Combat Grappling EssentialsCombat Grappling demonstration showing takedown and submission techniques at Bristol Titans

Understanding Combat Grappling

Combat Grappling is a full-contact combat sport focused on throws, sweeps, submissions, and ground fighting, distinguished from sport grappling by its emphasis on self-defense scenarios rather than competition rules.

The Goals of Combat Grappling

In self-defense, the primary aim is to create space and return to your feet quickly, especially to prevent attacks from third parties or before a weapon is introduced. While many techniques overlap with sport grappling such as BJJ, Combat Grappling often employs hard takedowns aimed at disabling an opponent quickly, setting up bone breaks, or securing chokes to swiftly end the fight.

Research indicates that most fights may end up on the ground, but they all start standing, and striking is involved whether standing or on the ground. Thus, training focuses not only on using strikes to end a fight but also on defending against them.

Key Grappling Techniques

Clinching

Used to set up or defend against throws or takedowns. Under our Muay Thai syllabus with Kru Jim Halton, we incorporate Muay Thai clinching techniques.

Takedowns

Employed to counter or control opponents who are outstriking you, or to restrain someone when necessary.

Sprawling

A defensive move to counter takedown attempts, sprawls are crucial for maintaining an upright position in a fight.

Submissions

Submissions are generally of two types:

  • Chokes: Aimed at strangling or suffocating an opponent.
  • Locks: Intended to cause injury by hyperextending or breaking a joint.

Controlling Techniques

These are used to pin an opponent, allowing strikes while preventing their counterattacks, or to hold them to prevent escape.

Escapes

Critical for shifting from a disadvantageous position (e.g., under a mounted attacker) to a dominant one (e.g., on top of an attacker), or escaping from chokes and locks.

Training with Purpose

In Combat Grappling, every technique and drill is designed with the harsh realities of physical confrontations in mind, making it an ideal training method for those serious about self-defense. It combines the technical depth of martial arts with the practicality required for real-world situations.

Interested in Learning Combat Grappling?

Discover how to defend yourself effectively and gain confidence in your physical capabilities through our Combat Grappling classes. Contact us today for more details and join a community committed to safety and respect.