th Dan Judo and 4th Dan BJJ) is a master at grip fighting (Kumi Kata). He is in so many words a major advocate of “GET THE SLEEVE, GET THE SLEEVE and TWICE OF SUNDAY…THE SLEEVE!” What I am pointing out is how you hold the sleeve. I hope that you continue or begin to hold the opponent’s sleeve in an educated way.
In Judo class, there is a little boy that I always control his one sleeve. 9 times out of 10 he will “throw me.” But in a fun way, I will pull his sleeve and trip his foot. He yells, “Hikite…Hikite…Hikite…” because he knows I love this word in Japanese. Learn to love Hikite. Your Judo will love you back!
To The Reader
The author will be most happy to receive your comments, including criticisms and suggestions. Noteworthy comments may be included in future editions or books on this series.
For more information Dr. Rhadi Bullard Ferguson, visit www.gripfighting.com.
For more information about Tony Pacenski’s books and instructional in Martial Arts, visit:
www.soulfight.net – Books, Instructionals, and Gear.
www.gunjiuniversity.com – Military Arresting Technique – Books, Instructionals, and Certifications.
– Prof. “little” Tony Pacenski
Yokota Air Base – Tokyo Japan
www.tonypacenski.com
