Grappling Styles

Grappling styles are generally not as well known as the more popular striking styles such as Karate and Kung Fu. However, most styles incorporate some grappling techniques, even if only as self-defence or streetfighting moves. The styles described here concentrate mainly on throws, holds and locks, but not to the exclusion of all other techniques by any means.

Perhaps the most famous grappling art is Judo. Judo, meaning "the gentle way" is an Olympic sport, and is very much centred around competition. Techniques include a huge repetoire of throws, as well as groundlocks, joint locks, strangleholds and wrestling. It is a version of Ju-Jitsu, adapted for use in sport by Jigoro Kano. Ju-Jitsu is a much older martial art, based on techniques adopted by the Samurai of Japan for fighting unarmed opponents - although Samurai were incredibly skilled with swords, they considered it dishonourable to fight an unarmed opponent with a sword.

Another famous grappling art is Aikido. This is, both visually and realistically, a very impressive art. Many styles sacrifice real application for looks and acrobatics, but this is not so in Aikido. The techniques both look impressive and really work. The emphasis in Aikido is on mental cultivation and fluidity of movement - the impressive throws concentrate on smoothness and as little force as possible to neutralise the opponent's attacks.

More information on specific grappling styles can be found by following the links below. The rest of this page is an overview of the grappling styles.

The main idea in grappling martial arts is not to match your opponent's strength, but to use your opponent's strength and power against him. This phrase is very common in martial arts films, which make it sound like some kind of secret technique that only practised fighters can use. However, the basic principle is very simple - if someone is pushing against you, and you are pushing back, you are wasting energy and force - simply step quickly aside and your opponent will fall on the floor. The techniques of many grappling styles are merely an extension of this principle - using different body positions, and, in some cases, an assisting force by the fighter to get the opponent down more effectively.

Some arts, like Aikido, concentrate entirely on getting your opponent to the ground. Others, like Judo, take the fight down as well, incorporating into their syllabus techniques for fighting onthe ground. That is not to say that Aikido contains no locking or strangling moves, but Judo as a sport uses them more often. All grappling styles are considered effective for self-defence, as all techniques that are taught have real practical application. Indeed, Aikido practitioners are taught to defend against weapon bearers from very early in their training. Styles like Ju-Jitsu, being very dangerous if practised to their full extent, are "toned down" for training, but if used in self-defence on the street, are greatly effective and more than a little dangerous for the opponent.

Grappling styles are not as numerous as striking styles, but are almost as popular, because of the appeal to all ages. Unlike most striking arts, power is not a major concern in most grappling arts, being discarded in favour of factors like balance, agility, and quick thinking. The idea of many grappling arts is to use as little force as possible to defeat the opponent, so few people find the arts too challenging to fight with. However, a great deal of time and practise is needed to perfect techniques, which, to a greater extent than striking arts, need to be practised on real opponents to be understood and performed correctly.