Palm To Palm Grip

Variety

パームトゥパームグリップ(Pāmu tu Pāmu Gurippu)

Transliteration

Translation: palm to palm grip

Overview

The Palm-to-Palm Grip variation of the forearm compression short choke uses an alternative palm-to-palm clasp (similar to the Gable grip but with slightly different hand positioning) to lock the choking configuration behind the opponent's neck. ^[1],[2]

Also known as

Palm to PalmButterfly GripPrayer Grip

Used in

BJJ Judo Submission Grappling MMA Sambo

History & Origin

This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family. ^[1],[2]

Effectiveness

Effective when the specific grip and positioning requirements are met — each variation addresses a specific defensive scenario. ^[1],[2]

Lineage

Developed within the BJJ/grappling submission system. ^[1]

Competition Record

Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition. ^[1]

Images

No images yet for this technique.

Biomechanical Mechanism

Primary Action — Applying this specific choking or cranking configuration to the opponent's neck or spine

Joints Involved — Neck (cervical spine — the target of all chokes/cranks in this family), arms (the choking limb creates the compression surface), shoulders (positioning determines the choking angle)

Force Vector — Bilateral compression (chokes compress from two sides) or rotational/extension (cranks apply torsion or hyperextension)

Submission Mechanic — The specific grip, arm positioning, and body alignment create the unique compression geometry of this variation

Position & Entry

From back control — Establish back control, then transition to this specific choke/crank variation

From front headlock — Secure the front headlock, then apply this specific choke configuration

From the parent position — Enter through the position described in the parent genus/species

Variants

This is a specific variation — see parent genus/species for alternative variations

Videos

No videos yet

Help build this encyclopedia by suggesting a relevant video.

Learn This Technique

No instructional courses yet for this technique.

Ratings

Danger Rating

Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to

Very High8/10

Chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early

Difficulty

Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably

Intermediate

Competition Legality

Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets

Illegal

— FIAS Sport Sambo — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo

FIAS International Sambo Competition RulesPDF

Legal

— IBJJF — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes a...

IBJJF Rules Book v6.0, June 2024PDF

— shime-waza

IJF Sport and Organisation Rules 2025, Article 27PDF

— ADCC — Legal

ADCC Rules Update, April 2025PDF

— Unified MMA — Legal — choke submissions are among the mos...

Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDF

— FIAS Combat Sambo — Legal

FIAS Combat Sambo RulesPDF

Training Notes

✓Apply slowly in training — chokes and cranks can cause injury if applied explosively

✓Tap early when caught — blood chokes cause unconsciousness rapidly; neck cranks can damage the cervical spine

✓Drill the specific grip and positioning until automatic

✓Chain with alternative choke variations when this one is defended

Common Mistakes

!Applying too fast — gradual application is safer and often more effective

!Wrong grip positioning — the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique

!Not controlling posture before applying

!Holding after the tap — release immediately

Related Techniques

Parent genus techniqueAlternative finishing variationsDefence against this specific choke/crank

Counter Techniques

Hand fighting — stripping the grip before the choke is set Chin tuck — protecting the throat Posture — creating distance to prevent the choke Turning — turning to face the attacker

Setup Chain

1Establish Control Position

2Secure the Specific Grip

3Position the Choking Surface

4Apply Compression

5Finish

Sources & References

Primary Source

Jiu-Jitsu University (Saulo Ribeiro, 2008)

1BookJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)

Description sources — [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis

2BookMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)

3OtherJapanese Combat Sports Katakana Convention

Standard katakana transliteration of Western martial arts terminology (外来語) — used in Japanese MMA, boxing, and BJJ communities

4CitationJiu-Jitsu University (Ribeiro, 2008)

Description sources — [1] Choking/cranking technique curriculum [2] Competition analysis

5CitationMastering Jujitsu (Gracie & Danaher, 2003)

Community

Athletics

Requires

grip strength, arm positioning precision, back control ability

Key muscles

forearms (squeeze), biceps (compression), shoulders (positioning)

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Palm To Palm Grip work?

Where does the Palm To Palm Grip come from?

This variation developed within the broader choking/cranking system of its parent technique family.

Is the Palm To Palm Grip legal in competition?

IBJJF: legal — Legal at all belt levels, gi and no-gi — chokes are the safest submission cat…; IJF: legal — Legal (shime-waza) — strangulation techniques are one of three permitted subm…; ADCC: legal — Legal; Unified MMA: legal — Legal — choke submissions are among the most common finishes in MMA; FIAS Sport Sambo: banned — All chokes prohibited in Sport Sambo; FIAS Combat Sambo: legal — Legal

How dangerous is the Palm To Palm Grip?

Danger rating 8/10. High — chokes and neck cranks carry significant risk; blood chokes cause unconsciousness in 6-10 seconds; neck cranks can cause cervical spine damage; always tap early

How do I set up the Palm To Palm Grip?

The standard setup chain: Establish Control Position → Secure the Specific Grip → Position the Choking Surface → Apply Compression → Finish.

How do I defend against the Palm To Palm Grip?

Standard counters include: Hand fighting — stripping the grip before the choke is set / Chin tuck — protecting the throat / Posture — creating distance to prevent the choke / Turning — turning to face the attacker.

What are the variants of the Palm To Palm Grip?

Common variants: This is a specific variation (see parent genus/species for alternative variations).

How effective is the Palm To Palm Grip in competition?

Used in BJJ, MMA, and submission grappling competition.

What are common mistakes when doing the Palm To Palm Grip?

Top errors to watch for: Applying too fast — gradual application is safer and often more effective / Wrong grip positioning — the specific grip variation defines this technique; incorrect grip = different technique / Not controlling posture before applying / Holding after the tap — release immediately.

What are other names for the Palm To Palm Grip?

The Palm To Palm Grip is also known as Pāmu tu Pāmu Gurippu, Palm to Palm, Butterfly Grip, Prayer Grip.

palm to palm grip variation short choke clasp rear naked choke finishing grip