Grappling

Type
9 regions42 martial arts

Overview

Grappling martial arts focus on controlling an opponent through holds, throws, pins, and submission locks rather than strikes. These arts prove that technique and leverage can overcome size and strength. Grappling forms the other essential pillar of complete fighting alongside striking, and has been central to combat sports since ancient Greek wrestling.

Combat Effectiveness

Overall Combat Rating

9/10

Grappling is essential in real combat — UFC 1-4 proved that grapplers dominate pure strikers. Wrestling provides the best base for MMA (most champions have wrestling backgrounds). BJJ provides the most sophisticated submission game. Judo throws are devastating on hard surfaces.

Street Fight Applicability

8/10
Strengths
control without strikingsize-independent effectivenessfight-ending submissionstakedown abilitypositional dominance
Weaknesses
vulnerable to strikes on the ground (without MMA training)dangerous against multiple opponentshard surfaces punish guard pullingweapons negate ground advantage
MMA Track Record

Wrestling is statistically the most successful base for MMA champions. BJJ is essential for ground defense and offense. Judo has produced UFC champions (Ronda Rousey). Sambo produced Khabib Nurmagomedov and Fedor Emelianenko.

History & Origin

Lineage & Key Figures

Lineage

Structure & Training

Signature Techniques
double leg takedownsingle legrear naked chokearmbartriangle chokehip throwsuplexankle lockkimura
Core Technique Classes
Submission [Class]Takedown [Class]Throw [Class]Position [Class]
Sub-Types
ground grapplingthrowsclinch controlsubmissionspinssweeps

Competition

Medical & Safety

Danger Rating
5/10
Concussion Risk
low
Common Injuries
knee ligament tearsshoulder injuriescauliflower earcervical spine strainelbow hyperextensionrib injuries

Sources & References

[1] Gracie, Renzo. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique (2001)
[2] Kano, Jigoro. Kodokan Judo (1986)
[3] Chapman, Mike. Encyclopedia of American Wrestling (1990)
Primary Source

Green, Thomas A. Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO, 2001.

Geography & Status

Status
grapplingground fightingsubmissionswrestlingjudobjjcontrolleverage

9 Regions