Skip to Main Content

What Is Grappling in MMA?


Original Post: 01/06/2015

Two grappling martial arts square off with one using a takedown technique against his opponent.MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, is a popular sport. Few people understand that it typically involves striking, wrestling, and grappling - basically fighting on your feet, getting your opponent to the ground, then subduing them. Grappling is a term that is synonymous with the martial arts, but for those who haven’t studied the martial arts, it can be confusing as to what exactly it is.

This article is all about grappling, what is it, and what are some common grappling techniques. Keep reading to learn more.

What is Grappling?

Grappling refers to many techniques that are employed in a wide variety of disciplines that fall under the umbrella of ‘the martial arts.’ Grappling, by definition, does not involve striking or the use of weapons. The goal of grappling is to gain a physical advantage, improve your relative position, escape your opponent, or force your opponent to submit.

Types of Grappling Techniques

Below, we will go over some of the most common techniques in grappling. This info will give you an overview of grappling, just one part of fighting and martial arts.

Takedowns

Takedowns are used to force your opponent to the ground from a standing position. This technique is all about getting your opponent off balance so you can bring them down to the ground or mat. When done quickly, a takedown is often called a "shoot." Here are some common takedowns:

  • Double-Leg Takedown
  • Single-Leg Takedown
  • Outside Foot Sweep
  • Ankle Pick Single

Sprawls

Sprawling is a defensive maneuver that is performed as a way to counteract an opponent’s attempt at a takedown. When an opponent tries to "shoot" on you, a sprawl will keep you on your feet. To do a sprawl, pop your legs out behind you - safely away from your opponent's reach - then land your upper body on their back. If done right, your weight will force them down giving you control of them. 

Throws

A throw is a technique designed to ‘throw’ your opponent off balance and, in some instances, forcefully maneuver him or her through the air. Most of these techniques involve a rotation with your opponent on the ground while you are still standing. This ending is different from a takedown which ends with both you and the opponent on the ground. Some common throws are:

  • Shoulder and Back Throws
  • Hip Throws
  • Pick Ups
  • Sacrificial Throws

Clinches

Clinching is a way of setting up or defending against a throw or takedown that involves primarily the upper body. A clinch is a close hold of your opponent's arms or head while they hold your arm or head. Both of you try to gain a more advantageous hold while preventing your opponent from gaining an advantage. From this grappling position, you can execute strikes or takedowns. Some common takedowns from the clinch include:

  • Forearm Slide to the Back
  • Angle and Inside Block Takedown

Submission Holds

Submission holds are positions that would allow you to potentially strangle or suffocate your opponent.  In sport grappling, the opponent is forced to admit defeat once placed in a submission hold. In some sports, you submit to your opponent by tapping their leg or body or the ground to end the match. This is called "tapping out." Some of the most common submission holds include:

  • Arm Bar
  • Guillotine Choke
  • Triangle Choke
  • Rear Naked Choked
  • Arm Triangle Choke

Escapes

Escapes are, generally, maneuvers that allow you to escape a dangerous inferior position. Some dangerous positions can include the full-mount (when your opponent is on top of you with their knees on either side of your chest), from the clinch, or from a chokehold. Some common escapes include:

  • Shrimping Away 
  • The Buck and Roll
  • Cross the Face

Securing Techniques

Securing techniques involve ‘pins’ which, depending on the style of martial art, can mean instant victory.  This technique can also be used as a prelude to a submission hold. These could include:

  • Full-Nelson
  • Half-Nelson
  • Full-Mount
  • Half-Mount

Reversals

A reversal is when a grappler maneuvers from underneath his or her opponent to gain a top position. Countering an opponent's move to take the dominate position is all about seizing an opportunity to turn your opponent's mistake into your win.

Learn Grappling Techniques Used in MMA

If you’re interested in learning more about grappling techniques, contact the experienced instructors at New York Martial Arts Academy. Our unique style of instruction is not limited to one style and system and focuses on utilizing grappling for self-defense in real-life situations by employing elements from wrestling, Sambo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Judo.

Give us a call today to find the best class for you or your children. 

The Origins of Kickboxing

Originally posted on 12/29/2014 When most people think of kickboxing, they imagine some type of combination between American boxing and martial arts kicking. Surely, that’s what it can look like to an untrained eye, as it takes...

