Gripping 101 for Judo: Right vs Right Grip Fighting Explained
When it comes to Judo, gripping isn’t just the setup—it’s the strategy. At a recent seminar at Judo Sports in Long Island, NY, Shintaro Higashi broke down the intricacies of gripping in right vs right matchups, focusing on hand dominance, sleeve control, and positioning. This session, titled Gripping 101: Right vs Right, offers a masterclass in how small grip adjustments can shift the outcome of a match.
Understanding Dominance in Right vs Right Matchups
In right vs right (RvR) scenarios, whoever establishes dominant grips first often dictates the tempo. Shintaro emphasizes the importance of initiating with the left hand on the sleeve:
“If he goes to grab the right hand on the collar, it’s very easy for me to break this grip, control this hand, and now I’m completely dominant.”
That initial left-handed sleeve grip serves as a defensive anchor. From there, the judoka can control the space and deny the opponent access to the lapel. Conversely, leading with the right hand first is risky in RvR situations—similar to reaching with the lead hand in wrestling, it exposes you to counters.
Watch the full video here ↓
The Art of Securing the Sleeve
Shintaro dives into the specifics of how to grab the sleeve effectively. One method he shares involves using the thumb as a pin, then reinforcing with the cat’s paw grip:
“You’re going to use the thumb to pin the sleeve and then you’re going to wrap it and reinforce. Now you have a very tight grip with zero space.”
If the opponent drops their hand, he recommends grabbing the wrist first to create control and tracking their movement if they try to pull away. “As he’s pulling the sleeve, I may follow here and then use my thumb to pin it,” Shintaro says. These micro-adjustments prevent your opponent from recovering their grip and set you up for powerful throws.
Drills: Grip Games and Reaction Training
To make these concepts second nature, the seminar included partner drills focused on touch-and-go grip battles. These are low-intensity exercises that simulate dynamic gripping exchanges:
“It’s going to be like 30–40%. It’s okay, you get some, I get some… We’re just touching the sleeve or the lapel. It’s not about keeping score—it’s about developing feel.”
The goal is to help athletes intuitively understand when to go for the sleeve versus the lapel, and how to adjust their stance, reach, and circle to maintain an advantage.
Building Off the Grip: Attack Pathways and Options
Once the dominant grip is secured, it opens up several pathways for attack. Shintaro demonstrates how even if you can’t get the sleeve, you can pivot to a lapel grip using a punch-in method and thumb roll:
“You want to punch him in the chest, use the thumb to peel the lapel vertically, and catch it with the hand.”
From there, judo athletes can throw the opposite hand over the back for big turns or even angle for an arm drag—a move especially appreciated by BJJ practitioners in the room.
As the seminar wraps up, Shintaro reiterates the importance of grip fighting strategy in shaping the match:
“If I put my hand anywhere above his line, I’m dominant… Now I control his head. If I dominate the sleeve, I can start working for the second hand.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a judoka, wrestler, or BJJ athlete, understanding the principles of right vs right grip fighting gives you a foundational edge. Shintaro Higashi’s approach at this seminar broke down key technical cues and real-world application drills that anyone can use to level up their gripping game.
Want to see the full video? Watch the entire Gripping 101: Right vs Right seminar on Shintaro’s YouTube Channel and don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert Judo content.
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