Grappling

Grappling is a general term for a form of fighting that utilizes techniques such as Clinches, Takedowns, Sweeps, Throws, Pins, Submission Holds, Escapes, Turnovers and Reversals, but no Striking.

The eariest forms of Grappling date back to the beginning of Man. Wrestling is a form of Grappling and has been around since the first humans walked the Earth.

But over time different forms of Grappling emerged. As people gained knowledge of the Human body they experimented with different ways in which to use that knowledge to their advantage in order to defeat an opponent or attacker.

There are some styles of Grappling that include defensive techniques against Strikes in their systems. These Combat Arts were designed for use on the Battlefield, or for self defense:

• Chin Na - a Chinese Martial Art that was the basis for some forms of Ju-Jitsu.
• Ju-Jitsu - the Grappling Art the Samurai used if they lost their sword in Battle.
• Sambo - a Russian Martial Art that was created out of Ju-Jitsu and Judo with other Martial Arts techniques thrown in, to be a Combat Art for soldiers and policemen.

Grappling is practiced both as a sport and as a form of Self Defense. There are several different styles of Grappling practiced throughout the world.

Depending on the form of Grappling, the goal is to either achieve superior position, execute a Throw, or to Submit an opponent with a Submission Hold.

Soldiers are training in Grappling, such as Brazillian Ju-Jitsu to develop Hand to Hand Combat skills.

Some styles of Grappling include:

• Aikido
• Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu
• Catch Wrestling
• Chin Na
• Freestyle Wrestling
• Greco-Roman Wrestling
• Judo
• Ju-Jitsu
• Luta Livre Esportiva
• Sambo
• Shoot Wrestling
• Sumo
• Wrestling

Some of the best Grapplers in MMA are:

• Georges St.Pierre
• Randy Couture
• Matt Hughes
• B.J Penn
• Tito Ortiz
• Jon "Bones" Jones
• Chael Sonnen

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