Grappling
Categories: Combat sports | Martial arts
Grappling refers to the gripping, handling and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking. Grappling can be used in both stand-up fighting and ground fighting. Stand-up techniques of grappling include clinching, throws and takedowns, which can be precursors to the ground fighting phase by forcing the opponent to an unfavourable position on the ground. Some definitions of grappling also include submission holds such as joint locks and chokeholds, since these are not striking techniques.
Grappling is a mode of fighting used by many different martial arts around the world; it is not a distinct martial art, as much as striking alone is not a complete martial art but a mode of fighting. The degree to which grappling is utilized varies from system to system. Some systems such as wrestling, submission wrestling, judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are grappling-only and do not allow striking (all of these except wrestling allow chokeholds and joint locks). Grappling is used ubiquitously in freestyle or full contact fighting such as mixed martial arts.
Grappling is forbidden by some martial arts and martial arts-derived sports, for the sake of focusing on other aspects of combat such as punching, kicking or using weapons such as a sword. Opponents in these types of matches, however, still grapple each other occassionally when fatigued or hurt; when this occurs, the referee will step in and restart the match. Examples of these include boxing, kickboxing, taekwondo, karate, and fencing. While prolonged grappling in Muay Thai will result in a separation of competitors, the art contains a grappling technique commonly refered to as the "Thai clinch" which is used to set up knees.
When unskilled fighters get embroiled in combat, a common reaction is to grab the opponent in an attempt to slow the situation down by holding them still, resulting in an unsystematic struggle that relies on brute force. A skilled fighter, in contrast, can perform takedowns as a way of progressing to a superior position such as a mount or side mount, or using clinches and ground positions to set up strikes, chokeholds and joint locks. A grappler who has been taken down to the ground can use defensive positions such as the guard, which protects against being mounted or attacked. If a grappler is strong and can utilize leverage well, a takedown itself can be a form of attack -- the impact to the head can render some opponents unconscious. On the other hand, grappling also offers the possibility of controlling an opponent without injuring them. For this reason, most police staff receive some training in grappling. Likewise, grappling sports such as judo have been devised so that their participants can compete using full physical effort without injuring their opponents.
Grappling is called dumog in Eskrima. The term chin na in Chinese martial arts deals with the use of grappling to achieve submission or incapacitation of the opponent (these may involve the use of acupressure points). Among the styles of Tai Chi Chuan, the Wu style is known for its internal or "soft" style grappling (see pushing hands). Some Chinese martial arts, Aikido and some Eskrima systems practice grappling while one or both participants is armed. This practice is significantly more dangerous than unarmed grappling, and generally requires a great deal of training.