Is Jeet Kune Do the Best Self-Defense for You?

Originally posted on 03/27/2019 By Jessica Militello In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, one of the four locations of New York Martial Arts Academy, passersby regularly stop and take out their camera phones to capture an image of the massive,...

Using Jeet Kune Do Footwork to Avoid Getting Punched

The art of Jeet Kune Do created by Bruce Lee integrates all facets of combat. Various styles are borrowed from boxing, fencing, and other types of fighting. But one of the things that makes it truly unique is Jeet Kune Do footwork. If you...

The 5 Most Effective Types of Takedown Defense

If you want to achieve success as a martial artist, you need to improve your takedown defense as a way to avoid being brought to the ground during a fight. When mixed martial arts (MMA) first started, skilled grapplers won many of the first...

Helpful Head Movement Drills for Self Defense

There’s a saying in the martial world that says, “Either you move your head or he’s gonna move it for you.” Effective head movement is used to avoid oncoming attacks and also to set up strong counter moves. It can...

The 3 Benefits of Martial Arts Wellness Programs

Attracting talent to your organization is more difficult now than it has been. With more flexibility favoring employees, you must offer a fully laid out benefits package. This approach may appear costly, but it will help you attract and retain...

The 4 Main Benefits of Martial Arts After School Programs

Children have so many options for what to do with their time after school. After so many hours focusing on schoolwork, it is a lot to ask for them to continue that level of attention. Students that participate in afterschool programs, even those...

Everything You Need to Know About Martial Arts Belts

  For years, those who practice martial arts like Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Tae Kwon Do, and others have taken part in classes where one of the most significant signs of their skillset is represented by a thin piece of fabric wrapped...

A Martial Arts Journey to Health and Fitness

Written By Jessica Militello When Chris Shea first joined New York Martial Arts Academy in 2017, he had just embarked on a serious commitment to revamp his health and fitness habits. Two years later, his determination and discipline to making...

Why Every Woman Should Do Martial Arts

Many physical activities from sports to adventure hiking tend to get branded as masculine things to do. This limited perspective ignores the benefits that any person can enjoy from these activities. Martial arts provide many opportunities for...
Page: 1234567 - All

The Best MMA Documentaries to Watch

By Jessica Militello There’s a lot of great documentaries on interesting and inspiring stories from the world of combat sports and the incredible stories of the fighters who are brave enough to step inside the ring. It’s hard not to...

Francis Ngannou Fighting Technique

By Jessica Militello Francis Ngannou most recently defended the title for the heavyweight championship on February 22 at UFC 270 against the interim champion Ciryl Gane. Ngannou is known for being a knockout artist with punching power equivalent...

Bruce Lee: The Greatest Martial Artist of All Time

Originally posted on 05/29/2020 It is widely accepted by fighters and other people around the world that Bruce Lee was the most influential martial artist of all time. From his famous action movies to his unique martial art of Jeet Kune...

Five of the Biggest Upsets in UFC History

By Jessica Militello Throughout the three decades of the UFC, there have been tons of historical moments and unforgettable upsets that shocked fight fans everywhere. These days, if you ask anyone what their favorites were, you’ll probably...

Sean O’Malley’s best fighting tactics

By Jessica Militello “Suga” Sean O’Malley’s career has been on the rise since he first got on the UFC’s radar back in 2017 on Dana White’s Contender Series. Since then, he’s had an impressive record of...

Looking back on the UFC-then and now

By Jessica Militello The UFC recently marked the 28th anniversary of their first fight card on November 12, 1993. At the time, the promotion had entirely different owners and was a fight to the death with virtually no rules in a quest to see...

How to Fight Like Nick Diaz

By Jessica Militello One of the UFC’s most legendary and respected fighters made a very long-awaited return to the octagon at UFC 266 for a rematch with Robbie Lawler that was 17 years in the making and many couldn’t even believe it...

Boxers Who Fight with Their Strong Side Forward

By Jessica Militello Most fighters that you watch from boxing to MMA adopt a stance that is either orthodox or southpaw. In these combat sports, it has always been a tradition to stand with your less dominant side forward and your lead hand...

