TECHNIQUES:

1- DEFENDING THE SAME-SIDE WRIST GRIP: The same-side wrist grip defense is important for both gi, no-gi, and self-defense training and is key to later grip fighting and more competitive training scenarios. When you’re escaping a grip like this, your partner’s thumb to forefinger “hole” is your escape route. Pay attention to how he is grabbing you and adjust your wrist to bring the blade of your wrist near his thumb. This will allow you to twist out of his grip. DEFENDING THE CROSS WRIST GRIP: The cross arm wrist control may seem more tricky to escape at first, but the principle is the same as the same-side wrist grip defense. In this situation you’ll change the angle of escape, still focusing on your partner’s thumb as the indicator of your escape route. Find his thumb and you have your way out!
2- DEFENDING THE BASEBALL BAT GRIP: The problem you’ll run into after defending the single wrist grip is that your partner will now grab you with both hands creating a stronger pulling tension and seemingly much tighter control. This baseball bat grip with its at-bat grip control is common in wrestling and throw initiation but it is easily defeated with a strong base to prevent you from freely being pulled forward and the unpeeling of your grip against his thumbs using your free hand.
3- HIP THROW AND SWEEPING THE LEG “HARAI-GOSHI”: The Harai-Goshi hip throw is special in that this version allows you to build on your successes from the O-Goshi while eliminating their option to circle to your front in defense. In addition to this, your leg sweep creates more lifting momentum to rapidly send your opponent skyward.