Grappling Grappling refers to the gripping , handling and controlling of an opponent without the use of striking , typically through the application of various grappling holds , choke holds , and counters to various hold attempts . Grappling forms an important part of both ground fighting and standing clinch fighting . Sports that use grappling include Judo , Wrestling , Brazilian jiu - jitsu , and mixed martial arts . FILA uses the term grappling interchangeably with the sport of submission wrestling . Overview . Grappling is a mode of fighting used by many different martial arts around the world . It is not a distinct martial art , but rather , similarly to striking , a collection of techniques and strategies aimed at defeating an opponent . The degree to which grappling is utilized in different fighting systems varies . Some systems , such as Amateur wrestling , Submission wrestling , Judo and Brazilian jiu - jitsu are exclusively grappling arts , and do not allow striking . Many combat sports such as Shooto and mixed martial arts competitions , put much emphasis on grappling , while still retaining striking as part of the sport . It is however forbidden to grapple in many martial arts and combat sports ; usually for the sake of focusing on other aspects of combat such as punching , kicking or Mêlée weapons . Opponents in these types of matches , however , still grapple each other occasionally when fatigued or hurt ; when this occurs , the referee will step in and restart the match , sometimes giving a warning to one or both of the fighters . Examples of these include Boxing , Kickboxing , Taekwondo , Karate , and fencing . While prolonged grappling in Muay Thai will result in a separation of the competitors , the art extensively uses the clinch hold known as a double collar tie . Grappling techniques and defenses to grappling techniques are also considered important in self - defense applications and in law enforcement . The most common grappling techniques for self - defense taught are escapes from holds and application of pain compliance techniques . Stand - up grappling . Stand - up grappling or sometimes clinching ( in judo called " tachi - waza " , 立技 , " standing technique " ) is arguably an integral part of all grappling and clinch fighting arts , considering that two combatants generally start fighting from a stand - up position . The aim of stand - up grappling varies according to the martial arts or combat sports in question . Its nature can be defensive such as in Aikido or offensive such as in Judo or Wrestling . Defensive stand - up grappling concerns itself with pain - compliance holds and escapes from possible grappling holds applied by an opponent , while offensive grappling techniques include submission holds , takedowns and throws , all of which can be used to inflict serious damage , or to move the fight to the ground . Stand - up grappling can also be used both offensively and defensively in combination with striking , either to prevent the opponent form obtaining sufficient distance to strike effectively , or to bring the opponent close to apply , for instance , knee strikes such as in Muay Thai . In combat sports , stand - up grappling usually revolves around successful takedowns and throws . In Judo a fight is over if one of the judoka score an " ippon " , and in some sports such as Glima , the fight is over once one of the opponents has fallen down . Ground grappling . Ground grappling ( called ne - waza " " ground technique " " in Judo ) refers to all the grappling techniques that are applied while the grapplers are no longer in a standing position . A large feature in most martial arts and combat sports featuring ground grappling is positioning and obtaining a dominant position . A dominant position ( usually on top ) allows the dominant grappler a variety of options , including : to attempt to escape by standing up , to obtain a pin or hold - down to control and exhaust the opponent , to execute a submission hold , or to strike the opponent . The bottom grappler is on the other hand concerned with escaping the situation and improving his or her positioning , typically by using a sweep or reversal . In disciplines where the guard is used , the bottom grappler may also be able to finish the fight from the bottom by a submission hold . Uses . When unskilled fighters get embroiled in combat , a common reaction is to grab the opponent in an attempt to slow the situation down by holding them still , resulting in an unsystematic struggle that relies on brute force . A skilled fighter , in contrast , can perform takedowns as a way of progressing to a superior position such as a mount or side control , or using clinch holds and ground positions to set up strikes , chokeholds and joint locks . A grappler who has been taken down to the ground can use defensive positions such as the guard , which protects against being mounted or attacked . If a grappler is strong and can utilize leverage well , a takedown itself can be a form of attack — the impact to the head can render some opponents unconscious . On the other hand , grappling also offers the possibility of controlling an opponent without injuring them . For this reason , most police staff receive some training in grappling . Likewise , grappling sports such as judo have been devised so that their participants can compete using full physical effort without injuring their opponents . It should be noted , however , that heavier fighters - those with limited mobility , that is - use grappling to either pull their opponent close enough for a powerful hit or throw their opponent with enough force to temporarily cripple them . Grappling is called dumog in Eskrima . The term chin na in Chinese martial arts deals with the use of grappling to achieve submission or incapacitation of the opponent ( these may involve the use of acupressure points ) . Among the styles of Tai Chi Chuan , the Wu style is known for its " internal " or " soft " style grappling ( see pushing hands ) . Some Chinese martial arts , Aikido and some Eskrima systems practice grappling while one or both participants is armed . This practice is significantly more dangerous than unarmed grappling , and generally requires a great deal of training . Types of Grappling . Some of the more well known systems of pure grappling are Brazilian jiu - jitsu , Russian Sambo , Judo , Freestyle wrestling , Folkstyle wrestling , and catch wrestling . In these arts , the object is either to take down and pin the opponent , or to catch the adversary in a specialized chokehold or joint - lock which forces him or her to submit and admit defeat . There are two forms of grappling that dictate pace , and style of action : with a gi and without . The gi form is known for its emphasis on grips using the gi , while the " no - gi " form emphasized body control of the torso and head . The use of the gi is compulsory in Judo and some sections of Brazilian jiu - jitsu competition .