A grappling hold (commonly referred to simply as a hold; in Japanese referred to as katame-waza, 固め技, "grappling technique") is a specific grappling, wrestling, judo or other martial arts grip that is applied to an opponent. Holds are principally used to control the opponent, and to advance in points or positioning. Holds may be categorized by their function such as clinching, pinning or submission, while others can be classified by their anatomical effect: chokehold, joint-lock or compression lock.
A clinch hold (also known as a clinching hold) is a grappling hold which is used in clinch fighting with the purpose of controlling the opponent. In wrestling it is referred to as the tie-up. The use of a clinch hold results in the clinch. Clinch holds can be used to close in on the opponent, as a precursor to a takedown or throw, or to prevent the opponent from moving away or striking effectively. Typical clinch holds include:
Bear hug
Collar tie
Overhook
Pinch grip tie
Underhook
A pinning hold (also known as a hold down and in Japanese as osaekomi-waza, 押さえ込み技, "pinning technique") is a general grappling hold used in ground fighting which is aimed to subdue by exerting superior control over an opponent and pinning the opponent to the ground. Pinning holds where both the opponent's shoulders touch the ground are considered winning conditions in several combat sports.
An effective pinning hold is a winning condition in many styles of wrestling, and is known as simply a "pin". Pinning holds maintained for 20 seconds are also a winning condition in Judo. Pinning holds are also used in submission wrestling and mixed martial arts, even though the pinning hold itself is not a winning condition. The holds can be used to rest while the opponent tries to escape, to control the opponent while striking, a tactic known as ground and pound, or to control an opponent from striking by pinning them to the ground, also known as lay and pray.
A submission hold (colloquially referred to as a "submission") is a combat sports term for a grappling hold which is applied with the purpose of forcing an opponent to submit out of either extreme pain or fear of injury. Submission holds are used primarily in ground fighting and can be separated into constrictions (chokeholds, compression locks, suffocation locks) and manipulations (joint locks, leverages, pain compliance holds). When used, these techniques may cause dislocation, torn ligaments, bone fractures, unconsciousness or even death.
Common combat sports featuring submission holds are:
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Catch wrestling
Judo
Jujutsu
Mixed martial arts
Sambo
Shoot wrestling
The same hold may be called by different names in different arts or countries. Some of the more common names for grappling holds in contemporary English include:
Joint lock: Any stabilization of one or more joints at their normal extreme range of motion.
Can opener: A type of neck crank.
Crucifix: A type of neck crank.
Neck crank: Applies pressure to the neck by pulling or twisting the head.
Nelson: (quarter, half, three-quarter and full): The arm is circled under the opponent's arm, and secured at the neck.
Twister: A type of body bend and neck crank.
Wristlock: A general term for joint locks on the wrist or radioulnar joint. Wristlocks form the trademark offense of Aikido, and are used in combination with Keylocks in catch wrestling.
Small joint manipulation: Joint locks on the fingers or toes.
Spine crank: Applies pressure to the spine by twisting or bending the body.
Armlock: A general term for joint locks at the elbow or shoulder.
Americana: BJJ term for a lateral keylock.
Armbar: An armlock which hyperextends the elbow.
Chicken wing: Term for various hammer/keylocks, especially among Shoot wrestling and Jeet Kune Do practitioners.
Flying armbar: A type of armbar that is performed from a stand-up position.
Hammerlock: Pins the opponent's arm behind the back, with wrist toward their own shoulder.
Juji-Gatame: A type of armbar where the arm is held in between the legs.
Keylock: A shoulderlock where the arm is turned like a key.
Kimura: BJJ term for a medial keylock.
Omoplata: BJJ term for a shoulder lock using the legs.
Leglock: A general term for joint locks at the hip, knee or ankle.
Ankle lock: A leglock which hyper extends the ankle.
Heel hook: A leglock which rotates the ankle.
Kneebar: A leglock which hyperextends the knee.
Toe hold: A type of leglock which hyper extends the ankle.
Chokeholds and strangles
Anaconda choke: A type of arm triangle choke.
Arm triangle choke: A chokehold similar to the triangle choke except using the arms.
Crosschoke: Athlete crosses own arms in "X" shape and holds onto opponent's gi or clothing.
Gi Choke: or Okuri eri jime as it is known in Judo is a single lapel strangle.
Ezequiel: Reverse of the rear naked choke, using the inside of the sleeves for grip.
Guillotine choke: a facing choke, usually applied to an opponent from above.
Gearlock: a modified sleeper hold that puts an incredible amount of force on the opponents windpipe, choking them out almost instantly if applied properly.
Gogoplata: Performed by putting ones shin on the wind pipe of an opponent and pulling the head down. Typically set up from the rubber guard.
Locoplata: A variation of the Gogo-plata that uses the other foot to push the shin into the windpipe and uses the arm to wrap around the back of the head to grab the foot to secure the choke.
North–south choke: A chokehold applied from the north-south position with opponent facing up. Uses the shoulder and biceps to cut off air flow.
Rear naked choke: A chokehold from the rear.
Triangle choke: A chokehold which forms a triangle around the opponent's head using the legs.
Bear hug: A clinching hold encircling the opponent's torso with both arms, pulling toward oneself.
Collar tie: facing the opponent with one or both hands on the back of their head/neck.
Muay Thai clinch: Holding the opponent with both arms around the neck while standing.
Overhook: Holding over the opponents arm while standing.
Pinch grip tie: Term for a particular harness hold, common in Greco-Roman wrestling circles.
Underhook: Holding under the opponent's arm while standing.
Tie: A transitional hold used to stabilize the opponent in preparation for striking or throwing.
Achilles lock: A compression lock on the achilles tendon.
Biceps slicer: A compression lock on the elbow joint and biceps.
Leg slicer: A compression lock on the calf and thigh.
Figure four: (also referred to as arm triangle, leg triangle) Term for arranging one's own arm or legs to resemble shape of numeral "4" when holding opponent.
Chin lock: An arm hold on the chin that hurts the chin.
Cradle: Compress opponent in a sit-up position to pin shoulders from side mount.
Staple: Using the opponent's clothing to help pin them against a surface.
Grapevine: twisting limbs around limbs in a manner similar to a plant vine.
Harness: A hold which encircles the torso of an opponent, sometimes diagonally.
Headlock: Circling the opponent's head with an arm, especially from the side. Also called a rear Chancery.
Hooks: Wrapping the arm or leg around an opponent's limb(s) for greater control.
Leg scissors: Causes compressive asphyxia by pressing the chest or abdomen.
Scissor: places the opponent between the athlete's legs (like paper to be cut by scissors).
Stack: Compress opponent in vertical sit-up position (feet up) to pin their shoulders to mat.
