The White Belt Grip Question

A white belt student asks a fundamental question: which grip should be prioritized when rolling? Rather than provide a single universal answer, the instructor emphasizes that grip selection depends entirely on the situation and the technique being attempted.

Grips Determined by Technique Intent

The instructor establishes the core principle: grips are selected based on which takedown, sweep, submission, or escape the practitioner intends to execute. If planning a cross-collar snap to the knee, the grip choice flows directly from that objective.

Standing Position Grip Strategy

When standing, grip selection is determined by the intended takedown. For example, a cross-collar snap to the knee requires specific collar and sleeve controls. If the opponent secures a grip first, the practitioner must break it and establish their own grips aligned with their technique.

Guard Position Collar and Sweep Grips

From guard, if executing a scissors sweep, the practitioner focuses on opening the lapel and establishing a deep collar grip rather than fighting for wrist control. Wrist grips may be used temporarily to clear the opponent's arm but are not the primary target.

Arm Bar Grip Positioning

For an arm bar, the critical grip is isolating the opponent's arm toward the center of the practitioner's chest. This can be achieved by gripping over the top, behind the tricep, or at the wrist—the specific method matters less than achieving the fundamental position.

Side Control Underhook Priority

When defending side control, the instructor prioritizes the underhook escape and structures all initial movements around obtaining that grip. Multiple setup methods—such as the jack camera or hip swing—serve as pathways to the underhook rather than ends in themselves.

Passing Position Grip Sequence

When passing guard with a double-under approach, the practitioner first flattens the opponent, then digs underneath to establish an over-under position, and finally transitions to double-under grips as the opponent defends. The grip progression follows the natural flow of the technique.

Avoiding Unnecessary Grip Fighting

Rather than fighting for every possible grip, the practitioner should focus exclusively on the grips necessary for their chosen technique. Playing with extraneous grips wastes energy and reduces effectiveness.

Defensive Grip Breaking Strategy

When the opponent establishes superior grips, the practitioner's first task is to break those grips, then immediately fight for their own intended grips. This reactive sequence prevents being controlled by the opponent's technique setup.

Grips and Body Positioning as Technique Foundation

The instructor identifies grips and body positioning as the two fundamental components from which all techniques are constructed. Every technique in Brazilian jiu-jitsu is essentially a combination of these two elements layered strategically.

Learning Path for Grip Selection

When uncertain about which grip to pursue, the white belt should identify a technique they know from that position, then reverse-engineer the grips required to make it work. Consulting instructionals, coaches, or higher belts provides the foundational knowledge needed to identify priority grips.

1 Rule for Grip Fighting Every White Belt Should Know

Chewjitsu

Rear Belt Grip

3 min read·11 key moments·PT4M54S video

Key Takeaways

•The White Belt Grip Question
•Grips Determined by Technique Intent
•Standing Position Grip Strategy
•Guard Position Collar and Sweep Grips

Grip fighting in BJJ can be overwhelming at 1st. There are lots of grips and knowing which ones to fight for can be difficult. In today's video I have a question about this exact thing from a White Belt. He says that when he's training Jiu-jitsu in the gi he feels lost on which grips he should be fighting for. So in this video I share a simple idea that you can implement into your Brazilian Jiu-jitsu to make grip fighting simple. This is my personal strategy on fighting for grips and when I lay it out, you'll probably think of it as maybe too simple. But sit back and watch some of the best guys out there and notice that they don't grip up casually. They grip up with intention for something very specific. Practice this and you'll experience a much higher success rate with your techniques, and you'll never feel lost by which grips you should go for. -Chewy ----------------- Free Ebook: http://www.chewjitsu.net/focused-jiu-jitsu-13-page-ebook/ Video Courses and Products: http://www.chewjitsu.net/products T shirts: http://www.chewjitsu.net/shop/ http://www.Facebook.com/Chewjitsu http://www.instagram.com/Chewjitsu http://www.twitter.com/Chewjitsu Intro/Outtro Music : https://bknapp.bandcamp.com If you’d ever like to train with the team and I. Check out my gym Derby City MMA in Louisville,KY.

Related Techniques

Front Belt Grip

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this video teach about rear belt grip?

This video covers the white belt grip question, grips determined by technique intent, standing position grip strategy. It provides detailed instruction from Chewjitsu.

How long does it take to learn rear belt grip?

The basic mechanics can be understood in a single session, but developing reliable execution requires consistent drilling over weeks of practice. This 11-part breakdown helps structure your training by isolating each phase of the technique.