[EG note: Jits Tricks are where I get away from talking about the process of learning, and into specific grappling tips. They’re not usually full moves – more like handy hints that you pick up as you go along]

Grappling is a game of details. Though most of the basic moves/concepts will work against unskilled opponents without all the details being right (like the upa, or the armbar), the tougher your opposition gets, the more you need to pay attention to make sure you’re doing things in an optimal way. Recently I’ve learned that flipping my grip around in two basic moves makes a huge difference to their efficiency – hence this jits trick.

Firstly: the single-leg from De La Riva. In the gi, many instructors teach that you can do this by untucking the opponent’s far lapel and feeding it to the hand that’s wrapping around their leg, then pulling on it with your thumb up – like you’re milking a cow or ringing a church bell. This certainly works, but if the opponent grabs the bottom of their lapel and pulls it upward, your grip will break – it’s just too fragile. Solution? Flip your grip – go thumb-down, with your palm away from you, and the grip is much stronger, impossible to break in the same way, without impeding the single-leg.

Secondly: the loop choke. I was taught it Oli Geddes style, with a traditional choke grip – fingers inside the collar, thumb up. This isn’t wrong, but there are situations where it may not be the best option. Having your thumb up means it’s difficult to frame against a pressuring opponent, and it can be difficult to raise your elbow enough to slide your non-choking hand underneath. Solution? Flip your grip: go thumb-down, and you can brace your forearm against your opponent’s throat, as well as having more leverage when you choke. It also ‘feels’ less like a choking grip, so people don’t defend it as often. I got this detail from a Caio Terra DVD, and my loop chokes have never felt more dangerous.

Sometimes, a tiny detail can make a huge difference. Any instances of grip-flipping that you’ve discovered – I’m sure there are dozens – please share them in the comments.