grip with three fingers - why?

**RoninPimp** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 11:35am

With a strong grip it doesn't matter which fingers are doing the gripping...

**Tourettes** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 12:02pm

In judo tachiwaza, you don't use the thumb and index to grip as it tenses up you forearms and slows your attacks. In neweza, more often than not, you use your whole hand to grip.

**Honey Badger** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 12:05pm

I learned this in Mantis a long time ago and I can't break the habit now. We got some bullshit about keeping the forefinger free for hitting superficial nerve areas. It might have been for a good reason once, such as that explained above, but like many other things in MAs it was lost in translation.

**JKDChick** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 3:06pm

My issue is that "grip" means you MUST be using the thumb. The thumb opposing the fingers is what creates a "grip".

**hl1978** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 3:12pm

Originally Posted by JKDChick

My issue is that "grip" means you MUST be using the thumb. The thumb opposing the fingers is what creates a "grip".

all depends on your definition of grip.

to me a grip is a manner of grasping or holding an object. clearly you don't need to utilize the thumb and forefinger to grasp and hold an object. i can hold a pen in my hand without it touching my thumb and forefinger. might not be able to write with it easily but i can still hold it.

now is using the thumb and forefinger a requirement when grappling? ill let someone with more grappling experience answer that one. it sounds like an interesting concept to play around with.

**El Neko** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 3:21pm

actually the definition of grip is just a tigh hold

**J-Lau** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 3:28pm

I say you need your thumb. Maybe for grabbing a gi is one thing... but for grappling or MMA you need your thumb.

**Darkpaladin** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 3:34pm

I think this is strictly a gi conversation.

Unless we expand to keylocking without the thumb.

**hl1978** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 3:34pm

Originally Posted by J-Lau

I say you need your thumb. Maybe for grabbing a gi is one thing... but for grappling or MMA you need your thumb.

yeah if you are doing no-gi, i think you would need a thumb, unless your opponent has lots of loose skin or fat. even then its not too easy. i did some drills a couple months back which were gripping loose skin and it was rather difficult to keep in contact soley with the skin and not bone/muscle.

**Meex** · Posted On: 1/12/2006 3:34pm

Originally Posted by JKDChick

My issue is that "grip" means you MUST be using the thumb. The thumb opposing the fingers is what creates a "grip".

No.
Competitive swimmers & divers grip their platforms with the toes.
Golfers grip their clubs with the fingers. Thumbs only stabilize.
Baseball b ats are similarly gripped.
Weightlifters grips vary, and most are mainly overhand finger or palm grip.

`~/

Even FMA,
lightly with thumb and forefinger while twirling, but, with lower fingers otherwise.