Blending Wrestling For Jiu-Jitsu Through Front Headlocks, Gator Rolls And Leg Attacks

Wrestling is one of the oldest and most foundational forms of grappling in martial arts history. While most grapplers train primarily in either Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Wrestling , learning both can level up your game across all areas. Better conditioning, tighter control, heavier top position, and mental toughness are all products of incorporating wrestling into grappling. In this article, we will talk about bringing wrestling techniques and ways to integrate them into grappling.

Wrestling Overview

Wrestling is one of the most physically demanding sports. Wrestlers not only develop their technical superiority on the mats but also the qualities of the mind, body, and spirit. Every training session allows them to push their bodies to the limit, preparing them to overcome challenges both on and off the mats.

Generally, the two globally known wrestling styles are Greco-Roman and Freestyle wrestling. Greco-Roman primarily focuses on upper-body controls and takedowns. Holds and attacks below the waist are prohibited. Freestyle wrestling, on the other hand, can employ every technique in the Greco-Roman style with the use of leg attacks.

Becoming a wrestler means becoming physically fit as an athlete. What is common among the two styles is the heavy use of front headlock controls, which can be transitioned into a gator roll to turn the opponent and score points. Effectively using these techniques allows a wrestler to swiftly get behind the opponent or set up powerful takedowns that can end the match. The core of Freestyle wrestling includes leg attacks, which are widely used across all grappling disciplines.

As Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grows worldwide, training in wrestling and adapting the techniques to your grappling game will give you a competitive edge. What is typically a wrestling hold used to control an opponent and score points can be transformed into effective submission combinations when applied in a grappling scenario.

Utilizing Wrestling Techniques For Grappling

One of the main reasons wrestling techniques are so effective in submission grappling is their ability to transition seamlessly from control positions into submissions. Adding leg attacks to a grappler’s arsenal creates a more complete and versatile game. Let’s examine how we can integrate specific wrestling techniques into grappling.

1) Front Headlock Control To Back Take

The front headlock is a common scenario in both wrestling and grappling. This often happens after effectively defending a takedown when the opponent shoots for a leg attack. While being trapped in a front headlock can be frustrating, the top player applying the front headlock has several options to continue the attack.

One of the most common follow-ups is to take the opponent’s back. There are different ways to achieve back control from the front headlock. A typical method is to move to the side where the opponent’s arm is trapped. A tightly secured front headlock stretches the opponent’s trapped arm outward, limiting their ability to defend when you move to that side.

Experienced opponents often expect this move and are ready to counter. In this case, misdirection is helpful. For example, pretend to move to the left as if you are taking their back. When they react by shifting right to follow you, quickly shrug them to your left using your right arm and take the back from the opposite side.

Another tip when using the front headlock is to apply forward pressure. Make the opponent carry your weight on their neck and upper back. This forces them to sit on their legs, limiting movement. After applying this pressure, you can pull them forward or use an arm drag to secure back control.

2) Cow Catcher From Front Headlock

The cow catcher, also known by different names, is a great way to get on top of your opponent and apply chokes like the one-arm guillotine. It can also be used to force the opponent onto their back and secure side control. In this technique, you control the opponent’s chin with your right hand and use your left arm for an underhook that wraps behind their back or far hip, allowing you to turn them over from the front headlock position.

3) Schultz Choke

Training in wrestling builds control and pressure, which can lead to high percentage submission finishes in grappling. One example is the Schultz choke, developed by Dave Schultz. This front headlock control can cause opponents to tap out due to its intense pressure.

In wrestling, the Schultz choke is a tight front headlock that forces the opponent to give up better positions. This may result in breakdowns, pins, or transitions into dominant control. The choke is applied by fully extending the opponent’s trapped arm next to their face while placing the attacker’s head beside their shoulder. The choking arm cuts off circulation on the opposite side of the neck. With proper pressure, this hold can lead to a tap even without the opponent being fully caught in a submission setup.

4) Gator Roll To Anaconda Or D’Arce

The gator roll is a wrestling move used to roll the opponent toward the side where their arm is trapped, helping to score points. In grappling, this same entry can be turned into an Anaconda or D’Arce choke. As you roll the opponent onto their back, you land beside their head and apply pressure to tighten the submission.

5) Leg Lace To Leg Lock

The leg lace is commonly used in wrestling from the par terre position. You cross the opponent’s legs using your arms and roll them to score points. This control can be repurposed in grappling to transition into a leg lock.

For example, if you are passing the opponent’s half guard on the left side, you can backstep to trap their top leg in a saddle position. Then, grab the opponent’s far leg to create what is known as the “double trouble” position. Place the leg under your left armpit, use your left arm to grip over the far leg and under the top leg, and finish with a twisting ankle lace leg lock by turning to your right.

Conclusion

Training in wrestling is one of the most effective ways to improve your grappling game. It expands your options, increases your pressure and control, and allows you to transition into submissions with greater ease. Practice these techniques during your next training session and discover how well wrestling and grappling complement each other.

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