Hand Fighting and Grip Mastery: Takedown Setup Guide

Learn wrestling hand fighting basics for BJJ. Master the double inside tie, collar ties, and underhooks to dictate where the grappling match takes place. Hand fighting is the "art within the art" that allows you to dictate where a grappling technique or takedown occurs. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, this is often called grip fighting, and it is the most critical aspect of the standing game. By controlling the opponent's head and arms, you set up your shots while ensuring their frames are not in the way. Position Overview Hand fighting takes place in the neutral standing position as both players vie for dominant grips. It is used to create Kazushi (off-balancing) and to force the opponent to step into your attacking range. Key Concepts Double Inside Tie: Hooking your hands into the opponent's armpits with your thumbs tucked to control their upper body. Continuous Motion: Never staying stationary; constantly circling to move the opponent's feet. Whole-Body Movement: Using your hips and core to move the opponent rather than just your arm strength. The Underhook Advantage: Getting your elbow closer to your body than theirs to dictate the direction of the match Pro Tips from High-Level Grapplers Elbow Proximity: In an underhook, the person whose elbow is closer to their own body is the one in control. Flow Through Ties: Don't get discouraged if you are pushed out of position; the goal is to see how quickly you can recover your favored tie. Key Takeaways Hand fighting dictates where the wrestling match takes place. Use movement to set up shots like single legs and high crotches. The underhook is one of the most effective ways to dictate a match against the cage or mat

Technique steps

1. Establish a double inside tie by hooking your hands over the opponent's armpits without using your thumbs
2. Circle aggressively to the left and right, watching how the opponent's feet move to compensate
3. Peel the wrists if the opponent attempts to post on you, using either a thumb-inside or thumb-outside grip
4. Apply a collar tie and use a "windshield wiper" motion to switch sides, always circling with your hips
5. Set up the underhook by peeling a wrist and stepping to the outside while pulling the opponent's head in the opposite direction
6. Maintain head position by placing your temple against theirs once the underhook is established to maintain control

Common mistakes

• Arm-Only Wrestling: Trying to move the opponent's entire body using only your arms, which leads to rapid exhaustion. Fix: Step and circle with your hips to use your "whole beam" for control
• Stationary Gripping: Getting a grip and holding it without moving. Fix: Hand fighting must be a "continuous flow" where you are constantly re-aiming at your target

Related drills

• Single Leg Takedown
• Double Leg Takedown
• Arm Drag