15 Awkward Questions: what grappling is and why it’s cooler than other martial arts

Street fighting without rules has long ago collected all the most effective techniques from various martial arts. In a dark alley, the matter is limited only by your personal “gentleman’s code”. However, such a technique, as it turned out, is not only present on the streets. Such kind of wrestling as grappling has collected the best of judo, combat sambo, freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling and even Brazilian jiu-jitsu. We asked Black Star Fitness trainer Rustam Abanokov 15 awkward questions about this sport and found out whether such skills will help to escape from hooligans in case of emergency.

What is grappling?

Grappling is a kind of martial arts. In English, it means “to grab”. Basically includes throws and throwing technique, as in classical martial arts (sambo, judo, jiu-jitsu and freestyle wrestling). That is, it is a kind of tandem of basic wrestling techniques, but with maximum emphasis on painful holds, on surrendering the opponent.

How does grappling differ from other martial arts?

First of all, the form of clothing. In grappling there is nothing to grab. The opponents fight in rashgards – special equipment in the form of turtlenecks and shorts. There is no grip on the kimono, as in other martial arts, such as Sambo, Judo and Jiu-Jitsu. And yet there are no restrictions on throwing technique, meaning that you can throw from any position. In grappling you can do everything that your imagination can do.

There are no rules and restrictions in grappling at all?

No, you can’t say that. You can’t use dirty holds, set your knuckles and squeeze your lymph nodes. These things are not allowed in grappling as a sport category, but there are mixed martial arts – MMA and UFC format. There, of course, there are fewer restrictions. Also you can’t make any ugly gestures, hit below the belt, but it happens. There is dirty wrestling everywhere, someone will accidentally hit you with an elbow, someone will push you in the groin with his foot. Nevertheless, certain restrictions, gentlemanly, exist.

Will grappling training help in a street fight?

It will definitely help you get a better feel for your body and, if anything, be able to break free. In a situation on a dark street, when the attacker may have a sharp object in his hands, such as a knife, the main thing is to get free, destabilize your opponent and get away from the scene.

What should I do if I really want to try it, but I am afraid that I might break something?

Come to a good and competent coach.

This is primarily the omission of the mentor. Everything depends not only on physical loads and trained athlete. A coach is a psychologist. He must feel the mood of his student, be able to unlock the potential in him and put aside all fears. If a person doubts, even an experienced athlete, it is fraught with either loss or injury. Here you should not hesitate, all movements should be honed, collected and maximally concentrated.

And how big is the risk of getting injured?

In martial arts, injuries are related to the unwillingness to give up. For example, in my case, when I went to the mat for the fight – selection for the Russian Championships – the opponent successfully applied a painful hold on my elbow. I thought I wouldn’t give up, but every body has weaknesses – he pulled my elbow. I thought I was okay, but the elbow was already out of the joint bag. You can’t underestimate your opponent. You have to assess the situation sensibly – if you feel you’re losing, accept defeat with honor. There is nothing wrong with that.

How do you realize that you can give up?

You have to be able to listen to your body, but it all sounds banal. An experienced athlete realizes that, here, the arm is locked and any further impact will lead to a sprain or dislocation. So it’s time.

What do I do if my opponent is many times bigger than me?

If you go into a fight, it doesn’t matter what kind of opponent you have. First of all, he can be only higher or lower, but in terms of weight category you are on the same level. For such opponents you have to work out certain techniques, use your trump card – speed. And the most important thing – you should always look your opponent in the eyes, do not show a second of doubt. Just look in the eyes and go ahead. It is not only the strength of the body and the athlete’s training that decides. There are guys who know one or two techniques, but they have so much fortitude that even experienced ones give up a little.

And how to develop the strength of spirit?

It’s very simple – go to the gym no matter what. Tired not tired, no mood, bad feeling or problems at work. There will always be difficulties, but if you don’t go to the gym, they won’t be solved. Lost at a competition? Realize it and go back to the gym. A champion is not the one who gives his best and doesn’t lose, but the one who comes back after losing. That’s fortitude.

If I have never been physically developed, will that teach me to stand up for myself?

As the coach says, “The strong don’t need it, it won’t help the weak.” But a physically weak person often has increased motivation. Such people succeed more than those who felt confident in school or those who hurt the weak. I think they are more likely to succeed if they use their attitude intelligently and understand what they want. And they don’t want to do it to show everyone what a great athlete they are, but to protect themselves.

Will I recognize a technique that will work one hundred percent?

This is a difficult question, because any painful technique can be effective in any successful grapple of the opponent. But I believe that everything except the choke can be tolerated. No matter what kind of athlete you are, if you get caught in a headlock, you’re going to pass out and fall asleep from lack of oxygen.

If I go out to fights and get hit in the head a lot, will I get stupider?

If you get hit in the head a lot, it’s micro-injuries and concussions. Of course, that’s not exactly good for your health. But there are so many examples of intelligent and educated titled athletes. Many famous phrases were said by such great boxers as Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather. But still it is desirable not to get hit on the head, it is better to enrich it with knowledge.

Why do fighters mostly lie down? Is it a sport for the lazy?

From the outside, it might look like a hug. Most of the sparring takes place in the lying position, that is in the parterre, because after the throw is made, the meeting is not finished, as in judo or other disciplines. Here, after the throw, the one who made it can be trapped. He will no longer be an attacker, but a defender. In the parterre the most interesting thing starts, as if chess: who will give his arm to whom to make a painful one, but at the same time will throw his leg to take the opponent on a triangle and make him a choke. Most often the main events develop in the lying position, and it seems to everyone that this is a sport for the lazy. But try lying down to push the person who is lying on top of you, or change position, get out and get behind your opponent’s back. It’s not that easy.

Can I wear protection?

Yes, in grappling they wear mouthguards because in some moments you can hit the chin or jaw. Also sometimes guys wear shells and padded kneepads. Those are the only ways to protect yourself.

How much training do I have to do to become like Bruce Lee?

Actually, if a person has the willpower and motivation, they can become anything. This doesn’t just apply to sports. Everyone is capable of becoming Bruce Lee, but for some people it takes a few years and for others a lifetime is not enough.