There’s no doubt about it, a vice-like grip for BJJ is definitely an advantage.

Not only does it help you control your opponent, it also opens many avenues for transitions as well, by ensuring that you are in a stable position. There is a popular misconception that grip strength is just hand strength, when in fact, the grip involves everything from the muscles near your elbow to your fingertips.

Think about it, when you face an opponent with iron grips, how often are you able to escape or even win the match? In fact, you’ll notice in many competitions that competitors will start the match fighting for grips. They know that whoever has the stronger grip and a more extensive knowledge of grips has a greater chance of winning the fight.

There are two kinds of grip strength used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:

Crushing Grip Strength  

This is the force your hand can make when closing a fist. This kind of strength usually comes into play when you are trying to grab ahold of your opponent’s gi to take him down or establish your guard.

Static/Supporting/Pulling Grip Strength

Once the grip is established, this is when this strength is used. Static grip strength is how much the hand can hold in a grip before the resistance is torn from the finger’s grasp. This is also the same kind of strength you use when you are holding a barbell for a deadlift.

How about when you just can’t break the grip on a really big and strong opponent? BJJ black belt Chad The Beast Hardy shows a really effective trick he uses and it works every time:

Check Out Travis Stevens ‘Scientific Gripping Systems‘ , The Gripping Formula That Makes All The Difference No Matter Where You Start: By An Elite BJJ Blackbelt Who Is Also An Olympic Silver Medalist In Judo: