Collar Grips
You have two basic options when gripping the collar, the Mirror Grip and the Cross Collar Grip. These are often combined with complicated positions.
Sleeve Grips and Hooks.
I will simply grab the sleeve on the outside like the picture below. This option is fast and effective for specific purposes. You can also make a Pocket Grip that gets tighter when they pull, and can act as a stiff arm to keep their hands out of certain areas. A Hook is usually referring to the use of feet when playing a guard.
Think of the Mirror Grip as if you are looking in a mirror. It keeps them right in front of you. People use it to control the distance and to interrupt rotation of the torso. In the picture below, I’m using a right hand Mirror Grip. My left hand is taking a Sleeve Grip to support a Spider Hook with my left foot.
The Cross Collar grip threatens collar chokes, sweeps, and back takes. In this picture, I’m using a Cross Collar Grip from Butterfly Guard. My left foot is the Butterfly Hook, ready to lift his leg if I can move his weight correctly.
Below is a fairly clear view of a Pocket Grip in my right hand. Some people call also call this a Cat Paw. My left foot is employing a De La Riva Hook, which is basically a Butterfly Hook against a standing opponent.
Finally, the picture below is my personal favorite, the Lasso Hook. I need a Pocket Grip, and I place the back of my hand on my own leg to keep it tight. This can also be played as a “Loose Lasso” where my foot is on the shoulder instead of behind the back. In this case, I’m about to put my knee behind the shoulder for the sweep.