Should the Oblique Stomp be Banned from the UFC?

By Jessica Militello Every once in a while the MMA community revisits the debate of whether or not moves like the oblique stomp should be made illegal in the UFC. The question has been getting attention again lately after viewers watched the...

Best Martial Arts Styles for Kids

By Jessica Militello If you are looking for a martial art to enroll your child in, you may be wondering which style is the best for them to learn and have fun while still being appropriate for their age. Every martial art has a list of benefits...

How do I choose a martial arts school for my child?

By Jessica Militello There are several criteria that are a good idea to look for when choosing a martial arts school for your kids. Obviously anytime you are investing time and money into something, you want to make sure it’s the right...

Should I Put My Kids in Martial Arts?

By Jessica Militello With all of the many choices of hobbies and sports to enroll your child in, it can become a little overwhelming to find the best one that both you and your child feel most confident about signing up for. Martial arts is a...

Can Martial Arts Help Kids Dealing with Anxiety?

By Jessica Militello Anxiety can be very uncomfortable and scary for anyone to deal with, but for parents who have children who deal with anxiety, it can feel frustrating to watch your kids struggle with it, especially if you are unsure of how to...

Cobra Kai Characters We Love and Hate

By Jessica Militello Warning: This article may contain spoilers if you have not completed the first three seasons of the show Cobra Kai. While fans of Cobra Kai anxiously wait for season 4 after a pretty intense season 3 finale, it’s...

Some of the Most Vicious Knee Knockouts in the UFC

By Jessica Militello Some of the most brutal and historic moments in the UFC have been from fights finished with knockouts using knees. Fans have a tendency to look at a fighter’s grappling, striking, and kicks, and can tend to overlook...

Using Jeet Kune Do Footwork to Avoid Getting Punched

The art of Jeet Kune Do created by Bruce Lee integrates all facets of combat. Various styles are borrowed from boxing, fencing, and other types of fighting. But one of the things that makes it truly unique is Jeet Kune Do footwork. If you...

The 5 Most Effective Types of Takedown Defense

If you want to achieve success as a martial artist, you need to improve your takedown defense as a way to avoid being brought to the ground during a fight. When mixed martial arts (MMA) first started, skilled grapplers won many of the first...

Helpful Head Movement Drills for Self Defense

There’s a saying in the martial world that says, “Either you move your head or he’s gonna move it for you.” Effective head movement is used to avoid oncoming attacks and also to set up strong counter moves. It can...

Why Martial Arts Is More Than Just Kicking

  Martial arts was initially seen as combative and puzzling. It was mostly learned and practiced by adults and was chiefly about self-defense. Martial arts has ever since grown from that stage of tiny dirty schools to schools teaching...

Fencing without a foil?

Bruce Lee often called his art of Jeet Kune Do, fencing without a foil.  In this entry we will be discussing what he meant by that statement.   If you take a look at fencing and Jeet Kune Do, you will not a few similarities.  One of...

Finding a Little Bruce Lee in All of Us

A slew of Bruce Lee types, embracing both men and women, could soon be making their way through the streets of New York--but with an added physical dimension; expertise in rough, tough and often savage street fighting.  In brief, those bad...

Doing Your Own JKD Thing

By Cass Magda   JKD has its own identity and follows a design with a purpose. It is a system. A JKD man's movement is definitely different and distinguishable from other martial arts such as Thai kickboxing, wing chun, or karate. The physical...

Getting To The Roots of JKD

By Cass Magda   In the Tao of JKD Bruce Lee said, "I hope that martial artists are more interested in the root of martial arts and not the different decorative branches, flowers or leaves. It is futile to argue as to which single...

Jeet Kune Do: The Way of The "Stopping Fist"

Jeet Kune Do is training and discipline toward the ultimate reality in combat. The ultimate reality is returning to one's primary freedom, which is simple, direct, and nonclassical.  A good Jeet Kune Do man does not oppose force or give way...

Jeet Kune Do's Five Ways Of Attack

1. SDA (Single Direct Attack) A direct attack is composed of a single movement. The objective is to go to the target by the most direct route. Although it is the simplest of the attacks, it is the hardest to complete successfully because the...